Great Drives Rustenburg

Taking the Buffelspoort Route

Situated along the convergence of the dry Kalahari and the game-rich bush of the Lowveld, North West province is rich in biodiversity, and not short on historical attractions either. Most of these are centred on the Buffelspoort Route, which incorporates Groenkloof, Hartbeespoort, Kroondal, Rustenburg and Maanhaarrand.

Join up with this epic route, by taking the R556 to Rustenburg once you have collected your Avis rental from our Avis Pilanesberg Airport branch. You will travel through typical thornveld scenes of veld grass speckled with low acacia trees, while the Pilanesberg rises faintly in the distance. Now and then the low houses of a township come into view, with local children honing their football skills amongst the buildings or walking and chattering alongside the road.

Onward to Magaliesberg

At the quaintly named Tsitsing village, take the R510. Already, the terrain becomes more undulating as you approach the ancient Magaliesberg. In Rustenburg, make your way to the R104 and then the N4, to continue your journey among the grassy foothills of Hartbeespoort.

Just past Rustenburg, a range of temptations presents themselves. Most of these involve branching off your main route and then doubling back to continue along the R104 or N4, unless you are a gravel-road enthusiast.

Once you reach Hartbeespoort, it's time to retrace your tracks back along the Buffelspoort Route, or branch off onto the R556 to return your Avis hire car to Pilanesberg International Airport.

As you drive along you will encounter road stalls and vendors, adventure tourism, nature reserves and two dams. Plan your journey carefully to include as many of your interests as you can.

On the Road

Side Shows

If you have the time in your schedule to meander on and off your main route, you may want to include the following in your trip:

• Olifantsnek Dam
• The Dinie Estates Road to Kroondal, for some close up views of the Magaliesberg
• Brauhaus Am Damm - for German fare and beer

Hartbeespoort Dam

This large dam is the lifeblood of the Gauteng water system and a beautiful sight. The banks are lined with holiday cottages and holidaymakers, and you can even take a cable car for a sky-high view of the waters below. Driving around 'Harties' in your Avis hire car you can also visit animal farms and a herb nursery.

Roadside Shopping

Don't miss out on the chance to purchase locally produced fruit and vegetables, or gifts in the form of delicious home bakes and preserves. Stalls such as Annetjie se Stalletjie, Oppi-Nekki Plaaskombuis, Makutsi Farm Stall, Del-a-Fe Farm Stall, Tree Tops Farm Stall or Wildevy Plaasmark dot the route offering delights and deliciousness.

If you have time

Bergheim Resort

Bergheim Resort at Kroondal offers hiking trials over hill and dale, crossing rocky streams along the way. Take the chance to stretch your legs and get some healthy outdoor exercise climbing up a steep gorge to reach the slopes of the Magaliesberg.

Buffelspoort Dam

Buffelspoort Dam is a great fishing spot, and even if you don't indulge yourself it is entertaining to watch anglers hoisting their catches from the waters while you relax on the shores.

Breedt's Nek Pass and Mountain Sanctuary Park

Adventurous drivers of an Avis 4x4 rental, or those with a mountain bike in the back, can tackle this gravel road which winds among round topped hills to Mountain Sanctuary Park. At the end of the road stop off at this quiet and scenic place for some well-deserved R&R among the abundant birds and small animals found here. Grab a spotting list and see how many of these you can check off while walking among the hills, or take a dip in the inviting swimming pool.

The North West Province offers a wide range of diversions to fill your time, get into your Avis hire car and take a scenic drive to explore them all.