Sun City, South Africa, used to be renowned mainly for it’s comprehensive gambling facilities, attracting gamblers from all over the world. Now, it is known as the premier holiday resort of Africa. Of course, gambling is still on the menu, but it is now accompanied by a complete African experience. Golf and gaming feature heavily as the things to do in Sun City. Also called “Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure”, Sun City will dazzle the whole family. Whether you like horse riding or prefer watersports, you’ll be happy. Or, if you just like to chill-out with a cold beer or cocktail, you can do so in one of the gourmet restaurants and bars.
Sun City Superbowl
Officially opened in 1977, Sun City, which houses the Sun City Superbowl which has seen many famous artists from all around the world perform there, has become the envy of the African entertainment industry. Situated in the North West Province of South Africa and only two hours drive from Johannesburg, it is very easy to get to for international visitors.
The Valley of The Waves
Valley of the Waves
The Valley of The Waves is an exotic waterpark surounded by a tropical forest and a central theme in the Lost City within the Sun City complex. The central focus is a man made beach and ocean where a wave machine generates 1.8 metre waves every 90 seconds. Visitors can frolic freely and fight the waves if they so desire. This is a major attraction as the water cools ones senses beautifully. If you fancy a more subdued experience, there is always the Lazy River on which you can float calmly, with a gentle current, around the park on an overgrown ring doughnut.
Pilanesburg National Park – Malaria Free
Don’t ask me how they did it, but it’s true, a malaria free safari zone. Pilanesburg National Park, which borders the Sun City resort has, within it’s borders, all manner of wildlife including Africa’s “Big Five”, namely; the lion, white and black rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard. Pilanesburg National Park, at one time, had been almost ruined by the exensive settlement by commercial farmers and the resultant decline in the range and numbers of wildlife. However, the effects have been remarkably reversed between 1979 and 1993, by the most intensive and most expensive regeneration program undertken by any game reserve in Africa at the time (Operation Genesis).
Pilanesburg National Park
The landscape in the area is quite varied, owing to the volcanic eruption that gave birth to it some 1200 million years ago and the years of weathering over different areas. Pilanesburg National Park is world famous for it’s geoligical significance and is called “Pilanesburg National Park Alkaline Ring Complex”. The park is located between the arid Kalahari and lush Bushveld. This has made possible the unique combination of plants and wildlife that are not normally found together.
Also, for your information, you have not lived unless you have travelled in a hot air balloon over lion country. Every morning, during sunrise, you have the opportunity to glide above the plains gazing over the wild and beautiful and finally, land to a champagne breakfast. If you cannot bare to be so high up in the
Pilanesburg by Air Balloon
sky then there is always a sobering elephant ride that lasts for one hour and is considerably lower in altitude. That being said, elephants do look much smaller on television, but in the flesh, they are huge creatures.
Gary Player Country Club Golf Course
Designed by Gary Player and home to the annual Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Challenge, this course offers a challenge to all levels of player and has it’s own restaurant and clubhouse. There is also another golf course also designed by Gary Player in The Lost City. This has a unique design and surprise crocadiles waiting for you at the 13th hole, 38 of them!
Gary Player Country Club Golf Course
Sun City Accommodation
There are four hotels in the Sun City resort and all of them very charming and luxurious. The Palace of the Lost City has an interesting history and worth checking out:
The Palace of the Lost City
The Cascades
The Sun City Hotel
Cabanas
For more information about this destination please visit:
Sun City Resort
