SUN CITY: LAS VEGAS IN AFRICA
Sun City is a luxury resort and casino, bordering the Pilanesberg National Park in the North West Province of South Africa. It was developed by the hotel magnate, Sol Kerzner and officially opened on 7 December 1979. After just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg you can experience one of Africa’s premier vacation destinations. Sun City is internationally recognised for its superb resort offering of luxury hotels and cheap accommodation, attractions and world-class events.
WHAT TO DO
Sun City has two water theme parks – one is dedicated to slides and rides, while the other offers you action-packed water sports. The premier attraction is Valley of the Waves. Soak up the African sun on the sandy beach of this ‘tropical island’, and cool off in the turquoise waters – generated by a powerful wave machine. There’s a water slide for each of your comfort levels. Take an easy-going tube ride along a gentle stream, or go semi-submerged down a water slide that moves swiftly downhill. If you’re more into thrills, then there’s always the truly hair-raising 30m (98ft) sheer drop to experience!
Sun City’s Waterworld is an attraction for the whole family. Learn to wake board or water ski with the help of expert instructors, or have some fun on the bumper boats. For the adrenaline junkies there are activities like jet skiing and parasailing. You can end off your fun day in the sun with a sunset cruise on the lake.
The resort is truly a family-friendly destination. Your kids can have loads of fun in the supervised playgrounds, a dedicated kids activity centre, Animal World, gaming arcades, cinemas, and the Waterworld. There’s even a supervised and strictly under-18s club in which your teenagers can experience an innocent taste of night life!
For some adult fun, why not try your luck in the casinos at The Palace of the Lost City or The Sun City & Casino Hotel. The resort offers glitz, glamour and excitement for every level of player. Las Vegas in Africa!
Sun City is conveniently located near two of South Africa’s best wildlife reserves: the Pilanesberg National Park and the Madikwe Game Reserve. The Pilanesberg National Park is a 55,000 hectare game reserve next to the resort and offers you and your family highly recommended sightings of the Big 5: elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard. Madikwe Game Reserve is a 90-minute drive from Sun City and one of South Africa’s largest reserves. Its rolling plains and spectacular woodlands provide you with the best place in Africa to see the Big 5, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, zebra and a wide variety of antelope.
The fun really never stops at Sun City. If splashing around in the water parks and game drives are not enough, there’s always an opportunity to visit the Kwena Gardens Crocodile Sanctuary near the entrance of the resort. It is home to over 300 Nile crocodiles and the two largest captive crocodiles in the world. A great and fascinating activity for the whole family.
A visit to the Motseng Cultural Village is also a highly recommended item on your Sun City itinerary. South Africa has many different tribes and a visit to the Cultural Village will give you a taste of rural life in an African village. Enjoy local arts and crafts showcased by local artisans, or taste traditionally brewed beer and typical South African dishes.
Haven’t had enough thrills and adrenaline fixes yet? Then go for an extreme zip line slide that runs for 2km at a height of 280 meters. You’ll reach daredevil speeds of up to 120 km/h! You can experience this thrill ride solo, or share the thrills on a tandem ride.
The Sun City resort is also one of South Africa’s premier golfing destinations. It is home to two golf courses that were designed by South Africa’s golfing legend, Gary Player. The Gary Player Golf Course has hosted some of the biggest names in golf and was cleverly designed to give both novice and skilled golfers a satisfying round. The Lost City Golf Course was also designed by Gary Player and covers more than 100 hectares of various themes – from desert to mountains and parkland. Its most famous feature is probably the water hazard on the 13th hole – which is home to Nile crocodiles!
WHERE TO EAT
Sun City offers you a wide variety of dining options. The Palace at the Lost City has the most luxurious setting for decadent dining. Villa del Palazzo serves authentic Italian, while the Crystal Court is ideal for breakfast and afternoon high tea. Enjoy a Mediterranean cuisine at Santorini in the Cascades, or a continental café menu at Caffe Scalini. The Sun City & Casino Hotel offers cuisine from around the world – Asian, Indian, South African, and much more. For family dining and child-friendly menus, the Sun City Cabanas offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
If you prefer your meals on the go, then head down to the Entertainment Centre. Dining is fast, affordable and perfect for a quick break between all your activities.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Sun City offers an accommodation option that will suit any pocket and individual style. Enjoy the luxury of The Palace of the Lost City, or the casual elegance of the Cascades. The Sun City & Casino Hotel is ideal for sun bathers and golfers, while the Cabanas offer Sun City’s most affordable accommodation rates and a great self-catering option.
The Sun City resort is a vacation club that frequently offers you great rates and specials on accommodation. A perfect getaway for sports and activities, family fun, or a romantic escape.