Marikana Accommodation

Marikana is a small settlement near Wonderkop, west of Rustenburg, surrounded by the mining landscape and rugged bushveld of the North West. Although modest in size, it occupies an important place in South Africa's modern history and lies within a region where mining, agriculture and the dramatic Magaliesberg landscape meet.

The area is closely associated with platinum mining, which has been central to the local economy for decades. Marikana gained international attention in August 2012, when a strike at the Marikana platinum mine culminated in the deaths of 34 striking mineworkers at the site now known as the Marikana massacre. The event became a defining moment in South Africa's post-apartheid labour and political history, and the area remains an important place for reflecting on the country's complex mining heritage.

Away from the mining areas, the surrounding landscape offers a very different experience. The Magaliesberg provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching and scenic photography, while nearby Rustenburg offers a wider selection of restaurants, shops and leisure attractions. Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is another option for visitors wanting to experience indigenous vegetation and wildlife.

Situated in the Eastern Region, Marikana provides an opportunity to understand the powerful influence of mining on communities across North West. Its story is not simply about industry, however: the nearby mountains, bushveld and open countryside reveal the natural beauty that continues to surround this historically significant part of the province.