25 Aug 2014 | By Sun International
10 Things to Do and See in the North West Province
With its favourable climate, diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, the North West province is South Africa's unofficial land of adventure. This is outdoors country, and there are a range of activities to suit all ages and adrenaline levels. If your thrills lie in rock climbing, hot air ballooning, or abseiling, or if you're more inclined towards bird watching, game viewing, or hiking, the North West province has it all.
Only a short 30-minute drive from Pretoria, the Carousel Casino is the perfect springboard from which to explore the North West. Whether you're staying at the luxurious Carousel Hotel for a weekend getaway, or at self-catering Acacia Place for a family holiday, there's plenty to do in the adventurous North West.
1. Spend the day in Bela Bela
Only 45 minutes from the Carousel Casino, the town of Bela Bela (previously Warmbaths) has a number of family resorts, complete with water-slides and play parks. For the ultimate in relaxation, hide out in a wellness centre or spa, and treat yourself to some pampering.
Fun fact: Bela Bela means "water that boils on its own" and owes its name to the region's natural hot springs.
2. Visit the Mokopa Reptile Park
Just outside of Bela Bela, the Mokopa Reptile Park has an impressive variety of reptiles and rare snake species, including the Albino Burmese Boa. Take the family for a pre-arranged snake demonstration followed by lunch in the tea garden.
Fun fact: The Burmese Python is the largest subspecies of the Indian Python and one of the six largest snakes in the world.
3. Enjoy a Big 5 game drive
Only 15 minutes from the Carousel Casino the Dinokeng Game Reserve is home to lion and elephant – the first in over a century in the Tshwane Metro – as well as white rhino, hyena, giraffe, leopard and buffalo, to name a few. It's essential to book a game drive in advance as seats fill up quickly, and no self-driving is permitted in the reserve.
Fun fact: Dinokeng is also a renowned bird watching destination.
4. Go hot air ballooning
Experience the excitement and wonder of the Dinokeng Game Reserve from a hot air balloon. Big Sky Balloons take off at sunrise, meaning you can greet the new day from between the clouds. This is an old world experience, and offers game viewing with a difference.
Fun fact: Hot air balloons can fly to amazing heights – the world record is over 21,000 metres!
5. Go on a cultural tour
Experience warm township hospitality on a cultural tour to Mandela Village. Kwalata's Cultural Tour promises a unique and unforgettable day, in which you'll visit a spaza shop (informal store), a sangoma (African witch doctor) and a shebeen (tavern). Be entertained by gumboot dancers and enjoy traditional African cuisine.
Fun fact: Mandela Village was established during the time of Nelson Mandela's release from prison, and features a life-size bronze statue of the iconic former statesman.
6. Learn to scuba dive
The world's only scuba diving school at a Big 5 game reserve is a 30-minute drive from the Carousel. This registered SSI Dive Centre is the only place where you'll catch glimpses of game while practicing your buoyancy. If you've never dived before, opt for the afternoon Scuba Experience, a basic "try out" session that will give you a taste of what scuba diving entails.
Fun fact: SCUBA stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, a system that allows you to dive without an air-line back to the surface.
7. Go on a sunset cruise
Enjoy a sunset cruise at Mongena Game Lodge, less than 30 minutes from the Carousel Casino. Experience the African bush from the deck of a luxury boat, as you float across the lodge's 28-hectare dam. A cash bar and complimentary snacks are available.
Fun fact: The dam and its adjoining wetlands lend themselves to splendid bird watching, and over 300 species have been recorded on the reserve.
8. Visit the Mystic Monkeys & Feathers Zoo
Mystic Monkeys and Feathers Wild Animal Park hosts one of South Africa's largest private primate collections, featuring 44 species, in addition to a large number of beautiful exotic birds and predators such as white lions, Bengal tigers and cheetah. Play sessions will allow you to get up-close-and-personal with cubs or chimps.
Fun fact: the zoo is also home to the country's first two Angolan black and white Colobus and bearded Saki's babies born in captivity, as well as chimpanzees and white-handed gibbons, two of the ape world's "Big 5".
9. Go on an adventure
Adventure Addicts, situated 10km from the Carousel Casino, offers horse riding, archery lessons, microlight flips, laser clay pigeon shooting, paintball, and more. If you're looking for some outdoorsy fun, this is the place to go. Phone beforehand, as some activities are limited to a minimum group size.
Fun fact: Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting is a variation on the traditional sport of Clay Pigeon Shooting, except in this case, the shotguns have been disabled and fitted with laser equipment that can detect hits on specially modified reflective clays. Five people can shoot at the same clay simultaneously.
10. There's plenty to do at the Carousel Casino
Don't feel like going anywhere? The Carousel Hotel offers residents some time to relax on a deck chair beside a beautiful Victorian-style swimming pool. Acacia Place self-catering chalet guests have access to a quaint pub, tennis and squash courts, a well-equipped gym, designated communal braai area and 3 swimming pools. There are also several excellent restaurants and bars available at the casino.
The kids will love the Magic Company Arcade, while Tumbletown will delight your tots, leaving you to enjoy yourself, safe in the knowledge that the kids are well looked after.