The Sun City Resort in South Africa would likely rival even the stately pleasuredome Samuel Taylor Coleridge* envisioned in his fabled poem Kubla Khan.
The only difference is that the concept of a resort as majestic as Sun City was conceived by South Africa’s very own visionary, Sol Kerzner. Since the resort first opened its doors to the public in 1979, the sun has not set on Kerzner’s desire to bring to life a “world within a city” where guests of all ages can enjoy themselves to the max.
Set adjacent to the Pilanesberg National Park and with the hugely popular Valley of the Waves as one of its star attractions, Sun City can rightly claim its status as the only “surf and safari” destination in the North West province. Today the resort boasts four world-class hotels – choose between the mythical grandeur of The Palace of the Lost City, the sophisticated elegance of the five-star Cascades, the atmosphere of excitement at the Soho, and the family-friendly welcome of the Cabanas. Plus, multiple restaurants, shops, casinos and two luxurious spas as well as fully-equipped wedding and conference facilities.
By night or day, indoors or out, there is no shortage of things to do at South Africa's top tourist playground. Catch a thrilling live performance or organised sports event in the Superbowl. Be wowed by a spectacular cabaret show. Get a taste of culture at Sun City’s interactive Hall of Fame exhibition.
If a round of golf is more your style, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Sun City with two first-class courses to choose from, both designed by champion golfer Gary Player. These are the famed Gary Player Golf Course and the 72-par, desert-style Lost City Golf Course, known for its plentiful water features including a hazard at hole 13 that is stocked with 38 Nile crocodiles.
Fitness junkies can get their blood pumping with a spin around the TimeChamp trail run or tackle one of Sun City’s mountain bike trail. Sharpen your ball skills on one of the 11 tennis courts or enjoy an adrenaline-fueled watersports session at Waterworld.
Enjoy a laidback Segway tour of the resort grounds or up the ante by soaring over Sun City on the world’s fastest zip slide. And if you’re looking for a high energy action fix, get on down to the resort’s Adrenaline Extreme base.
Explore the wonders of The Lost City’s “ancient” temple ruins, carvings, and grottos, and be enthralled by its 'Shrine of the Sacred Monkey' and mystical Maze.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take the opportunity to master the art of archery, learn to play the Djembe drum, and enjoy an “up close and personal” encounter the highly endangered rhino at close distance.
Experience all the internationally acclaimed Pilanesberg Game Reserve has to offer with a guided game drive, “on foot” rhino tracking expedition or in celebrity-style, from the lazy heights of a hot air balloon, followed by a sumptuous bush breakfast.
With no end of entertainment options for children and adults alike, Sun City truly is the one place in South Africa where “the fun never sets.”
* Samuel Taylor Coleridge completed probably his best-known poem Kubla Khan (aka A Vision in a Dream) in 1797; it was finally published in 1816.
