Things to do in North-West Province, South Africa: The Best Nature & Parks

January 27, 2022 Enriqueta Cusson

Discover the best top things to do in North-West Province, South Africa including Ukutula Conservation Center, Madikwe Nature Reserve, Lion and Safari Park, Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary, Botsalano Game Reserve, Pilanesberg National Park, Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeesport Dam, Lion Walk Safari, Akwaaba Predator Park.
Restaurants in North-West Province

1. Ukutula Conservation Center

The Farm Klipkop 411 JQ District, Brits, Brits, Madibeng 0250 South Africa 0027 ( 0 ) 12 254 1777 [email protected] http://www.ukutula.co.za
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 422 reviews

Ukutula Conservation Center

Known as the “place of quiet” the lodge is nestled in lush bush veld where the roar of the lion can be heard for miles around. Ukutula is conveniently situated within an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. The reserve comprises 260 hectares of unspoiled bush veld boasting a variety of wildlife species, including predator and antelope species, giraffe, zebra and more. Ukutula is also home to more than 130 different bird species. Ukutula supports and apply the IUCN’s One-Plan-Approach (OPA) to Species Conservation and Animal Breeding Principals - visit our website for more information: ukutula.com

Reviewed By U4401FNjenniferg

We stayed at Ukutula Lodge & Game reserve 5 of us (couple in early 50s, adult daughter and 2 teens, ages 13 & 15) in the end of Jan 2020. We had a very unique, memorable & exciting experience. The accommodations which was a 2 bedroom (6 bed) family chalet was very comfortable, big enough for everyone and quiet (except for the roar of the lions which is a very welcomed noise!) The chalets, grounds & pools were well maintained and all staff was courteous, personable and accommodating. We opted to preorder our meals and it was so much delicious food and we don’t think we’ve had better steak anywhere. The personalized service and attention at dinner was extraordinary and we are still thinking about the food. (Luckily we took some pictures for inspiration!) The Predator experience, lion observation, interactions with the cubs, young lions and cheetahs were truly one of the top experiences of a life time for us. I highly recommend the guided bush walk with lions but only if you aren’t afraid. Just listen to the guides and follow the rules and everything will be more than fine. Another top experience of our lifetime that was so incredible! A special thanks to all the men and women making Ukutula the African paradise that it is and a very special thank you to the owner who is a really wonderful person and helped our family out when we had a last minute problem with our shuttle. God bless you and your family & staff and thank you for making this the trip of a lifetime ❤️

2. Madikwe Nature Reserve

2874 R49, Zeerust 2874 South Africa +27 14 778 9050 http://www.madikwegamereserve.co.za
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 315 reviews

Madikwe Nature Reserve

Reviewed By mackenzie844 - Mississauga, Canada

We had an excellent time in the Madikwe Nature Reserve. We saw the Big 5 all on one game drive and wildlife was in abundance. So many elephants!

3. Lion and Safari Park

R512 Lanseria Rd, Broederstroom, Madibeng 0240 South Africa +27 87 150 0100 [email protected] http://www.lionandsafaripark.com
Excellent
51%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,192 reviews

Lion and Safari Park

Over its almost 50 year history the Lion Park became Gauteng's number one tourist attraction through the friendliness of its staff and the amazing wildlife experience it offered. The new Lion and Safari Park has spared no expense in creating a world class tourist attraction in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind and looks forward to building on this success in the many years ahead. Attractions include: Guided game drives, Self-drive, Restaurants African Shopping Experience and more... Please note that animal interaction is no longer available at the Lion & Safari Park.

Reviewed By Mandi991 - Pretoria, South Africa

We visited the Lion and Safari park with 2 young children and we had such an amazing time. From the time that we went to the sales counter to buy the tickets, to the ordering of the photo’s and the cub interaction we were just treated with so much professionalism and friendliness. The guys at the cub interaction was absolutely brilliant and made it such a fantastic experience for the kids and they took the best photo’s ever! The Giraffe feeding was so much fun and what a fantastic experience to see the Lions being fed. Thank you for such an amazing day and we will definitely come and visit again!!!

4. Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

R513, Brits, Madibeng 0251 South Africa +27 63 693 7403 [email protected] http://www.dewildt.co.za/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 565 reviews

Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

The Cheetah Centre in South Africa was established in 1971, initially as a cheetah breeding project and the Centre has during the past 40 years bred over 800 cheetah cubs. Various conservation projects have been initiated since its inception which also inlcudes a successful African wild dog breeding programme. Known in the past as the De Wildt Cheetah Centre the name has recently been changed to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre as a tribute to the woman who has devoted her life to the survival of the cheetahs as well as other rare and endangered species

Reviewed By 201brucee - Brits, South Africa

Great to see years of dedication being multiplied in a project that is transforming the African cause of conservation

5. Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary

R104, Madibeng 0216 South Africa +27 12 258 9904 [email protected] http://www.monkeysanctuary.co.za/
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 344 reviews

Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary

The Monkey Sanctuary is one of several sanctuaries in a group of sanctuaries, including the elephant sanctuary that provides for orphaned and abused animals. Situated west of Hartbeesport Dam alongside the Elephant sanctuary it provides an environment where monkeys (primates) can be given their freedom in a natural environment. The sanctuary situated in one of the many Kloofs (Gorges) of the Magaliesberg mountain range provides the perfect environment for Monkeys from around the world.

