Things To Do
in Brits
Brits is a medium-sized agricultural and mining town in the North West Province of South Africa, situated roughly 65 km northwest of Pretoria. It sits at the foothills of the Magaliesberg and is known for orchards, maize farms, and nearby platinum mining operations. The town serves as a gateway to outdoor activities like hiking, dam-based recreation at Hartbeespoort and several private game reserves.
Visitors will find a mix of Afrikaans and Tswana culture, informal markets, and straightforward small-town South African hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Cape Town International and feel the warm South African breeze as you collect your bags and make your way to a centrally located hotel. Take a short rest and freshen up before stepping out into the bustling V&A Waterfront. The buzz of artisans and local vendors sets the tone for an exciting introduction to the Mother City.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the harbour with views of Table Mountain and the yachts bobbing in the bay. Explore the shops, galleries and the Two Oceans Aquarium, where you can marvel at vibrant marine life up close. Don’t miss sampling a craft beer or local gin to toast your first afternoon in South Africa.
Dine at one of the waterfront’s renowned seafood restaurants, savouring fresh linefish and locally farmed oysters. As dusk falls, take a sunset cruise around the harbour for spectacular golden-hour views of the mountain silhouette. Cap off the night with a relaxed stroll along the marina, sampling artisanal chocolates or a creamy gelato.
Rise early for a cable car ascent to Table Mountain’s summit, where panoramic views of the city, ocean and distant mountain peaks await. Spend time wandering the plateau’s rocky outcrops and indigenous fynbos, snapping photos of the city laid out below. The crisp morning air and soft sunlight create a magical backdrop for exploration.
Descend and head to the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, the historic Malay Quarter famed for its bright houses and rich Cape Malay cuisine. Join a guided walking tour to learn about the area’s heritage and try a traditional bobotie or koesisters. Visit a local cookery school for an interactive session, measuring spices and sharing laughter with new friends.
Return to the city centre and unwind at an atmospheric rooftop bar with a glass of South African Chenin Blanc in hand. Watch the city lights emerge as you mingle with locals and fellow travellers. For dinner, seek out a trendy bistro serving modern fusion fare, blending Cape flavors with international twists.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $1.50-3.50 |
| 🚕Local taxi/short ride | $1-4 |
| ⛽1 litre petrol | $1.10-1.40 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double/night) | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to natural attractions: Magaliesberg and Hartbeespoort Dam for outdoor activities.
- Authentic small-town South African culture and agricultural produce.
- Lower costs compared with big cities and easy access to private game reserves.
- Limited nightlife and fewer upscale dining options in town itself.
- Some safety concerns around petty crime; infrastructure can be basic outside centre.
- Public transport options are limited — a car is useful for exploring the area.
- "Dumela / Aweh" - Hello (Setswana) / Casual greeting (colloquial)
- "Goeie môre" - Good morning (Afrikaans)
- "Dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Ke a leboga" - Thank you (Setswana)
- "Baie dankie" - Many thanks (Afrikaans)
Places to Visit in Brits
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour reflections of the Magaliesberg, boats and water activity — excellent for landscape and sunset shots.
Ridges, rock formations and wide valley vistas give dramatic panoramas, especially at sunrise and with morning mist.
Seasonal fruit trees (blossom in spring, fruit in summer) and neat rows of farmland provide pastoral compositions and rural textures.
Colourful market stalls, vendors selling biltong and preserves, and everyday town-life scenes ideal for documentary-style photos.
Close-up wildlife photography opportunities on guided game drives in nearby reserves (book a guide for best results).
Food in Brits
Brits Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic South African sausage grilled over coals; widely available at town eateries, market stalls and private braais. Best experienced at a local family home or small steakhouse.
Must-Try!
A staple maize porridge (pap) served with a spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka). Common as a lunch or as a side to meat dishes at informal restaurants.
Cured dried meat snacks made from beef or game — sold at markets and roadside stalls and ideal for carrying on day trips.
