Royal Safari

When you think of luxury travel in South Africa, the North West province is not exactly the first place you would think of. Neither was it for me.

Associated with conservative views, khaki clothes and the ever so fashionable knee-high socks with Vellies (comfortable South African leather shoes), the North West province is mostly just flat countryside. Well, that’s what I thought when I started my journey from Gauteng, but what I found instead was that this province is surrounded with mountains. It felt like I was driving into a different world altogether, maybe because the people of the North West province really do seem like they’re living on a planet of their own, but mostly because the scenery here is striking.

Lost in Time…
Surrounded by the Magalies Mountains, in the heart of the North West is the town of Rustenburg. Technically a city, Rustenburg is, well, significant for lack of a better word. This is mine country, rich in platinum, and the fastest growing city in South Africa.

Driving through the city centre was an intimidating experience though. The streets are packed with pedestrians who have never learnt to look right, then left, or any other way, to make sure that it would be safe to cross the road. Thank goodness for new brakes. I eventually found the road that led to my destination, the Palace of the Lost City.

A royal adventure…
The closer I got to the Lost City, the more it felt like I was driving into oblivion.

Hidden within the Pilansberg Mountains, the Lost City is surrounded by lush green bushveld. And as I came close to the Palace, it was as if nature unveiled her curtain to begin a spectacular show.

The Palace really is an impressive sight with careful attention given to detail, showcasing South Africa’s culture and wildlife. Feeling like a kid again I booked into my air-conditioned room, relieved to be out of the hot humid air for a while. As expected my room was gigantic with all amenities, including the mini-bar. So after a quick refreshing beer I headed down to the valley of waves to enjoy a day under the African sun, and so my adventure began.

After my enjoyable day filled with water, rides, food and one or two beers, I was ready to hit the sack. Oh, and what heaven it was. I woke up the next morning refreshed and ready to tackle the day with vigour as I set off on my trip to the Pilansberg National Park.

Great expectations…
Joining other local guests we headed to the nature reserve on the back of an open 4x4. The Pilansberg National Park is one of the largest national parks in South Africa, situated in the crater of a long extinct and eroded volcano.

During our luxurious African safari we had the pleasure of seeing three of the Big Five, my personal favourite being the mighty elephant. I was thrilled as a small parade of elephants strolled down the main road alongside us as if purely for my enjoyment.

We continued on our drive and saw many animals, but unfortunately it was mostly bucks and birds. I don’t find the world of bird watching very interesting. To sit for hours and look at birds, know their breed and their habits, this is not exactly my cup of tea, but the ranger did an incredible task of keeping me entertained as he explained and pointed out Hornbills and a few ever lusting Cape Vultures. I enjoyed the variety of raptors such as the Spotted Eagle Owl and the Blackbreasted Snake Eagle which seemed more active than your average bird.

Plush Surroundings...
After forcing the bird watchers to move on, we were on our merry way from our safari trip, back to the Palace of the Lost City. I thanked our guide and driver, sprinted up to my bedroom, fell on my lush bed and fell into a peaceful slumber.

What felt like a five minute powernap turned out to be two hours of pure bliss. I spoiled myself to a luxury bath to mentally prepare myself for a night filled with gambling.

Feeling Adventurous…
Now my skills and luck as a gambler are close to useless, but seeing that I was in the capital of the South African gambling world, I decided that tonight was a good night for me to truly test my luck.

Not one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. So after four hours of pure bad luck, I walked back to my room with a bruised ego and pockets considerably lighter, poured myself a single whisky on the rocks, and sat back in my comfy chair to unwind. I was looking forward to the next day where yet another adventure awaited me. I was going to give it my best in quad biking and explore a wildlife trail. I was after all on a safari adventure!

I find that even though I would have never associated the North West province with any kind of South African travel adventure, never mind a luxury African safari, my experience proved me wrong.

The North West is underestimated in my opinion, but I leave it up to you to decide whether you agree with me or not. There is ample wildlife for a truly African safari experience, plus, the province is mostly malaria free, leaving you to have nothing but a carefree holiday.