Reviewed By ciarag1990 - Johannesburg, South Africa

We went for an anniversary and had an amazing time!!! Terribly sad that so many of these animals ended up there due to irresponsible and illegal pet ownership. But a wonderful day out!

6. Botsalano Game Reserve

Mafikeng South Africa +27 18 397 1500 [email protected] http://northwestparks.org.za/botsalano%20game%20reserve/botsalano.html
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Botsalano Game Reserve

7. Pilanesberg National Park

Sun City, Moses Kotane Local Municipality 0314 South Africa +27 14 555 1600 [email protected] http://www.northwestparks.org.za/index.html
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,582 reviews

Pilanesberg National Park

Reviewed By mini_adventure_caz

I was in Joburg on business and on a weekend I booked a guided tour to Pilanesberg NP with Felleng and was not disappointed...it was an absolutely fantastic day out! You will ideally need a 4x4 vehicle for some of the tracks off the main roads - our tour vehicle was as are many of the guided tour vehicles . We were fortunate to see 4 of the Big Five (lion, elephant, cape buffalo, white rhino) which was incredible along with hippo, warthog, impala, springbok, zebra, giraffe, hyena, many other types of antelope I cannot remember all the names of and numerous birds. Unfortunately the leopard and cheetah eluded us, but to compensate we saw a rhino and her calf cross the road immediately in front of our vehicle, a pride of lions on a kill and the elephants even put on a show at the watering hole near the Pilanesberg Centre. Other reviews I've read complain about not seeing a lot of animals and about the roads...it isn't a zoo and is therefore not predictable. You may not be as lucky as we were! And about poachers...unfortunately the park, like many in Africa, is not immune to poachers who have only recently killed 2 rhino for their horns. In summary, it is only 2 hours drive from Joburg and a fantastic way to spend a day or weekend if you appreciate nature.

8. Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeesport Dam

R104 Old Rusternburg Road, Madibeng 0216 South Africa +27 12 258 9904 [email protected] http://elephantharties.activitar.com/
Excellent
66%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 437 reviews

Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeesport Dam

The Elephant Sanctuary offers an interactive elephant experience. Our dedicated staff is committed to the use of positive reinforcement elephant training methods and as a result we have relaxed elephants who enjoy interacting with our guests. You will be guided on foot through The Elephant Sanctuary. Guides will provide in-depth information and insight into African Elephants. You will be introduced to our elephants in a natural area where you will be able to touch and interact with them. You will see the special relationship that the elephant handlers share with their elephants and become a part of it. Walk trunk-in-hand with the elephants,Learn about elephant anatomy, feed them,see the Elephant night shelters where they sleep. Remember to wear flat walking shoes, sun hats and bring your camera. The 08h00 Elephant Experience includes brushing the elephants down.Open 7 days a week, at 08h00; 10h00 and 14h00. We have overnight accommodation available.

Reviewed By YolandiSmaai

We spent around 2 hours with these amazing animals, in a group setting. We walked trunk in hand with the elephants, got to see and touch them up close, feed them and we were even kissed by them. The guides were so friendly and knowledgeable, we learnt a lot and feel so blessed that we had the opportunity to meet these amazing animals. This will go down as one of the best experiences I have had in my life. 100% recommend, totally worth the money!

9. Lion Walk Safari

411 JQ District 411 JQ District, Ukutula Lion Park & Lodge, Brits, Madibeng 0250 South Africa +27 82 711 7350 [email protected] http://www.lionwalksafari.co.za
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Lion Walk Safari

Ukutula -(Lion Walk) is conveniently situated within an hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. The game farm comprises 260 hectares of unspoilt bushveld boasting a variety of antelope species, giraffe and zebra. Ukutula is also home to more than 130 different bird species. Known as the "place of quiet" the lodge is nestled in lush bushveld where the roar of the lion can be heard for miles a

10. Akwaaba Predator Park

Koster Road - Doornlaagte, Rustenburg South Africa +27 71 731 7103 http://www.akwaabalodge.co.za/wadditional_pages.php
Excellent
56%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Akwaaba Predator Park

Reviewed By O7801DNvanessav

A super special and unique experience with lots of interaction with the lions & lemers. Thank you to all the staff and owner that made this an unforgettable & memorable experience

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