Despite its name meaning “place of rest” it seems this once quiet little town is sleepy and boring no more.
See Big Game at the Pilanesberg National Park
It started out as a small farming community and has bloomed into the “Platinum City” due to their extensive mining. The town never really saw many visitors in the past, as there was little to do there, but now it is a hub of activity and, being just 90 minutes drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg it has become a popular day or weekend trip destination.
With a strong and colourful mixture of history, culture and arts as well as being surrounded by beautiful natural spots Rustenburg is a town that anyone can enjoy.
The Voortrekkers founded the town in 1851, amidst battles where they defeated the local tribe and their leader Mzilikazi. As a result the town is scattered with famous battle-spots and memorial graves that warrant a photo snap or two. If you’re interested in visiting these sites the Rustenburg Museum is a perfect place to start.
Rustenburg also has many historical Churches. Most of them were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and are exquisite examples of the architecture of that time.
If you’re more into getting outdoors and exploring the world around you then the Magaliesberg Mountain Range and many natures park in the area will keep you busy for hours. The Pilanesberg National Park, set in the vast crater of an extinct crater and next to the Pilanesberg Mountain Range, this park’s grounds make for breathtaking sights. You may also want to consider visiting the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve and the Vlei Ramble.
Book a dive with SkyDive Rustenburg
For some family fun and entertainment you could also consider a day trip to Sun City. Just a few kilometres outside of Rustenburg, everyone will enjoy this luxurious African resort with its dazzling casino, tempting spa and pleasurable water rides.
To get your heart pumping sign up for the Magaliesberg Canopy Tour. Here you’ll soar along steel poles (like a “foefie” slide) from platform to platform (rigged up safely of course) on a two and a half hour tour of the lush surroundings. Call them on 014 535 0150 to find out more.
Or, you could be even more adventurous and sign up with SkyDive Rustenburg for a jump you’ll not soon forget. Based at the Rustenburg Airfield their Turbine Atlas Angel Aircraft can take you and eight of your friends up to 12 000ft in just 14 minutes! Just make sure you all have strong bladders. If you feel you’ve got the guts, call them on 079 345 7058 and book your First Jump Course or tandem dive today. Booking is essential.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
