Rustenburg

Rustenburg (Place of rest) is the largest city in South Africa's North West Province, with a population of 550,000 in 2011.

Understand
Rustenburg was founded in 1851 and went through a number of altercations in the Anglo-Boer Wars. It saw unprecedented growth in the early 21st century. It is mostly known for the platinum that is mined there today.

Climate
Rustenburg has very warm summers (from December to February) and mild winters (from June to August). Due to the altitude, summers are not quite as hot as one might expect. Precipitation occurs mainly in summer.

By plane
Pilanesburg International Airport near Sun City or Rustenburg Airfield do not accept international or national flights. The closest international airport is Johannesburg International and national is Lanseria.

By train
There are no passenger trains going through Rustenburg. The only trains used are cargo and freight used by the mining and steel industries.

By car
Follow the N4 toll road west from Pretoria. Total toll is R32 in April 2010. The R104 road is a toll-free alternative which is parallel to the N4 but is narrow and bendy with several stops in between.

By bus
In 2012 there was still no public transport or public bus route. Although private buses are available if you search the internet.

Do

 * SkyDive Rustenburg - based at Rustenburg Airfield. Enjoy a scenic flight over Rustenburg and the Magaliesberg on the climb to 12 000ft, 40 seconds in freefall attached to a tandem master, and a 5 minute parachute ride back to earth. SkyDive Rustenburg +27 79 345 7058 [mailto:SkyDive.Rustenburg@gmail.com SkyDive.Rustenburg@gmail.com]
 * SkyDive Rustenburg - based at Rustenburg Airfield. Enjoy a scenic flight over Rustenburg and the Magaliesberg on the climb to 12 000ft, 40 seconds in freefall attached to a tandem master, and a 5 minute parachute ride back to earth. SkyDive Rustenburg +27 79 345 7058 [mailto:SkyDive.Rustenburg@gmail.com SkyDive.Rustenburg@gmail.com]
 * SkyDive Rustenburg - based at Rustenburg Airfield. Enjoy a scenic flight over Rustenburg and the Magaliesberg on the climb to 12 000ft, 40 seconds in freefall attached to a tandem master, and a 5 minute parachute ride back to earth. SkyDive Rustenburg +27 79 345 7058 [mailto:SkyDive.Rustenburg@gmail.com SkyDive.Rustenburg@gmail.com]
 * SkyDive Rustenburg - based at Rustenburg Airfield. Enjoy a scenic flight over Rustenburg and the Magaliesberg on the climb to 12 000ft, 40 seconds in freefall attached to a tandem master, and a 5 minute parachute ride back to earth. SkyDive Rustenburg +27 79 345 7058 [mailto:SkyDive.Rustenburg@gmail.com SkyDive.Rustenburg@gmail.com]

Eat
Many restaurants can be found in the Waterfall Mall, south-east of the city. The choice is large (from fast-food to good quality restaurants) but might have a lack of authenticity.

Drink
It is a good idea to ask locals about recommended nightlife spots. Rustenburg square provides a fairly good all round night out with parking, clubs, pubs and shops in a well lit and maintained area. You can find some of the bigger clubs on the outskirts of town, including traditional Sokkie Sokkie dance clubs, techno clubs, gentlemen's clubs and Zulu taverns.

Go next

 * Pretoria, follow the N4 East
 * Sun City, follow the R510 northeast for about 30 km, turn left into the R556. Another 25 km and you are there.
 * The Pilanesberg National Park is next to Sun City.