Sun City Travel Guide
Sun City has so much to offer it’s often hard to know quite where to begin.
The sprawling casino at the heart of Sun City draws many travellers here, but in the bright African sunshine there’s plenty of outdoor entertainment to fill your days. At Adrenaline Extreme you’ll find trike-racing and quad-bike adventures, while family travellers will enjoy hours of entertainment at the Valley of the Waves. Here the man-made waves of the Roaring Lagoon race onto a palm-fringed beach, while the water-park rides range from the kid-friendly Lazy River to an adrenalin-packed 70-metre drop in the Temple of Courage.
Bicycle tours explore the traditions and heritage of the local Bakgatla people in the Leeto-Kgolo village, while the Sun City Maze is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere!
Sun City is equally famous for its two championship golf courses. The iconic Gary Player Golf Course – home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge – is one of the toughest tracks in the southern hemisphere, stretching to over 7000-metres. Nearby The Lost City Golf Course is a more entertaining option, with crocodiles in the water hazards and wild animals wandering the fairways.
But if it’s wildlife you’re after, you’re in luck. Visitors to Sun City can easily bolt on a safari experience to a Sun City stay, as the Pilanesberg National Park is situated right next door. The Park offers both the ‘Big Five’ as well as an incredible diversity of bird and animal life, with both full-day and overnight safaris on offer. For a real treat, book a hot-air balloon excursion over the Park.
Worried about walking? A free shuttle service connects the hotels and entertainment centres at Sun City.
One thing’s for sure: at Sun City you’ll never go hungry, with the resort offering dozens of bars and restaurants catering for everything from fast food to fine-dining.
The palatial Crystal Court is the ideal destination for a languid breakfast at the enormous buffet, or book a table for a splendid afternoon tea enjoyed overlooking lakes and forest. When the sun dips, head for The Palace Pool Deck to enjoy a sundowner cocktail – try a G&T with handcrafted South African gin – before donning your finery for dinner in The Grill Room, The Palace’s signature steakhouse. This intimate space is renowned for its both gourmet cuisine and extensive wine list.
At the more contemporary SoHo precinct enjoy modern Asian cuisine at Lily, or peruse the collection of musical memorabilia at the Hard Rock Café.
With such a diversity of attractions, activities and dining, you’ll need a few outfits for an extended stay. Golfing attire is essential if you fancy a round on the two courses (or you can buy at the Pro-Shop), while a few of the more elegant restaurants request smart-casual attire. During the day casual resort-wear is acceptable, while long cotton pants and sturdy shoes are best for safari excursions.
There are numerous shops across the resort – including a pharmacy/drug store – if you’ve forgotten any essentials.
Though Sun City is superb all year round, with such an array of pools and outdoor activities to enjoy the warmer summer months (November-February) are the best time to visit Sun City. Remember though that brief afternoon thunderstorms and rain showers may interrupt the hot sunny days.
Spring (September-October) and autumn (March-May) offer a welcome combination of drier weather and warm temperatures, while winter (June-August) brings rain-free days with blue skies, but it can be cold.
Sun City is situated in a region free from malaria.
Not sure where to place Sun City? Click here for our useful map of the region.
Sun City is a three-hour drive from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
Private charter flights to Pilanesberg airport offer faster, convenient access to the region.
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