Rustenburg, a city nestled in the heart of South Africa’s North West Province, beckons travellers with a tapestry of diverse experiences and hidden treasures. From the rugged beauty of Kgaswane Mountain Reserve to the retail therapy of Waterfall Mall and the lavish entertainment of Sun City Resort, this city has something for everyone. Whether you seek relaxation at Sabai Jai Day Spa, wildlife encounters at Akwaaba Lodge & Predator Park, adrenaline rushes at SkyDive Rustenburg or a journey into history at the Paul Kruger Country House Museum, Rustenburg unfolds its wonders. Brauhaus Afrika invites you to savour German flavours amidst scenic vistas while Schoch House whispers tales of the past in its neo-classical architecture. Finally, the heart-pounding adventure of Zip 2000 rounds out our list. Join us as we explore the top ten places to visit in Rustenburg, each offering a unique facet of this enchanting city’s charm.
1. Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
Source: Facebook / @Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, situated in the elevated terrain above Rustenburg, covers approximately forty square kilometers within the majestic Magaliesberg range. Here, visitors can explore soaring quartzite peaks and expansive grassy vleis, providing breathtaking vistas and opportunities for remarkable hiking experiences.
Originally designated as the ‘Rustenburg Nature Reserve,’ this natural haven underwent a name change and is now known as the Kgaswane Nature Reserve.
2. Waterfall Mall
Source: Facebook / @Waterfall Mall
Waterfall Mall in Rustenburg, North West, is a 50,000m² upmarket regional shopping centre easily accessible from the N4 platinum highway. It features popular anchor stores like Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Game, Edgars, Dischem, and Wetherlys, as well as a diverse range of retailers, including @Home, Bargain Books, CNA, Cape Union Mart, Clicks, and Coricraft.
Fashion enthusiasts will find their favourites, too, with boutiques like Foschini, Jay Jays, Mr Price, Meltz, Identity, Fashion Express, Ackermans, and Factorie. Waterfall Mall is a premier shopping destination with a wealth of options for all types of shoppers.
3. Sun City Resort
Source: Facebook / @ Sun International
The renowned Casino/Hotel Complex, located approximately 50km from Rustenburg, officially welcomed its first guests in December 1979. This expansive destination boasts the Lost City, an expansive swimming pool complex, and a man-made lake, in addition to various hotels and self-catering chalets. Nestled alongside the Pilanesberg National Park’s border, Sun City Resort has the unique distinction of being the sole Surf-and-Safari Destination accessible within a mere two-hour drive from the landlocked city of Johannesburg. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat with your partner, an exciting weekend escape with friends, or a family holiday in the West, Sun City Resort offers many options to cater to your preferences.
4. Sabai Jai Day Spa
Source: Facebook / @Sabai Jai Day Spa
Sabai Jai Day Spa is dedicated to providing exceptional treatments in a tranquil environment, promoting your overall well-being. Their hand-picked team of skilled therapists is committed to delivering outstanding service while ensuring your utmost comfort and privacy.
Inspired by traditional cultures and personalised care, their spa experiences are designed to be exceptional, catering to your unique needs. At Sabai Jai Day Spa, they prioritise your relaxation and rejuvenation on every visit.
5. Akwaaba Lodge & Predator Park
Source: Facebook / @Akwaaba Lodge
Akwaaba, owned by Mr Nazeer Cajee, a wildlife enthusiast, aims to provide guests with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our dedication to superior hospitality and seamless service ensures an unforgettable experience.
Situated on a 72-hectare farm, only 19 kilometres from Rustenburg along the Koster Road, Akwaaba is conveniently located just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Johannesburg and 30 minutes from Sun City.
6. SkyDive Rustenburg / Rustenburg SkyDiving Club
Source: Facebook / @ Rustenburg Skydiving Club
SkyDive Rustenburg, situated at Rustenburg Airfield, offers a range of exhilarating skydiving experiences. They provide Tandem Skydiving adventures from 12,000 feet with a scenic flight over the stunning Magaliesberg mountain range, complete with a DVD of your jump and a certificate. Additionally, they offer comprehensive First Jump Courses for beginners and Accelerated FreeFall SkyDive Training Jumps for those looking to advance their skills. Their comfortable facilities include a clubhouse, lounge, bar, swimming pool, and canteen, ensuring a relaxing post-jump experience. Convenient transfers to and from their location are available in a 13-seater Quantum Bus with a built-in DVD player. Join them at SkyDive Rustenburg for an unforgettable skydiving adventure in a safe and enjoyable setting.
7. Paul Kruger Country House Museum
Source: Facebook / @Kedar Heritage Lodge, Conference Centre & Spa
Kedar Lodge provides an ideal retreat for both visitors and conference attendees seeking respite from the fast-paced demands of contemporary life. Nestled in the North West Province, just 21km away from Sun City, Kedar occupies a portion of Boekenhoutfontein, a historically significant farm once owned by President Paul Kruger.
The expansive terrain surrounding Kedar has been enclosed with game fences and teems with an abundant array of wildlife, including eland, blesbok, impala, bushbuck, nyala, kudu, zebra, blue wildebeest, giraffe, and sable. This rich biodiversity transforms Kedar into an enchanting haven truly captivating nature enthusiasts.
8. Brauhaus Afrika
Source: Facebook / @Brauhaus
Brauhaus Afrika immerses visitors in German culture with its exceptional beer and stunning mountainous location overlooking a dam. An afternoon here offers a perfect blend of German beer tasting and enjoying delectable cuisine that enhances the beer’s flavours. Start with options like the pickled herring sandwich, baked pretzel with farm butter, smoked meat and sausage salad, or salmon fishcakes. And don’t forget to leave space for the mind-blowing main course offerings on the menu.
9. Schoch House
The structure stands as the most ancient residence in the immediate vicinity of Rustenburg. Crafted in a neo-classical style, it was constructed for William Robertson prior to 1874, at which point it came under the ownership of August Schoch. Following the South African War, Boschdal Farm served as a pivotal hub for the resettlement of displaced Dutch families. On the 27th of December 1985, it was officially designated as a National Monument in accordance with former NMC legislation.
10. Zip 2000
Source: Facebook / @Sun City Zip2000
Zip 2000, an exhilarating adventure, has been captivating thrill-seekers since 2004 in Sun City, South Africa’s haven of enjoyment, conveniently located just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and adjacent to the breathtaking Pilanesberg Game Reserve. This heart-pounding attraction boasts an unblemished safety record, ensuring peace of mind for all daring adventurers. Crafted and overseen by the skilled hands of Tim Dawson, the CEO of UNREAL, Zip 2000 has been under the expert operation of UNREAL since its inception in 2004, consistently upholding its commitment to safety and excitement.
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