Why North West Province should be on your travel bucket list: 'It's such an underrated province'

CapeTalk and 702's Africa Melane speaks to Stephanie Marthinus-Hans, travel blogger.

Listen below: 

As Tourism and Heritage Month (September) wraps up, a destination to add to your travel bucket list is the North West Province. 

Marthinus-Hans explains why this province deserves all its flowers.

"It's such an underrated province, most people overlook it and it's not talked about a lot," Marthinus-Hans.

"The North West often sits in the shadow of famous provinces like the Western Cape or Mpumalanga... what many don't realise is that the North West offers diverse experiences. Everything from the Big 5 in many national parks to heritage sites of Tong to outdoor adventures to Magaliesberg... you get to enjoy these experiences without the heavy crowds... it's also more relaxed and affordable."

- Stephanie Marthinus-Hans, Travel Writer

Travel do's when visiting the North West include:

• Visiting ANY national park or nature reserve, such as the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, which houses over 12,000 birds with 360 various bird species.
• Aerial Cable Car for panoramic views of Hartbeespoort Dam.

Mathuinus-Hans explains what a three-day trip to the North West might look like:

• Day 1: explore a national park, game reserve or safari.
• Day 2: spend the morning in Magaliesberg and the afternoon at Hartebeespoort Dam visiting local eateries, visiting the Aerial Cable Car, doing some water activites.
• Day 3: Visit cultural hubs and local villages.

Mathuinus-Hans highly recommends visiting small towns for an authentic experience. 

"They offer something different than what bigger cities do... locals and communities give you something authentic that you wouldn't find in a bigger city... locals know what's happening in a small town, you can experience something different, it's important to support local businesses in these communities."

- Stephanie Marthinus-Hans, Travel Writer

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