Set in the centre of an ancient volcano valley, surrounded by the Pilanesberg mountains and rising from the dust, the fantasy resort of Sun City shimmers beneath the African sun. Life-size, gilded statues of lions and elephants are scattered across the resort alongside artificial beaches and rows of slot machines. The resort serves no other purpose than to entertain. 

Cut the cards at the casino, attend extravagant shows at the Sun Bowl, tee off at the Gary Player golf course’s 13th hole – home to Nile crocodiles – or take in the resplendent Lost City from a hot air balloon. The Valley of Waves attracts water enthusiasts with its man-made tropical beach unleashing 1.9m waves, while a 17m drop down a chute and into a plunge pool is only for the brave-hearted. Languidly bob along the resort’s lazy river in a colourful floating tube. 

The cultural village of Motseng offers insight into South African traditions and lifestyle through passionate song and dance, vivid storytelling and divination. Let the local sangoma cast the bones for your future, meet crafters stitching beads into intricate patterns and shoot pool at the shebeen (informal drinking spot). Nearby, the Pilanesberg National Park’s open grasslands play host to a variety of wildlife.

Sun City & Surrounds Highlights

  • Sun City is an entertainment resort offering excitement in its casino, theatre, and crocodile-dotted Gary Player golf course
  • Water enthusiasts will enjoy the artificial beaches with generated 1.9m waves, 17m-drop down a chute into a pool, and a lazy river to drift down on floating tubes
  •  The living cultural village of Motseng offers insight into South African traditions and lifestyle through passionate song and dance, vivid storytelling and divination
  • Pilanesberg National Park’s open grasslands and wooded valleys play host to a variety of wildlife

Frequently Asked Questions

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Sun City and Surrounds.

  • Winter (May–September) offers optimal safari conditions, while summer brings newborn wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Timing is tailored to your interests.

  • Major international gateways include Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo), Cape Town, and Durban. From Johannesburg, charter flights reach private lodge airstrips in around 90 minutes, avoiding long road transfers. Light aircraft require soft bags and minimal luggage (a small trade-off for time and comfort).
    Self-driving is possible on well-maintained roads, but most luxury travellers prefer private transfers or flights after long-haul journeys.

  •  Sabi Sand for leopards, Timbavati for value, Eastern Cape for malaria-free travel. The “best” safari depends on your priorities.

  • Where you stay shapes your safari, so we match accommodation to your travel style – from honeymoons and family trips to conservation-led escapes.

    We generally prioritise private concessions for their exclusivity and conservation impact. Top choices include Sabi Sand Game Reserve (leopards and high-end lodges), Timbavati (excellent Big 5 value), Madikwe & Pilanesberg (malaria-free), and Tswalu (desert luxury with a strong conservation focus).

    Our Travel Experts recommend the right lodge for your priorities, whether that’s photography, romance, family ease, or purpose-driven travel.

  • Private concession safaris range from $500–$2,500 per person per night, depending on exclusivity and season. Our curated journeys typically start around $1,700, including meals, activities, and drinks.

    We recommend at least three nights in any safari location to move beyond sightings into understanding behaviour and rhythm.

  • With proper planning and expert guidance, South Africa is safe to travel. Private lodges maintain high security standards, and our locally based team provides real-time advice.

  • Yes, particularly along routes like the Garden Route. However, many guests prefer guided transfers or flights for comfort and efficiency.