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Rustenburg & Surrounds
Overview
Located on the N4, just an hour's drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Rustenburg (‘Place of Rest’) is paradoxically the gateway to the bright lights of Sun City, where visitors can attend live cabaret extravaganzas, throw dice in glitzy casinos and enjoy abundant fun-filled recreation.
It lies on the edge of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, one of the most heavily mineralised areas in the world. This is why two of the world’s largest platinum mines lie just outside Rustenburg, earning it the nickname ‘Platinum City’.
Rustenburg is one of the oldest towns in this part of the world – lying adjacent to Phokeng, and surrounded by the Magaliesberg mountain range. The temperature here is typically four degrees warmer than temperate Gauteng, it is at altitude and it is 100% malaria free.
History
The history of Rustenburg is closely linked to that of the Voortrekkers who founded the town in 1851 on the farm Buffelsfontein. Initially belonging to Casper Kruger, the father of Paul Kruger, it was used as a frontier post and a resort for hunters, explorers and prospectors. Later the town was the seat of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek, before Pretoria took that honour. Today Rustenburg and Phokeng are home to a population of approximately 1 000 000 inhabitants.
Science and nature
The area has much to offer the ecotourist as the area is a national game area, home to natural bushveld vegetation and the Magliesberg Mountain Range. Safari-hungry tourists can encounter the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) at the nearby Pilanesberg Game Reserve, perched on the eroded vestiges of an alkaline volcanic crater, while the Rustenburg Nature Reserve offers hiking trails with abundant birdlife, fauna and flora.
Arts and culture
Being rich in Iron- and Stone-Age sites, Rustenburg and Phokeng have an interesting historical and cultural legacy that includes the many battles fought in the area during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War. The memorial graves and ruined forts can be visited by the public. Visitors interested in Voortrekker history can view Paul Kruger House and the Rustenburg Museum in the Town Hall.
The Rustenburg Ramble
Other than game viewing, tourists can enjoy the Rustenburg Ramble – a meander that takes in craft galleries, farm stalls and places to eat; the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve just outside Rustenburg; the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace; and the Waterfall Mall, if shopping is necessary.