In the North West province of South Africa, on the edge of an ancient volcanic crater beside the Pilanesberg hills, lies the internationally recognized Sun City vacation resort and leisure hub.
Sun City was built in 1979 by Sol Kerzner in the then homeland of Bophuthatswana as a recreational resort for activities such as gambling and international concerts, which were banned in South Africa during the apartheid era. After apartheid ended, Bophuthatswana was reabsorbed into South Africa on April 27, 1994, and Sun City has since become a bustling destination for locals and visitors from abroad alike.
Palace of the Lost City at Sun City
Sun City has always attracted many visitors, but the Palace of the Lost City, which opened in 1992, raised its profile further still. Our Palace and Safari honeymoon package combines three nights here with three nights on safari in Pilanesberg.
Having visited the resort myself, I have always been reminded somewhat of the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur and the Amber Fort near Jaipur in India, but with an African touch. The opulent palace evokes a sense of grandeur with colossal columns, African sculptures, magnificent towers and domes, lush gardens, and unique pools fit for a mythical African king.
The Palace Hotel spares no expense and offers guests a five-star luxury stay, with African-styled interiors and exteriors. Adults can relax and unwind in The Royal Baths, a secluded pool area, or enjoy family-friendly activities like The Maze of the Lost City, billed as the largest permanent maze in the Southern Hemisphere and designed with an archaeological site theme.
The Bridge of Time, guarded by elephant statues, ushers guests into The Valley of Waves water park via a theatrical walkway that rumbles and emits smoke every hour. The water park is considered a highlight of the resort, with its main attraction being a giant pool that generates waves in a setting reminiscent of a tropical beach in a lost jungle. The park also has various high-speed water slides, The Lazy River (a tube river ride), and much more fun under the African sun. There is also plenty of adventure to be found in the surrounding forest at the Spider Web Sway Bridge, as well as a hidden cave and waterfall.
The Main Resort of Sun City
Although The Palace of the Lost City remains a highlight, the main recreational facility, including accommodation, is much larger and offers even more activities and attractions.
Known as Sun Central, this is where most of the nighttime entertainment occurs, featuring a world-renowned casino, cinemas, restaurants, and gaming arcades. In addition, many daytime pursuits can be enjoyed, such as quad biking, zip-lining, horseback riding, and water sports at a man-made lake, including jet skiing, parasailing, tubing, and paddle boating.
Sun City is cradled by the Pilanesberg, part of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Ring Complex, a geological formation created by volcanic activity more than a billion years ago. The resort sits on the edge of this ancient crater, between the Elands River and the hills, which suits its theme of ancient events and African fables.
Apart from the Palace Hotel, there are other levels of accommodation available to visitors, each with its own unique setting. The Cascades Hotel has luxurious rooms set among tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls. The Cabanas provide a more budget-friendly and family-friendly option, offering a cozy stay close to the main attractions of the complex. The Soho Hotel is ideal for guests seeking direct access to nightclubs and other evening entertainment, and the Sun City Vacation Club rounds out the choice with self-catering units for longer stays.
Pilanesberg National Park
Sun City is a resort that never stops giving, and tourists to the area will discover a wealth of unique experiences, most notably the Pilanesberg National Park, which is just a stone’s throw away from the recreational plaza. While the park, at about 580 km², may not be as expansive as the Kruger National Park, it is malaria-free, family-friendly, and is home to all of “The Big Five” (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard), as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile, and hyenas.
All the popular safari activities can be experienced at Pilanesberg National Park, such as safari game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, and photographic hides. Birders can look for more than 300 species recorded in the park.
The Pilanesberg National Park also has fine lodges at various levels. For a comfortable full-service stay, Bakubung Bush Lodge and Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge are worth considering. Meanwhile, Manyane Resort offers a self-catering, rustic experience that is budget-conscious, and Black Rhino Game Lodge, on a private concession inside the park, is quieter and more intimate.
Championship Golf Courses at Sun City
Sun City is home to two world-renowned golf courses, which have been played by some of the best golfers associated with 'The Gentlemen's Game.'
The unique Palace of the Lost City Golf Course, set in a lush jungle dotted with palm trees and large scenic lakes, continues the dramatic African fantasy of the resort. The course offers spectacular views of The Lost Palace, interesting water hazards, and the famous Crocodile Hole, which features a lake populated by Nile Crocodile. Interact with nature and wildlife as you enjoy a round of golf.
The Gary Player Golf Course was designed by Gary Player, one of South Africa's most famous golfers. The 18-hole, par-72 course is surrounded by the Pilanesberg Mountains, a fine backdrop of scenic views and wildlife during your game. This championship course is the home of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, one of South Africa’s best-known professional tournaments.
Activities in the Greater Sun City Area
While the Pilanesberg Mountains surround Sun City, the Magaliesberg Mountains, with their rugged cliffs, scenery, and outdoor activities, lie approximately 60–80 km (37–50 miles) southeast of the complex.
If you are looking for more wildlife interaction without traveling too far, a visit to Predator World is recommended. The sanctuary is about 3–5 km (2–3 miles) from the Sun City complex, and guests can view cheetah and other predators and join a cheetah interaction. The Elephant Sanctuary, Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary, Hartbeespoort Snake & Animal Park, and Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre are a little further, located 98 km (61 miles) away.
Guided tours to cultural villages at Sun City, such as those of the Batswana communities, will add a touch of culture to your trip, with dance performances, local arts, and crafts.
A multitude of other attractions can be found near the Hartbeespoort Dam, with a few notable mentions including Chameleon Village (an arts and crafts market), Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij (Cheese Farm), and the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, which showcases panoramic views of the Magaliesberg. Golfers can add a round at Pecanwood, the Jack Nicklaus course on the dam.
If you plan to explore further, Madikwe Game Reserve (130 km / 81 miles), Marakele National Park (150 km / 93 miles) and the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve (200 km / 124 miles) are all within reach of Sun City. All three offer richer and more varied safari options.