The terrain in the North West province is typically flat, with scattered trees and grassland – ideal for sustaining wildlife. That said, it is characterised by low mountains in parts, including the Magaliesberg in the south of the province, the Pilanesberg area, and some areas of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Madikwe Game Reserve lies in the north-west of the province, with Botswana bordering it to the north. It is one of South Africa’s premier Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant) game-viewing destinations and is especially attractive as it is malaria-free.

Developed from reclaimed farmland, the reserve boasts a large elephant population, more than 350 bird species and a wide range of game, including wild dogs. More than 20 luxury game lodges in the Madikwe reserve offer five-star accommodation.

The province is also home to the malaria-free Pilanesberg Game Reserve (close to the Sun City gaming and entertainment resort), which sits in the circular hollow of an extinct volcano. The park is also Big Five country, along with wildebeest, hartebeest, tsessebe, giraffe, hundreds of birds, as well as interesting rock formations and rare minerals unearthed due to volcanic activity.

The North West is Big Five country – perfect for game viewing.