Why SA is the Ultimate Bucket List Holiday

Featuring the Northwest Province

South Africa is not only one of the best holiday destinations in the world but also an ultimate bucket list item! Thus far I’ve shared twenty-one reasons that come to mind why South Africa is a bucket list holiday destination. There’s more!

PS: The links to the rest of this 4-part series are published at the end of the page.

Communication

Wi-fi is widely accessible.
Generally, English is understood everywhere.

Easy to Get Around

The highways are well-maintained and sign-posted which makes a self-drive holiday possible.
Re-fuel or re-gas at full-service petrol (gas) stations readily available.
Previously in this article, I mentioned using only reputable taxis. That said, the well-known Uber service is running here too.
Earlier, I mentioned the international airports. In addition to that, booking between airports on domestic flights is easy and domestic airports are available across the country. For instance, also George, Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth), East London, and many more.

South Africa's Northwest Province

Also spelled North-West Province, or North West Province

Sun City, The Las Vegas of South Africa

Sun City is a luxury and vibrant resort and casino that sits in the North West Province. With four accommodation styles it caters to everyone’s budget:

Soho Hotel (Previously known as Sun City Hotel or The Main Hotel);
Cascades Hotel;
The Cabanas;
The luxurious Palace of the Lost City.

Besides the casino, it has two international-standard 18-hole golf courses, a Super Bowl Arena for hosting shows, and the man-made beach, named Valley of Waves. If golf is not your cup of tea, you may want to challenge someone on the tennis court. Or relax at the spa and wellness center. Alternatively, grab your sunglasses and relax next to the swimming pool why you do some people watching! Or read a book. So many options!

Set in tropical gardens with waterfalls the resort has plenty of restaurants (fine dining included) and shopping opportunities, too!

Also, they offer Big Five game drives and safaris in the nearby Pilanesberg National Game Reserve.

World's Fastest Zip Slide

Looking for a bit of excitement? At 120 km per hour or 75 mph, Sun City has the fastest zip slide in the world. For about two minutes you will feel like a bird without feeling scared, insecure, or unsafe. What’s more, you’ll want to fly the 2 km again, and again! I was told by someone who has a fear of heights, that it was an “exhilarating experience”. A must-do!

Unsurpassed Aerial Experiences

Fly with a hot air balloon over Cradle of Humankind or the Magaliesberg, in the Northwest province. I highly recommend going on the legendary Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris. I’ve enjoyed every second of it, despite my fear of heights. It also makes for a great gift when it comes to celebrating special occasions because afterward, you get to enjoy a delicious breakfast with champagne. (More hot air balloon experiences…)

Also in the Western Cape Province, you can also go on a hot air balloon ride for an amazing and unforgettable memory.

Get a brand new perspective of the wine estates and watch the sun rise over table Mountains from above the Cape Winelands.
Or a helicopter flight over the winelands with a wine tasting and romantic picnic?
Tour Cape Point from the air with a 40-minute helicopter experience of a lifetime with breathtaking views. (More helicopter experiences…)

South Africa’s Northwest Province is an undersubscribed holiday destination. For example, when it comes to South African safaris, most people think of and go to the vast landscapes of the Kruger National Park.

However, with fewer hours on the road and subsequently more money in your pocket you can see the Big Five in the Northwest Province’s Pilanesberg National Park. The game reserve is smaller, and the chances of seeing all five animals are so much greater. The Pilanesberg has incredible wildlife, breathtaking safaris, and luxury lodges.

For more on what the Northwest Province has to offer, read “North West Province, South Africa“.