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Sun City, South Africa - Things to Do in Sun City

Things to Do in Sun City

Sun City, South Africa - Complete Travel Guide

Sun City is South Africa's premier entertainment resort destination, often called 'Africa's Las Vegas.' Located in the North West Province about 2 hours from Johannesburg, this sprawling complex was built in the 1970s as an opulent playground featuring world-class hotels, casinos, golf courses, and entertainment venues. The resort is designed around an elaborate 'Lost City' theme with stunning architecture that mimics ancient African civilizations. Beyond the glitz and glamour, Sun City serves as a gateway to the nearby Pilanesberg National Park, making it an ideal base for combining luxury resort experiences with authentic African wildlife encounters. The resort caters to all ages with water parks, adventure activities, cultural shows, and fine dining, while the adjacent nature reserve offers Big Five game viewing in a malaria-free environment.

Top Things to Do in Sun City

Valley of Waves Water Park

This massive water wonderland features artificial beaches with real sand, a wave pool generating 1.8-meter waves, thrilling water slides, and lazy rivers. The park is designed around a tropical paradise theme with lush landscaping and dramatic rock formations. It's perfect for families and offers both adrenaline-pumping attractions and relaxing pool areas.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost around R200-300 for adults. Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and arrive early to secure good poolside spots. Book accommodation packages that include water park access for better value.

Pilanesberg Game Drives

Just 10 minutes from Sun City lies Pilanesberg National Park, home to the Big Five in a malaria-free environment. The park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities across diverse landscapes including grasslands, rocky outcrops, and wooded valleys. Self-drive safaris and guided game drives provide chances to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

Booking Tip: Park entry fees are around R100 per adult. Book guided drives through Sun City concierge for R800-1200 per person. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best wildlife sightings. Bring binoculars and cameras with zoom lenses.

Gary Player Golf Courses

Sun City boasts two championship golf courses designed by Gary Player, including the famous Lost City Golf Course with its crocodile-inhabited water hazard on the 13th hole. The courses offer challenging play amid stunning scenery with views of the Pilanesberg mountains. Both courses have hosted major international tournaments and provide world-class facilities.

Booking Tip: Green fees range from R1500-3000 depending on the course and season. Book tee times well in advance, especially for Lost City course. Golf packages with accommodation offer better rates. Cart rental is mandatory and costs extra.

Lost City Palace Tours

Explore the magnificent Palace of the Lost City, Sun City's crown jewel hotel with its incredible architecture, hand-painted ceilings, and elaborate African-themed decor. The building showcases intricate craftsmanship with every detail designed to create the illusion of an ancient African palace. Even non-guests can tour the public areas and admire the stunning artwork.

Booking Tip: Free to explore public areas during daytime hours. Consider booking afternoon tea or dinner at one of the restaurants to fully experience the ambiance. Photography is allowed in most areas but check with staff first.

Entertainment and Casino Gaming

Sun City's entertainment complex features a world-class casino with slot machines, table games, and poker rooms, plus regular live shows and concerts at various venues. The resort hosts everything from international music acts to traditional African cultural performances. The casino operates 24/7 and offers gaming lessons for beginners.

Booking Tip: Entertainment shows typically cost R200-800 per person depending on the act. Check the events calendar when booking your stay. Join the casino's rewards program for dining and accommodation discounts. Set gambling budgets in advance and stick to them.

Getting There

Sun City is located about 180 kilometers northwest of Johannesburg and 160 kilometers from Pretoria. The most convenient way to reach Sun City is by rental car via the N4 highway, which takes approximately 2 hours from Johannesburg. Several tour operators offer shuttle services from OR Tambo International Airport and major hotels in Johannesburg and Pretoria, with transfers costing around R800-1200 per person. There's also a small airstrip nearby for private aircraft, and some luxury lodges offer helicopter transfers for a premium experience.

Getting Around

Sun City is designed as a self-contained resort where most attractions are within walking distance or connected by free shuttle services. The resort operates regular shuttle buses between hotels, the entertainment center, golf courses, and Pilanesberg National Park entrance. Golf carts and bicycles are available for rent to explore the expansive grounds. For visits to Pilanesberg, you can use your own vehicle, join guided tours, or rent a car at the resort. Taxis are available for longer distances, but most visitors find the internal shuttle system adequate for getting around the resort.

Where to Stay

Palace of the Lost City
The Cascades Hotel
Sun City Hotel
Sun City Cabanas
Pilanesberg area lodges
Rustenburg nearby towns

Food & Dining

Sun City offers diverse dining options ranging from casual family restaurants to fine dining establishments. The Palace of the Lost City houses several upscale restaurants including Santorini for Mediterranean cuisine and Tusk Bar & Grill for steaks and game meat. The entertainment center features fast food outlets, sports bars, and themed restaurants perfect for families. Don't miss trying traditional South African dishes like bobotie, boerewors, and game meats at venues like Legends Restaurant. Many restaurants offer buffet options, and several bars provide sunset cocktails with views over the resort. Advance reservations are recommended for fine dining establishments, especially during peak seasons and weekends.

Top-Rated Restaurants in South Africa

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Marble Restaurant

4.5 /5
(5122 reviews) 4
bar

GOLD Restaurant

4.5 /5
(3856 reviews) 3

SMOKE Pretoria

4.6 /5
(1215 reviews)
bar

Belly of the beast

4.8 /5
(1127 reviews)

Ethiopian Madam Taitou

4.7 /5
(986 reviews) 2

Cuisine Afrique Fire Grill

4.7 /5
(707 reviews) 2
bar
all dining options →

When to Visit

Sun City enjoys a subtropical climate with the best weather from April to September during the dry winter months when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. This period is ideal for golf, outdoor activities, and game drives as animals congregate around water sources. Summer months (October to March) bring hot temperatures (up to 35°C) and afternoon thunderstorms, but this is peak time for the water park. School holidays (December-January and July) see the highest crowds and prices, so book well in advance. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer the best combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices.

Insider Tips

Book the Palace of the Lost City for the full luxury experience, but know that other hotels offer good value with access to all resort facilities
Combine your visit with Pilanesberg National Park - the malaria-free Big Five experience is rare in Africa and perfect for families
Take advantage of package deals that include accommodation, meals, and activities rather than paying separately for each component

Explore Activities in Sun City