Located in the northwest province of the beautiful country of South Africa is the paradise resort of Sun City. Situated between the Elands River and Pilansberg, it is just a two hour drive from the main city of Johannesburg, bordering the Pilansberg Game Reserve. The resort offers various types of accommodation in different areas, as well as an incredible array of exciting holiday activities in which to partake. The resort is internationally renowned as Africa’s premier vacation destination, and has become somewhat of a haven for travellers throughout South Africa.

Sun City Hotel

The Sun City Hotel was first established in 1979, and was the first of all the hotels within Sun City. The Sun City Hotel offers guests exquisite 4-star glamorous experiences, with features such as a fully-equipped casino and the long-running Sun City Theatre. The Hotel is located between the Cabanas and the Cascades Hotel, giving easy access to facilities and activities of the surrounding accommodations.

The Sun City Hotel focuses on bold design and dramatic settings, and overlooks the sparkling swimming pool and enormous Gary Player Golf Course – home of the Nedbank Golf Challenge. There are 340 rooms in the hotel that all face either the swimming pool, the golf course, or the undulating lawns that lead down to the Waterworld lake. Each room comes with air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, TVs, a safe, an honour bar, and 24-hour in-room dining. The Sun City Hotel also offers a remarkable range of dining venues, from traditional Indian and Asian cuisine to pool-side snacks and everything in between.

The Cascades Hotel

The Cascades Hotel is known as the ‘grand old lady’ of the Sun City resort. Situated amongst dense tropical forests, the hotel is named after the plummeting streams that run through the lush gardens that surround the hotel. The greenery not only offers a tranquil setting for the hotel, but also boasts a range of colourful and tropical birds. A great way to spend time when staying at this hotel is embarking on a stroll through the forest along one of the numerous snaking footpaths that allow for peaceful and quiet walks.

This Hotel’s unique verandah shape is not only easily distinguishable, but provides rooms with views of either the glimmering pool or the stunning gardens. Sport lovers staying at the Casacades Hotel are encouraged to make use of the nearby tennis and squash courts, as well as the Segway tours that afford guests a fantastic manner in which to explore the resort. The gold course is also nearby, along with a fantastic health spa that leaves guests feeling fresh and rejuvenated. The Cascades Hotel offers 243 rooms, as well as three different swimming pools – one for kids, one heated, and one that has a fantastic rock slide. The pool area, with its tanning island and small private beach provides guests with a tropical atmosphere that is further emphasised by the umbrellas, swing palm trees and rocky water features. Exemplifying luxury and elegance, The Cascades Hotel has become a fast favourite among guests.

The Cascades Hotel (Image)

The Cabanas Hotel

The Cabanas Hotel is the perfect example of family-friendly accommodation. The hotel leads out onto sprawling lawns, and is conveniently located nearby to the man-made Waterworld lake, where a large selection of activities are offered. There are plenty of children’s activities available nearby, too, including Kamp Kwena Fort, mini-golf, Animal World and the Finder’s Keepers Scratch Path. While the children are being entertained, older family members are welcome to unwind at the swimming pool or to make their way to the Waterworld lake for some exciting water activities. The Cabanas hosts 280 rooms, all of which are joyfully styled in vibrant colours with a relaxed and casual atmosphere, making it ideal for families.

The Cabanas Hotel (Image)

The Palace of the Lost City

The grand Palace of the Lost City is a fairytale African palace that rises high above the picturesque valley in which it is situated. Visible from almost all areas of the resort, the Palace’s unique towers with elephant tusk embellishments are a symbol of the true luxury and sophistication that the hotel offers its guests. The Palace is lavishly constructed, with incredible architecture, mosaics, and frescos that add to the enchanting atmosphere and charming ambience of this magnificent hotel, from the opulent hand-painted dome of the reception area, to even the tiniest details such as the style of lights that furnish the palace walls. The hotel is encircled by dense botanical gardens, trickling streams and concealed walkways that ensure that the Palace maintains its sense of being a ‘Lost City’. The Grand Pool at the Palace is intricately decorated and lies just outside of the main entrance, offering guests the chance to relax in luxury and to bathe in the warm rays of the African sun.

You can also enjoy light meals and drinks by the poolside, allowing for afternoons of outdoor leisure. The service here is exceptional, and the accommodation itself is world-class. There are 338 spacious rooms offered here, all with a distinguishable African feel to them. Each room comes with an honour bar, safe, and multi-channel TV. Other in-room amenities include air conditioning, ceiling fans, and 24-hour room service. With its distinctive African flair, as well as top-quality facilities the Palace is a perfect place to enjoy an authentically luxury stay in the resort.

Golfing Activities

The Sun City resort is not only the perfect place for deluxe family vacations, but is also one of the premier golfing destinations in the country. There are two world-class 18-hole golf courses at Sun City: The Gary Player Golf Course, and The Lost City Golf Course – both of which were skillfully designed by South Africa’s very own golfing legend, Gary Player. The courses have been designed with various tees to provide challenging rounds to every level of golfer. These multiple tees also give golfers numerous chances to test out each club in the bag.

The Valley of the Waves

Situated in the centre of the enchanting Lost City at the Sun City resort is the Valley of the Waves – one of the most advanced water parks in the world. The Valley of the Waves is dominated by the Roaring Lagoon, which is a huge mechanically-generated wave pool fringed by man-made sandy palm-lined beaches. Enjoyable ripple cycles are interrupted by exhilarating 1.8 metre waves that build up every 90 seconds. Adding to this fun are five fantastic flume rides. The aptly named Temple of Courage plunges swimmers down a 17 metre shoot that passes under a bridge and ends in a small pool. The Tarantula and Scorpion rides are both exciting body slides, while the Mamba and Viper require big, inflatable tubes that are freely provided. For smaller children, the glimmering pool with a central rock feature, slides, and spouting water features is perfect. The Royal Bath swimming pool neighbours the Royal Arena amphitheatre, and is surrounded by towering ruins and dense jungle vegetation.

The Valley of the Waves (Image)

The Domes Observatory Bar on the verandah offers delicious cocktails and refreshing drinks amidst all the fun and action. Surrounding the Valley of the Waves, the Botanical Gardens conceal numerous unique experiences, including the Sway Bridge, secret adventure trails, and the Hidden Cave Falls. The elephant-lined Bridge of Time and its huge wooden doors join the Valley of the Waves to the Entertainment Centre, and amazes visitors with its mock-volcano that erupts regularly, complete with light, smoke and a simulated ‘earthquake’. For those overnighting in Sun City, the Resort offers day access to the Valley of the Waves, as well as a wonderful food court with sumptuous meals that please hungry adventurers.

Casino Activities

The Casino at the resort tempts guests to try out Lady Luck with the intoxicating sounds of jingling slot machines, flashing lights, and big winnings to those who prove to be successful. There are two casino areas open every day in the Resort – the Jungle Casino in the Entertainment Centre with more than 250 slot machines, and the Sun City Hotel Casino which boasts over 330 slot machines in both smoking and non-smoking areas. The Sun City Hotel casino also offers gambling favourites, such as black jack, American roulette, poker, and punto banco. The Salon Prive has higher stakes, while the International Room is reserved for games with high limits. Sun City’s casinos operate on a smartcard cashless system and have a Bureau de Change that accepts all major currencies – a passport is required for foreign exchange transactions. If it is your first time trying out a casino, the Sun City School of Gaming provides comprehensive insights into the etiquette and skills of gambling.