HIGHLIGHTS
WHY VISIT
An excellent option for a pre- or post-safari resort holiday
Plenty of things to see and do for travellers of all ages
Championship golf courses and a large waterpark
FAMOUS FOR
Since the early 1980s, Sun City has grown from a single hotel bordering the Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa to an extensive resort with multiple hotels, two golf courses, a waterpark, a large lake, a casino, an entertainment complex and myriad other attractions, from a crocodile sanctuary to the southern hemisphere’s largest maze.
The centrepiece is the extravagant Palace of the Lost City, a fantasy hotel in tropical gardens that is festooned with animal sculptures, soaring towers and impressive domes. It lies next to the Valley of the Waves, which recreates an island beach in the heart of Big 5 country. World champion golfer Gary Player designed one of the two courses and international artists perform regularly at the Superbowl theatre complex.
The other accommodation options – such as the Cascades and Sun City Hotel – offer comfortable rooms with views to the rolling hills of Pilanesberg. You can enjoy time at the many swimming pools, hit the lake for water sports or even go on a game drive in the national park.
WHEN TO VISIT
Dry season: May to October
The summer rains start easing up by around April and while temperatures drop, it is still generally very moderate and sunny during the day. This mild winter coincides with peak safari season so Sun City can often be busy with safari goers stopping by on a trip to Madikwe Game Reserve or Pilanesberg National Park. Mornings and evenings are cold so suitable clothing is required but the days are generally warm and cloud-free. South Africa has school holidays in July when Sun City is also very popular.
Green season: November to April
Around November, the first spring rains break the heat and dryness of winter resulting in a previously brown surrounding landscape being transformed into lush greenness. Although this part of South Africa has a summer rainfall pattern, showers tend to be short-lived and often in the form of a late-afternoon thunderstorm. Days can be very hot with cloud cover as the rains build up and nights are often very balmy. This is safari low season but the resort is very popular over the South African December school holidays and again during the Easter school holidays, in March or April.
ACCOMMODATION TO INSPIRE YOU
Here are our favourite Sun City hotels to inspire you. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION
Camps and lodges that surpass the bar when it comes to unusual activities, extra-special amenities and stand-out design.
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.
EXPLORE SUN CITY
OPTIONS TO EXTEND YOUR SUN CITY ITINERARY
Here are a few of our favourite destinations to add to your Sun City itinerary. These extensions are here for inspiration. Chat to one of our experienced Travel Consultants to build the ultimate itinerary, tailored just for you.
A thriving conservation success story, Madikwe is a prime Big 5 private reserve with many high-end and upscale lodges to choose from.
An easy drive from Johannesburg and on Sun City resort’s doorstep, Pilanesberg offers reliable Big 5 game viewing in a public park.
Hugged by the stunning Waterberg Plateau, malaria-free Welgevonden offers private safaris across a range of habitats.
WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL
![](https://biggestleaftravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/3-Sales-Team.png)