| Full country name: |
The Republic of South Africa |
| Area: |
1,221,037 sq km |
| Population: |
43.1 million |
| Capitals: |
Pretoria (administrative); Bloemfontein (judicial)
and Cape Town (legislative) |
| People: |
77% black, 10% white (60% of whites are of
Afrikaner descent, most of the rest are of British descent), 8%
mixed race, 2.5% of Indian or Asian descent |
| Languages: |
Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana,
Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda, Ndebele |
| Religion: |
Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and traditional
religions |
| Government: |
Republic
and independent member of the British Commonwealth |
| President: |
Jacob Zuma |
| Currency : |
rand |
| Visas: |
Entry permits are issued free on arrival to visitors on holiday from
many Commonwealth and most Western European countries, as well as Japan
and the USA. If you aren't entitled to an entry permit, you'll need to
get a visa (also free) before you arrive. |
| Health Risks: |
No international immunisation is needed when entering South Africa. Malaria occurs in some parts of the lowveld regions of Mpumalanga.
Visitors should take the usual precautions. If in any doubt, consult a
pharmacist or doctor. Always carry insect repellent for your comfort. |
| Time: |
GMT/UTC plus two hours |
| Electricity : |
220/230V, 50Hz |
| What seasons to come to the Rusternburg: |
Rustenburg has almost all year sunshine, with summer temperatures ranging from 22º C and 35º C and afternoon thunderstorms from August to March.
The average temperature from May to July is 16º C, but can range from an average of 2º C to 20º C in a single day. |
| Geography: |
The Magaliesburg Mountain range surrounding Rustenburg is 1,852m above sea level at its highest point. The town is located on the N4, just an hour's drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria. |
| History |
The history of Rustenburg is closely linked to that of the Voortrekkers who founded the town in 1851 on the farm Buffelsfontein. The farm initially belonged to Casper Kruger, the father of Paul Kruger, and was originally used as a frontier post and a resort for hunters, explorers and prospectors venturing into the interior. Some time later the town was announced the capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek before Pretoria took that honour. |
| Tourist Attractions: |
Pilansberg National Park
Pilansberg National Park is set in the crater of a long-extinct volcano and is a paradise for nature lovers, wildlife photographers and those wishing to get a glimpse of the elusive Big Five.
Rustenburg Nature Reserve
Rustenburg Nature Reserve is located in an extensive valley basin between two high mountain ridges. It is situated just outside Rustenburg and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town while discovering all the natural beauty the reserve has to offer.
Sun City
Sun City is located adjacent to the Pilansberg Nature Reserve and draws visitors from all over the world. It offers tourists a variety of activities ranging from golfing to gambling as well as exciting entertainment like The Valley of the Waves. This water-park is a central feature of the Palace of the Lost City and its setting, tucked away between the imposing mountains of the Pilanesberg, makes this venue a truely unique experience.
|
| Adventures: |
Magaliesberg Canopy Tours
This is a unique eco-adventure that takes you on a 2.5-hour tour down the spectacular Ysterhout Kloof, set in the ancient Magaliesberg Mountains. Eleven platforms have been built against the cliffs and rock faces of the kloof and are joined by long steel cables that you slide along to reach the next platform - much like a "foefie" slide.
Ballooning
There are various places in and around Rustenburg that offers hot-air ballooning. This is a great way to see the wildlife and surroundings from a bird’s eye view.
Hiking
Rustenburg offers various hiking trails including the trails in the Rustenburg Nature Reserve and through the Magalies Mountains.
Elephant Back Safaris
Pilansberg National Park offers you a unique way to get up close and personal with Mother Nature while you slowly move through the wilderness on the back of an elephant.
|
| Safety in the Rusternburg: |
Carry travellers cheques rather than large amounts of cash. Do not countersign the cheques until you actually need to use them. Separate cash from credit cards. Make a note of your credit card numbers, the customer service numbers for issuing banks, etc. Put the note in a sealed envelope and ask the hotel front desk to keep it for you.
Plan your travel route beforehand, so that you don't get lost in a less-safe part of town. Where possible, rely on local residents for transport. If you get lost, look for a shop or other open business, and ask for help. Do not leave valuables in clear view of people on the side of the road. Articles such as cell phones and handbags left on seats are favoured targets of smash'n'grab thieves. While dining in public places, do not leave purses on chairs, under tables or on the backs of chairs. |
