JUST BACK FROM: Sun City Resort in South Africa’s North West Province

Sun City Resort, located in South Africa’s North West Province, is a two-hour drive from Johannesburg, is a premier entertainment and holiday destination bordering the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. Known for its unique blend of luxury, adventure, and family-friendly activities, the resort offers a vibrant “Vegas-meets-Disney” experience within an ancient volcanic crater.

Originally built in 1979 by Sol Kerzner in the Bantustan of Bophuthatswana to bypass apartheid-era restrictions, Sun City has evolved into a mainstream resort but carries a controversial past, illustrated by the 1985 anti-apartheid “Sun City” song. Some Irish artists went there to perform in the bad old days.

Hotels

Sun City features four distinct hotels pitched at different markets:

The Palace of the Lost City: A 5-star luxury hotel with opulent, mythical African-themed décor, featuring high ceilings, marble floors, and exotic gardens. Rooms offer stunning views, and the Crystal Court restaurant is renowned for lavish breakfasts and international cuisine.
The Cascades: A 5-star hotel with tropical gardens and cascading waterfalls, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe.
Soho Hotel: A 4-star option with chic, modern styling, overlooking the Gary Player Golf Course and home to the Sun City Casino.
Cabanas: A 3-star, family-friendly hotel with recently renovated rooms, lush garden or lake views, and budget-friendly amenities like complimentary Valley of Waves access.
Sun Vacation Club: Timeshare units for self-catering, offering access to resort facilities with a 10-year membership model.
All hotels provide modern amenities, daily housekeeping, and free Valley of Waves entry (rate-dependent).

Entertainment and Activities:

Valley of Waves: A highlight waterpark with a 6,500-square-meter artificial beach, 1.9-meter waves every 90 seconds, and attractions like the Temple of Courage (17-meter near-vertical slide), Tarantula and Scorpion body slides, and a Lazy River. A designated kids’ area and lifeguards ensure safety.
Sun City Casino: A 24/7 gaming hub at Soho Hotel with hundreds of slot machines, 40 table games, and the exclusive Salon Privé for high-stakes MVG loyalty members.
Golf: Two world-class 18-hole, par-72 courses designed by Gary Player:
Gary Player Country Club: A top-ranked walking course hosting the Nedbank Golf Challenge annually.
Lost City Golf Course: A desert-style course with a water hazard at Hole 13 featuring Nile crocodiles.
Adventure and Outdoor: Options include hot air balloon safaris, Segway tours, zip-lining, quad biking, and water sports at Waterworld (jet skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing). The Maze of the Lost City, the largest permanent maze in the Southern Hemisphere, is accessible via a 100-meter suspension bridge.
Cultural Experiences: The Motseng Cultural Village offers insights into South African traditions through song, dance, and storytelling.
Family Activities include the Magic Company arcade, mini-golf, ten-pin bowling, and Breakout escape rooms cater to kids and families. The resort hosts the annual Miss South Africa pageant and South African Music Awards at the Superbowl.
Spa treatments are available at various hotels, with The Palace offering premium wellness programs.
Sun City’s Superbowl and Sun Central provide venues for concerts, shows, and conferences, accommodating up to 6,000 attendees.

Dining:

Crystal Court (The Palace): Known for lavish breakfasts and international dishes.
The Brew Monkey: A gastro pub at Valley of Waves with grilled prawns and craft beer.
Tusk Bar and Lounge (The Palace): Ideal for sundowners with live music.
Fast food outlets, fine dining at The Palace Gazebo, and high tea at Crystal Court cater to diverse tastes.