A sweet, creamy tart of Dutch/Afrikaans origin; you’ll find it in cafés and bakery stalls around Brits and neighbouring towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A typical small-town weekend market where you can buy fresh fruit, preserves, grilled meats, biltong and homemade baked goods — great for sampling local flavors.
Scattered around the outskirts, farm stalls sell seasonal fruit (peaches, apricots when in season), preserves, and simple cooked meals — cash is often preferred.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
English is commonly understood; Afrikaans and Setswana are widely spoken. A polite greeting (handshake and 'Hello' or 'Dumela' in Setswana) is appreciated in formal settings.
Dress modestly when visiting town centres and religious sites. Ask before photographing people, especially in informal settlements or at private stalls.
Accepting an invitation to a braai is a sign of friendship — bring a small contribution (drink or dessert) if invited to a local home.
Some areas are affected by mining and land-rights sensitivities; avoid contentious political discussions unless invited to engage.
Safety
Tipping in Brits
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping around 10% in restaurants is common if service is not included; small tips (10–20 ZAR) for hotel porters and taxi drivers are appreciated. For guides and game rangers, consider 50–150 ZAR depending on the length and quality of the experience.
South African rand (ZAR) is used locally. Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in larger shops and restaurants; many small stalls and rural vendors prefer cash. ATMs are available in Brits town; mobile/contactless payments are growing but not universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(November–March) Hot with afternoon thunderstorms; temperatures often 25–35°C. This is fruit season — farm stalls brim with produce. Bring sun protection and be aware of sudden summer storms.
(April–May) Cooler, dry days and pleasant temperatures (15–25°C). Good time for hiking and outdoor activities with lower insect activity and clear skies.
(June–August) Mild to cool days (10–20°C) and chilly nights; mornings can be foggy with frost in low spots. Ideal for game drives and crisp landscape photography; pack warm layers.
(September–October) Warming up, wildflowers and orchard blossom; comfortable temperatures and good visibility for scenic drives and hikes.
Brits at Night
Hiking in Brits
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A range of hiking routes offering ridge-top views, sandstone outcrops and valley panoramas — suitable for day hikes and photography.
Well-marked trails near Rustenburg with good birding, indigenous vegetation and family-friendly paths.
Easier, low-altitude walks along parts of the dam shoreline and nearby hills — great for sunrise/sunset photos.
Within driving distance, Pilanesberg offers short guided walks and nature trails inside a large game reserve — combine with a game drive.
Airports
How to reach Brits by plane.
Major international airport ~90–110 km (1.5–2 hours) from Brits depending on traffic. Best option for international flights and vehicle hire; drive via the N1/N4 corridor.
Smaller international/domestic airport northwest of Johannesburg, ~70–90 km away; convenient for some regional flights and shorter transfers when schedules align.
Regional airport near Sun City/Pilanesberg (~100–120 km); useful for access to game reserves in the region but with limited commercial services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population belongs to Setswana-speaking groups with strong local cultural traditions and community networks.
Afrikaans-speaking residents are prominent in agriculture and small-business sectors, contributing to the town’s cultural and culinary identity.
Workers from other provinces and countries involved in mining, agriculture and services add to the town’s cultural and linguistic mix; English serves as a common language of communication.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is popular within Afrikaans communities and widely followed during the season; local clubs and school matches are common social events.
Football is very popular across communities; local leagues and informal township matches are a regular pastime.
Played at schools and clubs, especially in the summer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Brits.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with larger cities — cafés and market stalls often have salads, vegetable stews and egg-based dishes. Ask for 'no meat' or look for samp/pap with vegetable sides; bring snacks if you have strict requirements.
Vegan choices are more limited in Brits; some cafés can adapt dishes (ask for no dairy/eggs) and markets sell fresh fruit and nuts. For a wider selection, plan a trip to Pretoria or Johannesburg.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but not guaranteed — discuss needs with cooks at small restaurants and favour naturally gluten-free foods like grilled meats, salads and maize-based pap.