The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of Pilanesberg Game Reserve - a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. But it is the hot air balloon rides over the reserve that are the major draw cards, and with good reason. Not only is this a unique experience, it offers a completely different way to experience Africa’s wildlife. Come along with us as we enjoy this, the penultimate leg of our '2010 Netchows Calendar' - African Safari...

North West Province
The North West Province is close to the urban sprawl of Johannesburg and Pretoria. It lies in the heart of the subcontinent, providing a link between South Africa and Botswana. Well known for being the largest platinum production area in the world, its lesser-known Stelland area is the "Texas of South Africa" with some of the biggest cattle herds in the world. The capital is Mafikeng. History buffs will be fascinated by Mafikeng, and in particular its museum, which has exhibits relating to the Siege of Mafeking, the Barolong people and the Bushmen.

The scenic Magaliesburg range.

Much of the province consists of flat areas of scattered trees and grassland. The Magaliesberg mountain range extends in the northeast and the Vaal River flows along the southern border of the province. The mainstay of the economy is mining. The chief minerals are gold, uranium, platinum and diamonds. The northern and western parts of the province have many sheep farms and cattle and game ranches. The eastern and southern parts are crop-growing regions that produce maize (corn), sunflowers, tobacco, cotton, and citrus fruits. The entertainment and casino complex at Sun City and Lost City also contributes to the provincial economy.

Sun City & the Lost City
Sun City is internationally renowned as one of South Africa's premier holiday resorts conveniently located about two hours' drive outside Johannesburg. A manufactured entertainment and hotel complex, it offers gambling, the artificial beach of the wave park, horse riding, and two famous and excellent golf courses, in addition to fine dining, spa treatments and more. The Superbowl, in the entertainment centre hosts rock concerts and beauty pageants, world championship boxing events and banquets.

Hartbeespoort Dam
Closer to Johannesburg, you will find the Magaliesberg mountains. A well-developed tourist attraction, the area boasts horse trails, coffee and craft shops, cheese factories and other local delicacies, and guesthouses. Also in the Magaliesburg area, if you are looking for something a little different, you will find both the Elephant Sanctuary, home to six rescued elephants and the De Wildt Cheetah Centre. A crocodile park is also located nearby, allowing you to view crocs up close and personal.
Another big attraction in this area is the Hartebeespoort Dam, known to locals affectionately as “Harties.” The men on our tour tried the water sports and hiking but the ladies preferred bird watching and sampling the cuisine in one of the many local restaurants. If we had more time, we could simply pack a picnic basket and spend a day lounging on the shore.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve
The creation of the Reserve is considered one of the most ambitious programmes of its kind to be undertaken anywhere in the world. Thanks to Operation Genesis in 1979, which involved the game-fencing of the reserve and the re-introduction of many long-vanished species, the park now has in excess of 7 000 animals including 24 of the larger species. Today, Pilanesberg National Park accommodates virtually every mammal of southern Africa, including of course the “Big 5” - and excluding, of course, us chow chows, as we are native Orientals...

Pilanesberg sports the Big 5, including some Lion families.

Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature. The area is fringed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills - the formation rises from the surrounding plains like a bubble. The early presence of man can be seen in the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites throughout the park. Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets.

Groot Marico
The less commercial small town of Groot Marico was home to the late great South African author Herman Charles Bosman. The town has become somewhat of a tribute to this great man, with opportunities to visit the bar his stories were set in, or sample the fiery Mampoer that featured in his prose. Like much of the African natural splendour, the Marico River is under threat, facing unprecedented destruction from mining, in this case open cast Nickel mining.

The Vredefort Dome - meteor impact area.

The Vredefort Dome
Partially situated in the Free State & partially in the North West, the Vredefort Dome was created by a massive meteorite, over 10km³ in diameter. It is said to have struck the earth about 2023 million years ago, near the present day village of Vredefort. The impact created a crater some 90 km in diameter and 16-18 km deep and caused a tremendous shift in in the earth's crust across a radius of over 300km diameter.
From the air, a partial ring of hills can be seen clearly. This area is known as the "Vredefort Dome". The Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site is one of the province's prime adventure tourism sites with numerous tour operators and accommodation facilities catering for the needs of campers, hikers, rock climbers, canoeists and white water rafters.

Only a few chow chow cousins were able to meet with us during this part of the tour. We will share with you some photos of the fun we had! As we sit around a comforting camp fire in our Game Reserve lodging for the night, we listen with great awe to the powerful roar of the lions near by. We're so happy to have you along and wish you a peaceful night's rest under warm African Skies.

Your Tourguides,
The Twins – Joel & Nurya