Rustenburg means “Town of Rest” and was found in 1851. For some years, it was a frontier post and resort for hunters, explorers and prospectors who used it as a base from which to venture into the far interior. Rustenburg is the 3rd oldest town the “Old Transvaal”. Historians venture two explanations of the origin of the name. The one group alleges the town was named after the Rustenburg estate at Wynberg in the Cape, while the other group maintains the name originated from expectations harboured by the Boers for harmony and peace for the region. For a while Rustenburg was even the capital of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek, before the seat moved to Pretoria. For an interesting view of on the olden days visit the museum, build in 1841 as a pioneer cottage.

Rustenburg is soaked in history and tourism plays an increasingly important role. With a magnificent climate of typical bushveld topography, it offers ideal opportunities for relaxation. Within a radius of 30km there are no less than 20 holiday farms, as well as ample facilities for caravans and tents. Ample opportunity exists for sightseeing, sailing, clay pigeon shooting and combat school, oval racing, go-karting, many places to shop, restaurants, and nightlife includes a variety of clubs and pubs. There are several large parks and reserves in close proximity from Rustenburg.

While travelling in South Africa the North West Province is a must see destination that is diverse and exciting. Available to you in the North West are some of the finest game reserves, cultural sights, archaeological treasures as well as entertainment resorts.

Kgaswane Game Reserve
Situated above the town of Rustenburg across a varied habitat of quartzite mountain peaks and vleis on the northern slopes of the Magalies Mountains. This 4257ha reserve offers a unique nature experience to all who seek to adventure into the wilderness areas of the North West Province. The park is open to hikers.

Madikwe Game Reserve and Groot Marico
North of the Pilanesberg lies the Madikwe Game Reserve a vast 75000ha, almost half the size of Belgium, conservancy and a transition zone between the Khalahari sandveld and the thornveld. A visit to this park will be the highlight of any visit to South Africa. Madikwe hosts all the mayor plains species, including the ‘Big Five’ and has the second largest concentration of elephants in South Africa. Here the visitor will be transported into a pristine African environment to witness the interaction of the many species. Day and night game drives are a must. The Heritage Route ends at Madikwe. One of South Africa’s great natural treasures.

Pilanesberg National Park
The most accessible of all the mayor South African game reserves, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve located just 1.5 hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. This outstanding reserve, which is the fourth largest National Park in South Africa, is set high in the Pilensberg range, transversing the floor of an ancient and now long extinct volcano, providing a number of interesting habitats for the various fauna and flora of the park. Pilanesberg conserves all the mayor mammal species including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. The Mankwe Dam situated in the centre of the reserve is a gathering point for many of the animals and, provides excellent photo opportunities for the visitor. The bird life at Pilanesberg is prolific. The world famous Sun City and Lost City resorts, Kwa Maritane, Tshukudu Bush Lodge, Bakabung and Bakgatla facilities are all located close to the four entrance gates. These facilities offer exceptional accommodation and amenities.

Sun City and the Palace of the Lost City
The Sun City and Lost City Resorts are the prime tourist attractions in South Africa. The complex, which is set on the slopes of a picturesque valley in the Pilanesberg mountains captures the essence of an ancient African Kingdom in opulence and the astonishing and recreational facilities are all combined to enthral the visitor. Casino’s, the Valley of the Waves and two world renowned championship golf courses are just some of the many attractions.

Rustenburg lies on the edge of the bushvelds igneous complex, one of the most heavily mineralised districts in the world. The main agricultural activity in the area is beef cattle, tobacco, citrus fruit, wheat, maize, sunflower seed and ground nuts. The platinum mines in Rustenburg are the largest producers of platinum in the world. Mines in the region produce platinum, asbestos, chrome, tin, lead, marble, granite and slate. Despite this being an industrial area the town is green and lush and has a delightful climate.

In the exploitation of Rustenburg’s bountiful riches has led to a significant population increase. In mining, Rustenburg is playing an ever increasing role. But also in the agricultural sector this area has tremendous potential. It is one of the countries most important Citrus areas. This town has one of the oldest packing houses in the country which was established more than half a century ago. The cultivation of tobacco also plays an important role and 187 million kg. of tobacco on average are yearly cultivated on approximately 19 500ha. The phenomenal growth of the town can be measured against the fact that over the past 15 years the growth rate fluctuated between 3.55% to 15.50% - at all times higher than the national growth rate.