Sun City★
Sun City is located 2 hours northwest of Johannesburg in the North West Province and is South Africa's Las Vegas—a huge entertainment complex in the middle of the bush. During the apartheid era, it was built in the "independent homeland" of Bophuthatswana to circumvent South Africa's strict gambling and entertainment laws.
What's there?
- Valley of Waves: Huge water park with artificial waves, slides, and a tropical beach. Perfect for families.
- The Palace of the Lost City: A 5-star hotel in the style of an African fantasy palace complex. Opulent, kitschy, impressive—depending on taste.
- Golf: Two world-class courses, including the Gary Player Country Club (host of the Nedbank Golf Challenge).
- Pilanesberg National Park: Right next to Sun City—a 55,000-hectare game reserve with the Big Five in an extinct volcanic crater. Self-drive safari possible, much quieter than Kruger. Entry 110 ZAR.
Sun City is not a must, but for families with children or golf enthusiasts, it's a nice stop on the way to Kruger. Pilanesberg is an underrated safari alternative.
