Sun City, South Africa

By | November 23, 2022

The history of Sun City is very similar to the founding of Las Vegas. When tourism in South Africa began to slowly flourish and even bring in a lot of profit, the locals were puzzled: how to make sure that the wild expanses of the north of the country did not “idle” idle, but carried a penny to the treasury of the republic. It’s very simple: we will create a man-made paradise in the heart of the jungle (for the exotic also in the crater of an ancient volcano), we will plant it with all known entertainments, we will build cool hotels and organize an excellent recreation infrastructure. And yes – we will draw a convenient road directly from the capital Tswana. Moreover, there is an example: so what, what is on another continent, in desert Nevada – the essence is the same! So the Republic of South Africa acquired its own nest of debauchery and vice under the inspiring name “City of the Sun”. Today it is a state-of-the-art entertainment resort that includes several theme parks, hotels for every taste and budget, golf courses, a casino, a cinema and more than a hundred different activities – active and not very.

The Temple of Courage is another water attraction not for the faint of heart: a descent (or rather, a fall) along a 70-meter-high toboggan, which includes 17 meters of almost free flight.

How to get to Sun City

According to allcitycodes.com, the nearest airport is located on the territory of Pilanesberg National Park, in close proximity to Sun City. From there, you can get to the “sunny city” by taxi or shuttle, as well as order a transfer when booking a hotel. Another option is to land in Johannesburg and drive to Sun City by car. Another option is a trip from the capital Tswana: the roads are kept in excellent condition, in addition, the surrounding landscapes are wonderfully good.

If you arrive by car, you will need to leave it in the parking lot – a funicular will take you to Sun City. Driving in the city of entertainment is prohibited.

Hotels

On the territory of Sun City there are 5 hotels of different concepts and pricing policies.

The five-star Palace of the Lost City opened in 1992. The hotel is luxuriously decorated in African style, boasts impeccable service and everything you need for an exclusive holiday. A special feature of its interiors is skillfully executed sculptures of elephants, valuable furniture and fabrics.

The five-star hotel The Cascades, leading its history since 1983, is aimed at fans of a relaxing holiday in a bourgeois-colonial atmosphere. It is his triangle building that first appears from behind the horizon at the entrance to Sun City. Among the “highlights” of the hotel are a magnificent bird park, an excellent pool and proximity to the entertainment of the Valley of the Waves.

The five-star hotel The Cascades, leading its history since 1983, is aimed at fans of a relaxing holiday in a bourgeois-colonial atmosphere.

“Four” The Sun City Hotel will appeal to families with children, young people and everyone looking for noisy entertainment and holiday fun atmosphere. There are 340 rooms, high-quality service and pleasant interiors – without much chic compared to the “five”, but very worthy. Directly from the hotel building you can go to the Casino and the Theater, a golf club is 5 minutes away.

Democratic “three-ruble note” Cabanas offers a budget vacation for the whole family in 380 standard rooms. Entertainment: pools with slides, Waterworld, zoo, mini golf, etc.

Finally, for those who are used to living at their own pace, even on vacation, we recommend staying at the Vacation Club Sun City aparthotel, which is located on the very border of the Pilanesberg National Park. The apartments have a different number of bedrooms, there are full kitchens and living rooms everywhere. Guests can enjoy all the entertainment of Sun City.

On the Bridge of Time, every hour there is an “eruption” of a volcano that destroys the bridge: the earth shakes underfoot, the womb of the earth rumbles, and the air smells distinctly of sulfur.

Sun City Cuisine and Restaurants

There is absolutely no shortage of eating places in Sun City. There are more than 20 restaurants, cafes and eateries here in total – among them there are both pleasant and inexpensive establishments for the family, specializing in fast food from different countries (including, of course, fast food chains) as well as high-quality restaurants where it’s not a shame to bring a sweetheart (well, or a lover), and pompous dining options “with meaning”, as well as a number of establishments available only by reservation – for example, The Palace Gazebo in the heart of the Gardens of the Lost City or The King’s Tower, which opens breathtaking views of the Pilanesberg National Park.

Shopping and shops

African handicrafts, souvenirs with the symbols of Sun City, as well as more detailed items can be bought in the numerous souvenir shops and boutiques of the entertainment complex. Prices are fixed everywhere, bargaining is not accepted.

Things to Do in Sun City

Wave valley

The Valley of Waves is one of the main attractions in Sun City. You can get here directly from the Entertainment Center, passing through the Bridge of Time – however, at the time allotted for the transition, because every hour there is an “eruption” of the volcano, destroying the bridge: the earth shakes under your feet, the womb of the earth rumbles, and the air smells distinctly of sulfur.

The central part of the Wave Valley is occupied by the Roaring Lagoon, the water surface of which covers an area of ​​6500 square meters. m. Underwater mechanisms create ever-increasing waves, and every one and a half minutes an almost two-meter foam crest sweeps across the lagoon. And for those who prefer less adrenaline entertainment, there is a beautiful sandy beach along the banks.

The Temple of Courage is another water attraction not for the faint of heart: a descent (or rather, a fall) along a 70-meter-high toboggan, which includes 17 meters of almost free flight.

The Temple of Courage is another water attraction not for the faint of heart: a descent (or rather, a fall) along a 70-meter-high toboggan, which includes 17 meters of almost free flight. However, in the Valley of the Waves there are 4 more toboggans with a “lesser effect”. For young children and senior adults, leisurely boat trips on the Lazy River, luxurious King’s Baths, walks through the rainforests surrounding the Valley of the Waves and viewing waterfalls are offered.

Every year, approximately from the 20th of May, the Wave Valley is closed for a month for maintenance work. Consider this fact when planning your vacation in Sun City.

Sun City Casino is considered to be the best gambling house in South Africa with 852 slot machines and 38 tables. American roulette, blackjack and poker are all available to resort guests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Sun City golfers won’t get bored either, with two 18-hole golf courses, Gary Player and The Lost City.

On the thirteenth hole of The Lost City golf course, a real Nile crocodile awaits you. The main thing is not to stick the ball in the mouth!

Another great attraction from the “adrenaline rush” category is zip-sliding, descending along a 2-kilometer rope stretched at an angle from the Entertainment Center, which is a 5-minute walk from Sun City, into the very heart of the complex. The descenders reach speeds of 140 km/h, but this is not at all scary, unlike, say, from bungee jumping, because there is no free fall as such.

In the evening you can go to the Theater – every day they give musicals or “light” performances.

For a different kind of adrenaline (and also to yell “Get me out of here!”), head to the Labyrinth. Constructed of stone and wood, it resembles the excavations of ancient cities. The area of ​​​​the labyrinth is rather big – more than 2000 square meters. m; it is the largest structure of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. A card is given at the entrance, but, they say, this does not help.

In the evening you can go to the Theater – every day they give musicals or “light” performances, as well as nightly shows for adults, or listen to a concert in the Concert Bowl, where world stars often drop by. For the little ones, Sun City has the Animal World nature park, Crocodile Gardens, the Stimela mini train, mini golf and lots of outdoor activities.

Sun City, South Africa