The Eastern Region of the North West province in South Africa is covered in natural bushveld and is a favourite destination for ecotourism. The area is rich in minerals, and there are large platinum deposits. Gemstones, fluorspar, limestone, iron and are also mined here. Agriculture in the eastern region of the North West province centers around tobacco, fruit, cattle, groundnuts, sunflower seeds, maize and wheat. The Eastern region is particularly scenic, and some of the popular activities include ecotourism, game parks, sports, historic explorations and the excitement of Sun City and Palace of the Lost City.
The Sun City complex is the biggest attraction of the Eastern region. Situated on the fringe of the Kalahari Desert, this resort is South Africa’s most luxurious resort and is renowned as a leisure, entertainment and conference destination. Together with the adjoining Pilansberg National Park, Sun City is South Africa’s third most visited attraction. The complex comprises the 6000 seater Superbowl, four luxury hotels, sporting and gambling facilities and two golf courses, including the Gary Player designed Sun City Country Club.
Rustenburg is one of the oldest towns in the province. It is an ideal town from which to explore the nearby village of Kroondal. This village was founded by Lutheran missionaries and is today a centre of local German communities. The Paul Kruger museum at Boekenhoutfontein is also nearby.
The Eastern Region is home to the Magliesberg Mountains which has been declared a national heritage site. The area in and around the Magliesberg Mountains was the scene of bloody battles in the 19th century during the rise of Ndebele chief Mzilikazi and in the Anglo Boer War. The slopes on the mountain range are dotted with holiday resorts and hiking trails.
The shoreline of the Hartbeespoort Dam is populated with marinas, holiday resorts and weekend retreats. The Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular holiday spot offering activities such as fishing, diving, sailing, power boating, water skiing, jet skiing, wind surfing and parasailing. Away from the water there is hang gliding, hiking, hot air ballooning, a nature reserve with abundant bird life, a freshwater aquarium and a cableway that spans the dam.
The Pilansberg National Park is another one of the big attractions. The park was developed in an extinct volcano and is home to big game such as lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant, hippo, cheetah, hyena, wild dogs, most antelope species, and over 365 species of bird life.
Information on towns in the Eastern Region
Beestekraal, Brits, Broederstroom, Groot Marico, Hartbeespoort, Koster , Klerksdorp, Lichtenburg, Madikwe, Mahikeng, Mooinooi , Pilansberg, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, Sun City, Swartruggens, Temba, Wolmeransstad
