FIVE DAY ITINERARY

Your tour commences with an early morning predator prowl at the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre near Brits. The Centre is renowned for its success in breeding and studying the cheetah, brown hyena, blue duiker and wild dogs. A not-to-be-missed nature experience.

A midday luncheon cruise on board the African Water Safari. This open air floating restaurant affords a tranquil cruise on the Hartbeespoort Dam with sensational views of the picturesque dam environment. Delectable three course meals, a well stocked bar and a wide variety of music ensures a most enjoyable cruise.

Preller House, the House built in the late twenties by Gustav Preller well known historian, journalist and author. The house has been restored and is now a national monument. Enjoy a light luncheon in a quaint restaurant previously frequented by famous people such as the South African artist, Pierneef, Eugene Marais and Court Steynberg.

Awesome, life size, bronze nature sculptures are Dietmar Wiening Studio's claim to fame in the art world. A tour of this internationally renowned bronze sculpturer's studio is an aesthetic experience that will remain a vivid memory.

Sing, dance and taste traditional Africa. Nestling in the bushveld at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountains lies Lesedi Cultural Village, where families from the Zulu warrior nation, the proud Xhosa, the warm-hearted Pedi and the mountain dwelling Basotho live in their traditional homesteads. Lesedi awaits those willing to participate in an adventure that reveals the mystical cultures of these ancient peoples, steeped in their traditional folklore and ancestral tradition. As the sun sets the families will walk you to the boma where you will gather round a crackling fire.

Enjoy an African style feast and share the powerful and evocative traditional dancing and singing. When the evening is over you will be escorted to your homestead under a starry African night to sleep in your own traditionally appointed hut. Wake the next morning to the sounds of village life. This fully interpretative cultural experience comes highly recommended. A wide variety of quality African curios are available.

At Moruleng Village, experience the real life of the Batswana in an environment not contrived for tourists. A visit to the" kgotla" or village council assures of African folklore and this day's aspirations of the villagers.

Sun City has a spectacular variety of exciting facilities and is the jet-set play ground. It is recommended that a tour of the magnificent Palace of the Lost City takes place after check-in.

A trip to the Kwena Gardens Crocodile Paradise is certifiably a thrilling experience. View over 300 crocodiles, including the largest captive Nile crocodile in the world which is over 120 years old and weighs 800 kgs

Afternoons were made for decadence in the Valley of the Waves, where a huge wave pool creates perfect surfing waves which roll towards a palm-fringed white sandy beach. Brave the Temple of Courage's water chutes of float down a lazy river. We bet that you can taste the cocktails and smell the sun tan lotion already.

After viewing a glorious African sunset and having enjoyed a delectable dinner, the latest Extravaganza will keep you stuck to your seat as you escape to a five-star entertainment realm. A walk through the Entertainment Centre will reveal a never ending world of fun. This is the "Home of the Slot Machine".

Awake to a feast of a breakfast, fit for a king. After all this is the Palace. Keen golfers can select from either the Gary Player Golf Course, famous for the Million Dollar Golf Challenge or the Lost City Golf Course, a spectacular desert style course. The novices can improve their handicaps by practising on the Putt-Putt Course

Experience the serenity and the breathtaking beauty of the African Bushveld as you drive through the hills and the wide open plains in the Pilanesberg National Park. Pilanesburg is home to the "Big-Five", but offers far more as it is well stocked with other game and bird life. The 55 000 ha park is situated on the eroded remains of a 1 200 million year old alkaline volcanic crater.

Ride on the back of the world's largest flightless bird at Africa Game and Curio's. Sensational curios available.

This time, let the splendour of the African sunset dazzle you on the Vaalkop Dam while you enjoy a leisurely, late afternoon cruise. The privately owned Finfoot Lake Reserve's upmarket chalets have very comfortable beds that will be calling, after a delicious dinner in a thatched open air recreation area, beside a natural rock pool.

Work up a breakfast appetite while you ride a canoe on the placid Vaalkop Dam, or go for a horseback safari and watch the impressive sunrise.

After checking in at the Madikwe River Lodge, don your hiking boots and go for a leisurely savanna bushwalk with the rangers. When dusk falls gather round for a sociable boma bush braai followed by an exciting and adventurous night game drive.

On the other hand, you can choose the splendid luxury of the Tau Lodge and still be privy to one of Africa's most beautiful safari locations.

Departure from Madikwe will set you on your way to the historical town of Mafikeng. The Historical Tour of Mafikeng includes the Mafikeng Museum - An old Town Hall built in 1902. Impressive steel ceilings, old town clock and elaborate architectural style. It encompasses the Tswana, Khoi San, Afrikaner and English history.

Built in 1885 in the original tribal town by General Sir Charles Warren's, military expedition. Maratiwa - House built by Silas Molema, son of the founder of "Mahikeng" . The house was occupied by Sol T. Plaatjie, a journalist and the first Secretary General of the ANC.

The Kgotla (meeting place) of the Barolong BooRatshidi - "Mahikeng" tribal kgotla of Chief Monthioa has been in continuous use since the 1850's.

Two national monuments, namely Cannon Kopje - Goshenites launched an artillery attack on Mafikeng from here in 1882. The British held this fort during the Anglo Boer War Siege of Mafikeng and Warren's Fort - This stone fort was built by General Sir Charles Warren in 1885 to protect the Barolong.

Late that afternoon you will have arrived in Schweizer Reineke where Khoisan Bushman paintings await.

To set the mood, for the final leg of the personalized Western tour, treat yourself to Mampoer tasting at Schoemanati, the farm of a champion distiller of traditional peach mampoer (potent indigenous brew made from fruit).

As it starts to get dark you will have arrived at Lenyebe River Lodge, a private lodge on the Vaal River. Unpack your luggage in comfortable rustic chalets. After a traditional South-African braai, board the rubber dingy's for a moonlight cruise and star gazing.

TOURS

TOURISM ROUTES