Based on the classic 1885 novel 'King Solomon's Mines' by English novelist Sir Henry Rider Haggard, Sun City attempts to recreate the romantic adventure tale through a lost African land.  The result is not dissimilar to a Hollywood film set!

Mysterious and imposing statues of ancient worship are carved into the rocks, the 'earthquake' troubled Bridge of Time is lined with huge stone elephant statues looking down from their pedestals, and there are 'ruins' set in jungle-like surroundings. 

The focal point of the Lost City is without doubt the Palace Hotel. Overlooking the rest of the Sun City resort, and set in 25 hectares of botanical gardens complete with waterfalls, lakes and peaceful walks, the Palace is probably the most opulent hotel in the world.

Inside The Palace Hotel

Unless you are staying there, access to the Palace is limited to a guided tour, which can be booked from the Welcome Centre, at the Sun City Entertainment Centre. 

There are several tours a day, which takes you around the Palace (but not into any bedrooms), and up to the very top of one of the towers, giving great views over the entire Sun City complex.

From the moment you enter The Palace, you will be awe-struck at the extravagance. The lobby has a painted ceiling that the Sistine Chapel would be envious of, and huge crystal chandeliers hang from the high and ornate dining room ceilings.

Other Tours

Also from the Welcome Centre, you can book a whole range of other sight-seeing attractions, such as a guided game drive into the neighbouring Pilanesburg National Park.

A unique and alternative way of viewing the park and its wildlife is by  hot-air balloon - an experience that should not be missed. 

Flights are early morning, and include an early morning collection from your hotel in Sun City. 

After a one hour serene balloon ride over the bush to watch the sunrise, the trip also includes a glass of champagne on landing (a time-honoured tradition in ballooning), and a full English breakfast at a private game lodge, before returning to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day.  

Beach Fun ...

A beach in the middle of South Africa?  Yes, it is true. 

The Valley of the Waves is hugely popular - a totally manufactured beach scene, complete with sand, palm trees, sun loungers and parasols, and a wave machine and water slide for the more adventurous.  

The wave machine is fantastic fun.  A siren sounds, and everybody rushes into the water in anticipation. 

After what seems an age, the fountains at the end explode into life, and water gushes into the 'sea'. 

An ominous rumbling noise indicates that the wave is about to begin, and sure enough, a wave manufactures itself and comes tumbling towards you.  The first one is tame, but by the last one you are surfing into the shoreline on a wave that Hawaii would be proud of.

Waterworld

Waterworld is on the shores of the Sun City Lake and provides a full range of water sports from parasailing, jet skiing, pedal boats, wake boards, bumper boats and water skiing.

From Slot Machines to Sushi

If gambling is your ideal way to spend your time, the large Entertainment Centre has literally hundreds of slot machines. 

Or for the more serious, the Sun City Hotel has a small casino, but it is not in the Las Vegas league at all.  You will not make your fortune in Sun City – the jackpots are not that large!   

Black jack and roulette occupy most of the tables, and unlike Vegas, drinks are not free for the casual visitor - we cannot comment if they are complimentary for the bigger gamblers!

For the food addict, there are many restaurants and fast-food outlets, offering everything from hamburgers to sushi.

Golf at Sun City

The Lost City Country Club is a 72-par golf course, providing spectacular views from the 11th tee, players can see 15 holes, including the 6th, 58m below. 

Watch out for the 13th hole, where, if you are unfortunate to lose your ball in the water, you have to face 38 live crocodiles, some up to 2m in length, to retrieve it. 

The unusual water hazard is just one of the features that make The Lost City Golf Course exciting and interesting to play.

If you don't like the idea of the crocodiles, the highly acclaimed Gary Player Country Club is at Sun City as well, which has been home to the Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Challenge, one of the richest and most exclusive events on the international golfing calendar, since 1981. 

The Gary Player Golf Course is acknowledged as a difficult and demanding course. It requires stamina and accuracy from players; the full 6,938 metre course is undoubtedly the toughest on the subcontinent. 

Other attractions not to be missed ...

The Health Spa at the Gary Player Country Club is a new ultra luxurious spa that has a wide range of treatments that are sure to leave you relaxed and pampered.

There is also a fully equipped health club with 11 tennis courts, bowl greens and squash courts.

Helicopter flips are now available at Sun City for the 'Aviation Adventurer'. Explore the wonders of Sun City from the air and soar above the Palace and take in the magnificent views.

For the more adventurous types, there is go-karting, or the quad bikes are rough and ready vehicles that excel at tackling hard terrain and the bushveld. 

Or try your hand at clay target shooting, an elegant and noble sport that becomes addictive as you master the art!

For evening entertainment, take in the Afro-Dizzia Extravaganza.  With the help of state-of-the-art staging, lighting and sound, the show promises to be original, highly artistic and flamboyant, and will appeal to everyone.