The region comprises the economic and industrial powerhouse of the PWV,
more commonly known as Pretoria, Johannesburg (Witwatersrand) and Vereeniging,
as well as the areas to the North West including the 'Cradle of Mankind', the
Pilanesberg and Madikwe Game Reserve. From Madikwe the region follows the
Limpopo River and South Africa's border with Botswana. The area has always
been the strength of South Africa's economy with a large vibrant and energetic population.
The tourism sector has sprung to prominence over the past 5 to 10 years with the
development of a number reserves that have brought the excitement of the African
bushveld closer to our doorsteps. The first of these developed almost 30 years ago
was the Pilanesberg and Sun City, which also has two of the most sought after Golf
courses in southern Africa. More recently the development of the Madikwe Game Reserve
has added another dimension to the Safari industry by providing a Sabi Sands Safari
experience in a non-malaria area.
Many of the reserves have been the vision of individual landowners who are developing
the ecotourism concept in their own area, whilst certain initiatives have lead to the
development of wildlife conservancies across broader areas.
The range of experiences from bird and wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, 4 x 4 trails,
mountain hikes, archaeological sites and the spectacular scenery of the north is making
the area a sought after destination. There is a broad range of product from 'Big Five'
game reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, horse safaris and country lodges that are spread
across the region, all within 3 - 4 hours of Johannesburg. The growth of the tourism
industry and the quality of product has been tremendous and with the support of the
largely South African markets is developing in leaps and bounds.
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