Towards the north-west of South Africa lies a special place. With the world’s richest platinum reserves and an ancient breath winding through its land, the North West province is where magic happens.
Home to 3.5 million people across nearly 105 000 km2 of land, the North West province has a fascinating backstory.
Once upon a time, before the birth of democratic South Africa, part of the North West was its own official independent state – the Republic of Bophuthatswana. Run under the Bantustan system, its government was officially dissolved and the area became fully integrated into the North West province as part of the new South Africa in 1994.
Before this, however, Bophuthatswana bore witness to the birth of one of South Africa’s most iconic venues. Established in 1979 during a time in South Africa when there was a ban on gambling, Sun City was one of the only nearby places South Africans could travel to if they wanted to gamble legally.
While remaining one of South Africa’s most popular destinations, the area has grown phenomenally, with an offering that sets it aside from all the rest.
Sun City
Sun City is and always will be one of South Africa’s favourite venues. It offers accommodation ranging from a premium five-star luxury hotel stays to self-catering bush bungalows. Sun City’s conferencing facilities are state of the art and, in line with promoting sustainability, it follows ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standards. Between its high-tech convention centre and boardrooms, you are spoilt for choice for meetings. And with an array of fanciful activities, there is something for everyone.
ATKV Buffelspoort
Nestled among the Magaliesberg mountains, Buffelspoort offers a selection of accommodation for its guests, with facilities that include a general store, bottle store, licensed restaurant, sports bar and beauty salon. The venue offers five spacious and well-equipped conference spaces for groups of up to 500 people. Meals and accommodation form part of ATKV Buffelspoort’s packages and if the venue’s heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, snooker, golf, horseriding and birdwatching activities don’t appeal to you, visit some of the many attractions in the area.
atkvresorts.co.za/Resorts/Conferences#972188-buffelspoort
Mount Grace
Part of the African Pride Autograph Collection, Marriott’s Mount Grace Country House & Spa offers 15 conference venues in which to host meetings for up to 200 delegates. Amenities at its business centre include printing, photocopying and messenger services, and its dedicated team of on-site event planners will help you coordinate your next conference. All meeting rooms include high-speed Wi-Fi internet access and provide an ideal opportunity to explore the stunning Magaliesburg area. Enhance your meeting with a food and wine pairing led by Mount Grace’s resident expert sommelier.
Pecanwood Estate
If you are looking for a short and sweet escape from the city, Pecanwood Estate’s conference centre can provide some welcome reprieve. The venue can accommodate up to 120 delegates for conferences, which can be arranged to facilitate everything from team-building events to presentations, press briefings and product launches. Conferencing packages can be tailored to include meals and activities such as golf, with the venue also used for weddings and private functions. At any given time, 120 players are able to play on the golf course.
Protea Hotel Klerksdorp
If you are already based in the North West’s largest city and need a meeting venue, the Protea Hotel Marriot will accommodate your needs. There are five meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 450 delegates to choose from. Your meeting at the fully equipped conference centre will be supported by the venue’s on-site technical and support staff, and you can select from a range of menus to suit every taste.
marriott.com/hotels/event-planning/business-meeting/jnbkl-protea-hotel-klerksdorp
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
If you are looking to have your guests entrenched in the bush, Kwa Maritane offers full conferencing services and can cater for a maximum of 400 delegates, combining two of its five meetings spaces. Accommodation can be provided across 90 luxury suites. Flipcharts, whiteboards, wall screens, overhead data and video projectors, a PA system, a 35 mm slide projector, lapel microphone system and services such as faxing, photocopying, internet and email are all part of the offering. A range of activities such as game drives and golfing are offered through the venue.
Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Housed at its central facility, Ivory Tree’s fully equipped conference centre can accommodate up to 120 people. Located in the Pilanesberg area, the five-star venue offers the ultimate in bush experiences, with a beautiful feature pool, bar, dining room, boma and curio shop. The lodge has 60 suites, which includes four executive units – each featuring an en-suite bathroom and outside shower, a covered patio and private plunge pool.
