Just got back from a few days at Sun City, about a 2.5-hour drive (185km) from Joburg. As someone who prefers actual historical sites, I was sceptical about a resort built in 1992 pretending to be an ancient 'Lost City'. It’s basically Africa’s version of Vegas meets Disney, but to be fair, it actually works if you know what to expect.
First, the accommodation. We stayed at The Palace of the Lost City. It’s over-the-top cheesy—massive elephant sculptures, gold domes, and zebra-patterned carpets. It feels incredibly dated but in a weirdly grand way.
Here’s how to actually tackle the place without losing your mind:
1. The Safari is the real winner. Pilanesberg National Park is right next door. The best part? It’s malaria-free, so no dealing with medication side effects. We did the early morning game drive and managed to tick off the Big Five. Well worth getting out of bed at 5 AM for.
2. Valley of Waves. It's a massive man-made beach in the middle of the bush. The 2-metre waves are decent fun, but the logistics are a pain. DO NOT just show up at the gate expecting to buy a ticket. They don’t sell them there. You have to pre-book on TicketPro. I saw a few families getting turned away at the entrance, which looked like a nightmare. Also, the 'Bridge of Time' does a fake earthquake show every hour. It’s just loud noises and a bit of shaking—pretty gimmicky, honestly.
3. The Golf Course. Didn't play a round, but walked past the Lost City course. Apparently, there are actual crocodiles in the water hazard at the 13th hole. No thanks, I'll stick to Melbourne's safe, croc-free courses.
My advice? Keep it to a 2-night stay. One day for the resort madness, one day for the safari. Bring a proper jacket because the temperature drops like a stone once the sun goes down, and pack serious sunscreen. It’s a weird place, but worth the trip if you plan the logistics properly.
“Just got back from a few days at Sun City, about a 2.5-hour drive (185km) from Joburg.”@LostInKyoto · 2 years ago