Dazzling! That most assuredly is Sun City - unique in the context of world resorts, with a combination of features unmatched anywhere, that draws thousands of visitors each year to its four top-quality hotels plus magnificent sporting and recreational facilities including 2 world class golf courses, casinos and the magical Lost City water-park, The Valley of Waves. Only 187 km from Johannesburg, the spectacular resort, situated in the bushveld of South Africa’s North West province, is surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Pilanesberg.
The malaria-free Pilanesberg National Game Park is home to South Africa’s Big 5 – Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo.
There are 4 hotels at the Sun City Resort all offering superior and unique accommodation, ranging from the opulence of the Palace of the Lost City to the luxury of the Cascades Hotel to the dynamic heartbeat of the Sun City Hotel to the informal and casual elegance of the Cabanas.
Access is via a two-hour drive from Johannesburg (there is a daily bus service) or by private plane into Pilanesberg International Airport.
Its four luxury hotels are topped by the sumptuous Palace of the Lost City, part of Leading Hotels of the World, which has hosted so many global superstars. They go for the glitter, golf, game and gambling!
Golf
There are two world-class championship courses. The Gary Player Country Club Golf Course is home to the annual Million Dollar Challenge that attracts the world’s superstars and The Lost City Golf Course has many unique features, such as crocodiles in some waterholes! The Club includes a pro shop and tennis shop, putting green, health spa, massage, gym with personal trainers, Jacuzzi, steam bath and bar. There is also a Titleist Golf Academy to improve your skills.
Horse Riding
There are trails for experts and lead rides for novices and also lessons for beginners, and advanced riders with a retained trainer.
Mini Golf
On the shores of the resort lake you’ll find a superb mini-golf layout.
Cycling and Jogging Trails
There are 3km and 5km jogging and cycling trails around the two golf courses – very scenic and well marked and maps make it even easier.
Mountain Biking
There are two well established cycling trails on the same perimeter as the running trails. These are both dirt roads and bikes for all ages are available for hire.
Squash
There are two top quality squash courts at the Gary Player Country Club that are open from 0600 to 2000.
Swimming Pools
There are many sparkling pools around the resort – two each at Sun City Hotel and at The Cabanas while Cascades Hotel features The Grotto pool and whirlpool and a children’s pool. The Palace’s grand and classic rectangular pool and The Royal Bath are located within The Lost City at the base of an imposing Royal Staircase.
Tennis Courts
There are 11 quality tennis courts below The Cascades Hotel and five are floodlit. Lessons are available from a resident professional and there is a tennis pro shop and tennis club.
WaterWorld
A major feature at Sun City and a big splash! It centres around a huge lake where many options are available: Sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, jet skis, mini-boats, pedalos, paddleskis, parasailing, rubber duck, canoes and sunset cruises.
Kamp Kwena
This is a supervised holiday programme for 3-12 year olds including an animal farm with a multitude of animals. There is an aviary, tree houses, Kwena Castle, mini 4 x 4 track, adventure playground and play centre.
Kwena Gardens Crocodile Ranch
One of Africa’s biggest crocodile farms and home to more than 300 Nile crocodiles. There are guided trips, a curio and coffee shop. See traditional craftsmen at work and tribal dancing at night.
Health Club
Located in the plush Gary Player Country Club the health club offers pin-loaded weights, cardiovascular equipment, sauna, Jacuzzi and massages.
The Valley of the Waves
The major attraction and one of the most exciting water theme parks on the planet! Relish the huge rolling waves in the wave pool to the terrifying water slides plunging down the mountainside. The 400m long sacred River carries visitors on a gentle current past four major attractions – the mighty elephant standing on the bank; Crocodile Cover where these reptiles slide menacingly into the water; the Rain Forest and then the drama of the Rapids! There’s a palm-fringed beach; Adventure Mountain and the lazy River that circles the food court.
Showtime!
Sun City Resort offers a constant galaxy of top shows and extravaganzas at various locations.
Movie Theatres
In the Lost City Entertainment Centre there are four cinemas and six shows daily, including adult shows daily.
Children’s Video Arcade
In the Lost City Entertainment Centre there are video games of every description.
Slots
Gaming facilities at Sun City Resort are massive. The Million Mania and the Dream Machines Slots progressives both have a base of R1,000,000.
Casino
The Casino is a major attraction and is open from 13:00 daily with a variety of lower to medium limit games available. There is also a salon prive for high limits.
Villa del Palazzo
Treat yourself to a special night out for a sumptuous dinner at The palace of the Lost City’s luxury gourmet restaurant. The chef offers the finest northern Italian cuisine amid the splendor and luxury that befits a palace.
Silhouette Night Club
The Club offers home-grown South African entertainment and well worth a visit.
Animal World
An aviary and typical South African farmyard opposite Kamp Kwena on the lawns. Free of charge.
4 x 4 Safari Drives
The Pilanesberg Big Five National Park is just 10 minutes from Sun City and ensures exciting and authentic 4 x 4 safaris. There are also elephant back safaris and hot air balloon expeditions as well as archery, clay pigeon shooting and drumming.
Helicopter Flips
Heli flips give you a bird’s eye view of the resort and the National Park for the wildlife. Very spectacular and highly recommended.
Motseng Cultural Village
This working village highlights the history of eight different South African tribes and there are daily tours that incorporate song, dance and traditional eating.
National Birds of Prey Centre
Experience the magic of birds of prey flying freely in their natural environment. Free flying displays last about 45 minutes with shows at 10:00 and 15:00.
White Water Rafting
Rightly acclaimed as the finest one-day white water rafting in the world in the Victoria Falls’ Batoka Gorge. Choose from half-day or full day trips while there are also multi-day expeditions for the hardiest adventurers. The normal season is June through January because of the water levels, though this changes from year-to-year.
River Boarding
This is the pure adrenaline sport of surfing the fearsome rapids in the Batoka Gorge. You’ll be on a body board and accompanied by a qualified river guide.
Canoe the Zambezi
Travel with expert guides on one of the world’s legendary rivers, the upper Zambezi, in two and three-person klepper canoes. Explore the channels and get close to nature in a dramatic way. You may see crocodiles and come within trunk-touching distance from elephants, but you’ll stay at a careful distance from the pods of hippo you are certain to see. A thrilling adventure!
Gorge Swings
A whole series of pure adrenalin thrills located in the nearest gorge to the famous Victoria Falls Hotel.
Microlight Flips
The open cockpit offers a unique vista of the Falls, the Zambezi River, the wildlife and the general area of Victoria Falls.
Bunji Jumping
Go solo or tandem in a thrill-packed experience off the Victoria Falls Bridge with a fantastic backdrop of the mighty Falls. This is an awesome 111m leap with the raging Zambezi River beneath you. Not for the feint-hearted!
The Boma Place of Eating
It may seem unusual to list a restaurant amongst recommended activities but a BBQ meal at this festive spot is a must. Your eating experience includes fantastic traditional entertainment and you will also relish the interactive drumming.
Crocodile Farm and Nature Sanctuary
See crocodiles from babies you can hold to the giants of the Zambezi River. Feeding time is quite dramatic. There is also a small but very educational nature sanctuary.
