Sun City holidays

Where else can you hit a round of golf, head out on an African safari, and win big (fingers crossed) at a casino all in one day? With two waterparks, two golf courses and an enormous entertainment centre, a Sun City holiday is jampacked with fun from the get-go.

The hotels here are not just somewhere to crash each night; they’re alluring attractions in themselves. The Palace of the Lost City, for example, is themed around a mythical African Kingdom, with gilded animal statues, murals, and ruined temples set among a jungle of gardens and rushing waterfalls.

Travelling with kids? Whatever their age, they’ll be entertained from sunup to sundown. Brave the zipline across the African plains, hop on a Segway tour, or go surfing at The Valley of Waves’ palm tree-lined pool. Kamp Kwena is the resort’s club for children aged 5–12, which gives you the opportunity for some quiet beach time just nearby.

Outside the resort are two of South Africa’s spectacular wildlife reserves: Madikwe Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park. Both are ideal for family safaris and Sun City is a great base for visiting either. You can also take a trip to a nearby sanctuary to see crocodiles (at a safe distance) or spot colourful insects at Butterfly World’s indoor garden.

As the sun dips below the horizon, head to one of the many bars or restaurants to toast another fun-filled day. Alternatively, you could watch a movie, see a show or go dancing at the resort’s in-house nightclub – the nightlife options here are as varied as the daytime activities.

South Africa’s summer runs from December to March, making Sun City a fantastic winter sun destination. Temperatures hover around 26–28C, and although you may get the odd thunderstorm, you’ll likely get hours of sunshine each day, too.

Hot weather does bring the crowds though, and prices soar for the school holidays at Christmas and Easter, when local tourists are making the most of the waterparks. Book in advance to get your first choice of accommodation and be ready to queue for the waterslides and attractions.

From May to September, the temperature drops to 13–19C or lower with little chance of rain – perfect for golfing and wildlife spotting (although you’re likely to need a jacket in the evenings). With fewer visitors, Sun City holidays are cheaper at this time of year. Do note that there is a chance some attractions will be closed for maintenance, so it’s worth checking before you book.

The question here is less what to do in Sun City and more about how many activities can you squeeze into each day. The list of things to do seems never-ending with waterparks, a kids’ camp and sports facilities, plus casinos, entertainment and a safari park next door.

Pilanesberg National Park

Catching a glimpse of the Big Five – elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalos and leopards – is top of any bucket list when visiting South Africa, and in Sun City, you’ll find them all on your doorstep. Pilanesberg National Park is just north of the resort and has more than 7,000 animals and 300 species of bird to discover across a stunning African landscape. A game drive here is a good safari for kids to enjoy, with no long journeys beforehand and plenty of wildlife action when you enter the park.

Sun Central

Shopping, arcade games and bowling alleys are just the start of what’s available at Sun City’s vast entertainment centre. Watch films in one of two cinemas, grab a burger, then stay late to check out the lively nightclub. The star of the show is the Sun City Superbowl that seats around 6,000 people and hosts everything from concerts to awards shows. The whole place is as big and bold as the rest of the resort, with jungle theme décor and wildlife murals to boot.

Golf

If you enjoy teeing off in the sun, there are two 18-hole golf courses at Sun City. Set against the rolling Pilanesberg Mountains, these can’t-miss courses are brainchildren of South Africa’s nine-time major championship winner, Gary Player. At one – the Lost City Golf Course – you’ll even find crocodiles in the water on the 13th hole. The Gary Player Country Club is also host to the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge.

South African Hall of Fame

Head to the first floor of Sun Central to experience this standout exhibition that celebrates the successes of South Africans involved in sport, music and the arts. Read inspirational stories about the 1995 World Cup Rugby team, as well as tales about the nation’s jockeys, boxers and footballers. Of course, this is Sun City, so it’s not just a gallery. You can also try the sports for yourself through its golf simulator, VR experiences and a football arena.

The Valley of Waves

Despite the resort’s landlocked location, Sun City has lots to keep you busy when it comes to watersports. The Valley of Waves is a waterpark for all ages, with waterslides, an enormous wave machine, and a lazy river based around a white-sand beach. Elsewhere in the resort, Waterworld is set on a freshwater lake with everything from parasailing and jet skiing to family-friendly bumper boats.