Close to Johannesburg, The Northwest Province has a number of wonderful little hideaway spots - including the magnificent malaria-free Madikwe and Pilanesberg Game Reserves. And, of course, the improbable Sun City attracts gamblers, golfers and sightseers alike.

MADIKWE RIVER LODGE
Madikwe River Lodge is situated on South Africa's fourth largest game reserve. Its 75,000 hectares has the country's second largest elephant population, boasts the "Big Five" and has a growing population of cheetah and wild dog. The recently fully refurbished thatched chalets are positioned on the banks of the Marico River and each chalet has an en-suite bathroom, lounge and a wooden viewing deck overlooking the river. Whilst Madikwe will not allow young children on the morning and evening game activities, they will arrange special game drives for children, usually after breakfast or at guests' convenience.

BUFFALO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is the first wholly owned, Community-based Safari Lodge to be developed in South Africa. Located in Madikwe Game Reserve, one of the few malaria-free reserves in southern Africa, the lodge is an ecotourism partnership between North-West Parks, the Balete Ba Lekgophung Community and The Nature Workshop. The main lodge is spectacularly located on two tiers of the Tweedepoort Ridge, accessed via a wooden bridge that crosses a ravine surrounded by rock figs. Each of the living areas has its own character, mood and style providing guests with a choice of breathtaking views and tranquil spaces. Whether you are relaxing in the lounge, the lower or upper deck areas or at the pool, you will find a space that suits your mood.

The lodge has 8 suites, each with its own viewing deck, decorated in natural hues of color and texture, offering a very private and luxurious experience. The thatched suites, with sliding doors from each room and shower allow the guest to experience an oneness with the bushveld. Madikwe Game Reserve is home to a tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, including the black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. The lodge is a superb walking and open vehicle safari destination where guests are accompanied by well-trained and informative rangers who are able to interpret the many encounters whilst on safari.

 
TSHUKUDU BUSH LODGE
Tshukudu is built high on a hilltop in the Pilanesberg National Park. Each of the six chalets has its own private balcony offering panoramic views of the park where sightings of over eighty species of wild animals as well as three hundred and sixty bird species have been recorded. To cope with the chilly Pilanesberg nights, there is a fireplace in each chalet and a fully stocked-mini bar for the scorching summer days. Highly skilled staff accompany guests on adventurous and educational bush walks and game drives, which form part of the leisure experience at Tshukudu.

SUN CITY (THE PALACE)
The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City is one of the most enticing travelers' destinations in the world, a five-star tribute to man's imagination and renowned for its art and architecture. Fabled to be the royal residence of an ancient king, it is one of the 'World's Leading Hotels. Surrounding the hotel is a twenty-five hectare botanical jungle which is threaded with meandering paths, cascades, lakes, pools and a variety of water based adventure rides. The Palace has three hundred and thirty-eight rooms including four deluxe suites. Like all hotels at Sun City, guests have full access to two world class golf courses, casinos, restaurants, The Pilanesberg National Park and countless other activities to keep a family busy.