- Sun City was developed during the apartheid era by hotel magnate Sol Kerzner as an independent 'homeland' resort, allowing it to bypass South Africa's strict anti-gambling and censorship laws of the time.
- During its early decades, the resort was a major international entertainment hub that hosted legendary musical acts and high-profile boxing matches despite cultural boycotts against South Africa.
- The complex features two Gary Player-designed championship golf courses, including one that hosts the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge, often referred to as 'Africa's Major'.
- The resort is designed around an elaborate mythical backstory involving an ancient civilization, which inspired the elaborate architectural details found throughout the property.
- Despite its location in a semi-arid region, the resort boasts millions of transplanted trees and a massive man-made water park system that mimics a tropical coastal environment.
About Sun City
Sun City is a luxury resort and entertainment complex situated in South Africa's North West province, located near the Pilanesberg National Park. Conceptualized in the late 1970s as an isolated gambling enclave, it has evolved into a sprawling leisure destination featuring world-class hotels, golf courses, and artificial ecosystems. Visitors can walk across the rumbling Bridge of time, marvel at the lush flora within The Jungle of the Lost City, or experience tropical surf inland at the Valley of Waves - Sun City. Beyond the engineered luxury, the adjacent wilderness offers opportunities to observe native African wildlife.
Highlights of Sun City
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Surf inland on massive artificial waves or ride the water slides situated within a lush themed water park.
Parks
View captive Nile crocodiles up close and learn about their conservation and behavior in a specialized sanctuary setting.
Parks
Explore a sprawling artificial rainforest trail featuring thousands of imported tropical plants, streams, and walking paths.
Places of interest
Cross a pedestrian bridge that periodically erupts with simulated volcanic rumblings and special effects.
Top things to do in Sun City
The 25 highest-rated places in Sun City, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
The Valley of Waves is the flagship water park of the Sun City Resort in South Africa, built around a central Roaring La...
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Parks
Pilanesberg National Park is situated within the eroded remains of an alkaline volcanic crater, one of the few of its ki...
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Parks
The Crocodile Sanctuary in Sun City serves as a dedicated conservation and education facility housing a large population...
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Zoos
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Museums
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Parks
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Venues
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Parks
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Parks
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Zoos
Around Sun City
Worth the short trip out of the city.
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Sun City on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Sun City
May to September, during the South African dry winter, when temperatures are mild and malaria-free safari viewing in the nearby Pilanesberg National Park is at its peak.
2-3 days to experience the resort's water parks, golf courses, and nearby safari options without rushing.
Visitors typically get around on foot within the main resort complex, or utilize the complimentary resort shuttle buses and monorail systems that connect the various hotels and attractions.
Staying directly at one of the four main resort hotels—such as The Palace of the Lost City, The Cascades, Sun City Hotel, or The Cabanas—places guests within walking distance of the primary entertainment and recreational facilities.
Sun City is generally an expensive, upscale destination with luxury pricing for accommodation, dining, and entertainment.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 25 curated attractions in and around Sun City, ranked by traveller ratings.
Valley of Waves - Sun City is the highest-rated place to visit in Sun City right now.
The largest category is temples, with 13 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
