Embark on a fascinating journey exploring the 10 Best Places to visit in Brits, South Africa, each offering a unique and captivating experience. Discover the natural beauty and rich wildlife diversity at the Ukutula Lion Park, where encounters with various majestic animals promise unforgettable moments. For those seeking a shopping escapade, the Brits Mall serves as a one-stop destination, providing a wide array of stores and amenities catering to all your needs. Brits promise an array of experiences that cater to every visitor’s taste and preference, making it an ideal destination for explorers and adventure seekers alike.
1. Ukutula Lion Park
Source: Facebook / @ Ukutula Lodge
Nestled in the serene North West Province, just an hour from Pretoria and Johannesburg, Ukutula, meaning ‘place of quiet,’ is a game farm marries natural beauty with rich wildlife diversity. Spanning 260 hectares, it’s a haven for lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and over 130 bird species, all underpinned by a profound commitment to wildlife conservation.
Choose from various packages offering experiences like walking with lions and lion interaction programs. You can even hold a lion cub, all under the watchful guidance of trained experts. Ukutula promises unforgettable moments and timeless photographs, all within a stunning natural backdrop dedicated to the welfare and preservation of its remarkable inhabitants.
2. Brits Mall
Source: Facebook / @Brits Mall
The Brits Mall, the region’s premier shopping hub, is your go-to destination for daily essentials with anchor tenants like Edgars, Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, Game, and Woolworths. Spanning 36,000m², it houses these key stores and a wide variety of fashion, footwear, and jewellery shops to explore at your leisure. Plus, with 2,000 free parking bays, you’ll find convenience at every turn.
Parents and parents-to-be will appreciate the dedicated parking bays, two baby-changing rooms, and a spacious family bathroom. Everything you need in one location, that’s the Brits Mall for you!
3. Borakalalo National Park
Source: Facebook / @Borakalalo National Park
Nestled just 60 kilometres north of Brits in the North West Province, the stunning Borakalalo National Park unfolds a mesmerising tapestry of natural wonders. It spans 13,500 hectares and encompasses diverse landscapes, from open scrubby bush to enchanting woodlands. The Moratele River meanders through the park, nurturing lush forests along its banks, creating a unique habitat that supports a rich array of wildlife species.
Abundant greenery and water sources have also made Borakalalo National Park a haven for over 350 bird species. Here, the avian world comes to life, featuring both common and rare gems, such as the elusive African finfoot and the majestic white-backed heron, alongside various eagles and raptors. The park’s beauty and biodiversity promise an enchanting experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.
4. Brits Flying Club
Source: Facebook / @Brits Flying Club
Brits Flying Club, established in 1952, stands as one of South Africa’s venerable and highly esteemed flying clubs. Throughout its storied history, this club has fostered a legacy of exceptional aviators, earning it a reputation synonymous with the South African national colours, the Springboks. With a rich heritage spanning many years, Brits Flying Club has been a nurturing ground for top sportsmen, many of whom have proudly represented South Africa on the global stage. Among their esteemed members, they count as world champions in their respective categories, making them a source of great pride with a heritage that continues to inspire.
5. Hartbeespoort: Aerial Cable Car Ride
Source: Facebook / @ Harties Cableway
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Magaliesberg mountain range, Hartbeesberg Dam, and the lush surroundings while dining at mountaintop restaurants. Then, explore “The Dassie Walk” and take a thrilling ride on the longest mono-cableway in Africa.
Ride the exclusive Swiss-designed cable car to the mountaintop in just six minutes, accommodating up to six guests. As you ascend, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of a nature reserve teeming with giraffes, zebras, and small antelopes. Savour drinks at the Lookout Bar at the summit and take in the spectacular eastern vistas. Don’t miss the informative waypoints along “The Dassie Walk” before returning to the starting point via cable car.
6. Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon
Source: Facebook / @ Bill Harrops “Original” Balloon Safaris
Embark on an unparalleled adventure in absolute style. Picture the serene beauty of a sunrise flight, where the only sounds are the powerful burners and distant wildlife calls. Glide above the Magalies River Valley and the Cradle of Humankind, just north of Johannesburg, known for its superb ballooning weather. The tranquillity of this unique view will become a cherished memory. After landing, enjoy a lavish champagne breakfast at their elegant Clubhouse.
With professional pilots, impeccable safety, and a storied reputation, they are the top choice for individual travellers and corporate groups. Recognised as Southern Africa’s best value and quality tour operator, they have earned accolades and stand as the preferred hot air balloon operator in the Cradle of Humankind. Contact them today to book a balloon safari—an inspiring way to see the world.
7. Elephant Sanctuary in South Africa
Source: Facebook / @ Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort
Nestled in the tranquil setting of Hartbeespoort Dam, the Elephant Sanctuary provides a safe haven and halfway house for African elephants. Their sanctuary offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in interactive and educational experiences with these majestic creatures. They emphasise positive reinforcement training methods, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable environment for both the elephants and their guests, fostering deep connections and unforgettable moments.
Immerse yourself in the beauty and grace of African elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary, where personal encounters with these gentle giants create lasting memories, all within a serene and nurturing environment.
8. Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary
Source: Facebook / @ Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary
Nestled near Hartbeesport Dam alongside the Elephant Sanctuary, Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary provides a natural haven for primate freedom. Situated in the scenic kloofs of the Magaliesberg mountain range, it offers an ideal environment for monkeys worldwide. Covering about 7 hectares, this privately owned sanctuary is self-sustained. It ranks among the select few of only eight global primate sanctuaries dedicated to free releases, supported by public donations, guided tours, and curio sales.
Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary offers a fresh lease on life to primates like squirrel, spider, and capuchin monkeys. Formerly domesticated or bred for the pet trade, they find a world teeming with waterfalls, lush flora, natural mountain springs, and an environment as close to nature as possible. Their mission is to enable them to thrive as they would in the wild and to raise awareness about the importance of housing primates in sanctuaries like theirs through their informative tours. Visitors leave with a profound understanding that monkeys are unsuitable as pets and belong in their natural, free-spirited habitats.
9. Owl Rescue Centre
Source: Facebook / @Owl Rescue Centre
Owls, known for their wisdom and beauty, are globally admired birds of prey. Unfortunately, they face threats in their natural habitat, such as illness, accidents, and poisoning. The Owl Rescue Centre, situated in Hartbeespoort, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to their rescue, rehabilitation, and preservation.
This centre has successfully rescued and released numerous owl species while also educating the community about owls and their environment. Dispelling myths and promoting a positive view of these magnificent birds is vital to their mission.
10. Silver Orange Bistro
Source: Facebook / @ Silver Orange Bistro
Nestled on a citrus farm just outside Hartbeesport, the Silver Orange Bistro blends elegant surroundings with gourmet excellence, earning it accolades like the American Express Platinum Fine Dining Restaurant award in 2013. Begin your culinary journey with mouthwatering starters, like duck and fig samosas drizzled in a plum and ginger sauce, followed by mains such as springbok loin on honey-roasted pumpkin. Top it off with brandy pudding, kumquat ice cream, or their famous Bellinis made from pureed white peaches. The extensive wine list features over 180 local wines, 10 French champagnes, and 11 local cap Classiques, adding to the bistro’s allure.
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Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Hartbeespoort
