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| Madikwe Game Reserve |
Madikwe Game Reserve is situated in the North West Province and is bordered by Botswana in the north, the Dwarsberg Mountains to the south, and the Marico river to the east. The diverse habitat in the reserve, from acacia savannah to riverine, ensures a unique combination of species, including wild dog, cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant. The birdlife is spectacular and it is also one of the few reserves in South Africa that is malaria free.
With the inception of "Operation Phoenix" which began in 1993, more than 8,000 heads of game were brought into the park over a six year period. The government-sponsored programme involved re-stocking and conserving flora and wildlife, which had disappeared from the region, and its huge success has ensured excellent game viewing. In 1996, predators were introduced in Madikwe, first cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas, later also lions from the Etosha National Park (Namibia) and the neighbouring Pilanesberg National Park. 180 elephants came from the Gonarezhou Game Reserve in Zimbabwe which had been hit by a disastrous drought. The resettlement of the elephants was a great success and their population in Madikwe has grown to 250 animals.
Today some 12,000 animals live in the Madikwe Game Reserve. All predator species are represented and also black and white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a great number of antelopes. More than 350 bird species have been registered.
The surrounding local communities also benefit from the reserve as they receive an annual share of the park's profits and so are able to upgrade their own infrastructure. |
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| North West |
The province abounds with attractions, including bush and wild animals and wild nights at the famous Sun City and Lost City resorts. Key attractions include:
- The Historic Route of Mafikeng includes the town which was besieged during the Anglo-Boer/South African War.
- The Groot Marico region, mampoer (moonshine) country, is famous among South Africans for storytelling.
- The Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular spot for weekend outings, breakfast runs and yachting.
- The Pilanesberg National Park supports over 7,000 head of game, including the Big Five and 350 bird species. It is the fourth biggest national park in South Africa, and covers 65,000 hectares.
- Sun City and the Palace of the Lost City are hugely popular tourist attractions offering gambling, golf, extravaganza shows, water sport and an artificial sea.
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| South Africa |
The country of South Africa occupies the southern tip of the African continent and is bordered by five countries including Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. Within South Africa lies the independent kingdom of Lesotho. Often described as “a world in one country”, South Africa offers the visitor a breathtaking variety of scenery, from desert and lush forest, to soaring mountains and vast empty plains. Culturally as diverse as the landscape, many visitors are drawn to experience for themselves the miracle of the peaceful overthrow of Apartheid. Others are attracted by endless golden beaches, big game, diving or snorkelling or bird watching. Whatever their reasons, visitors will find South Africa positively inviting, with world-class infrastructure, transport and accommodation.
Travel formalities
- Foreign visitors should check before arriving whether a visa is required. Visas are issued free of charge.
- Visitors must have at least one blank page in their passports.
- Tourists must have return or onward tickets.
- Those coming from yellow-fever areas should be able to prove inoculation.
- Foreign tourists may have their Value-Added Tax refunded upon departure.
- For safety, emergency and other information, phone 083-123-2345 (24 hours a day) when in South Africa.
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