Approximately two hours drive out of Johannesburg, in the midst of untamed bush, the sudden appearance of huge domes, glowing fiery torches, aged stonework, sculpted animals and soaring palms, leaves one blinking in disbelief.

Not content with constructing two world-ranked golf courses : one for the Lost City and another for the adjoining Sun City,  Kerzner had a man-made beach built for his pleasure seekers too! This North West Province entertain-ment mecca began with the Sun City Casino & Entertain-ment Centre, which has become known world-wide thanks to its hosting of lavish extravaganzas, including several Miss World pageants, as well as rock concerts and championship boxing events.

The nearby Pilanesberg National Park offers visitors a reality check, the unspoilt bushveld sanctuary being home to the requisite "Big Five" as well as abundant birdlife. This exquisite sanctuary features some of the country's best animal spotting facilities, among them Scavenger Hide, an underground hide with glass viewing ports, and a stilted bird hide in the middle of Mankwe Dam.

Another attraction of this province is the Madikwe Game Reserve, a joint venture between the state, the private sector and local communities. The Madikwe is a wildlife area that has received much media attention as of late. The reserve boasts one of the most successful wild dog rehabilitation programmes in South Africa, and is a haven for a fascinating variety of wildlife. Testimony to this international acclaim is the development of many luxurious new game lodges that have opened their doors within this game rich sanctuary.