Sun City is internationally renowned as Africa ‘s premier holiday resort. Only 187 km from Johannesburg, the resort, situated in the bushveld of South Africa’s North West province, is surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Pilanesberg. The fabulous Sun City Resort complex captivates visitors with its combination of golf, game and gambling as well as world-class hotels.
The resort includes the Lost City, the Valley of the Waves, two internationally acclaimed 18-hole golf courses, multiple hotels, and time-share facilities, Sun Central (which features the Sun City Superbowl and the South African Hall of fame) and the legendary Sun City Casino. Each of these, in turn, has its attractions and features.
The Vision of Sol Kerzner
Sun City Resort & Casino and the breath-taking Palace of the Lost City were developed by a visionary hotel magnate, Sol Kerzner. Sun City was developed by the hotel magnate Sol Kerzner as part of his Sun International group of properties. Kerzner started life as a manager of a small family-owned hotel in Durban, a coastal city on the Indian Ocean. Through hard work and innovative marketing, he built his empire into an international entity called Sun International. Today, the company owns resorts and hotels in Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, and Europe, but Sun City is still one of the big success stories of Kerzner's career.
It was opened in 1979 at a time in South Africa when gambling was strictly prohibited under rigid rule of the current government. The development of the original hotel and entertainment hub centred on a massive casino and the concept at the time was regarded as a “rebel development”.
Apartheid Era and Cultural Boycott
Sun City was opened in 1979, during the apartheid era of racial segregation and discrimination. In the late 1970s, the country was embroiled in the liberation struggle to free itself of the ruthless apartheid system; the United Nations had imposed a cultural boycott on South Africa and international artists refused to perform in the country.
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As Bophuthatswana had been declared an independent state by South Africa's apartheid government (although unrecognised as such by any other country), it could provide entertainment such as gambling and topless revue shows, which were banned in South Africa. Because of the alternative laws in the homelands, Sun City could provide entertainment such as gambling and topless revue shows, which were illegal in South Africa. Those factors, as well as its relatively close location to the large metropolitan areas of Pretoria and Johannesburg, ensured that Sun City soon became a popular holiday and weekend destination.
To overcome this, Kerzner offered substantial financial incentives to performing artists to use Sun City as a venue. Kerzner offered substantial financial incentives to international artists to perform at Sun City and the likes of the Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Frank Sinatra, Rod Stewart and Elton John performed to sold-out audiences in Sun City’s Superbowl auditorium.
Several acts disregarded the boycott and performed at the venue, such as The Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Ray Charles, Millie Jackson, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra (1981), Shirley Bassey (1981), Olivia Newton-John (1982), Dolly Parton (1982), Neil Sedaka (1982), Paul Anka, Status Quo, Rod Stewart (July 1983), Elton John (October 1983), and Boney M. British rock band Queen's series of performances at the venue in October 1984 in transgression of the boycott caused considerable controversy, prompting criticism in the British music press, a fine from the Musicians' Union and their inclusion on the United Nations' blacklisted artists.
In 1985, E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt made the venue the focus of his music-industry activist group Artists United Against Apartheid. Forty-nine top recording artists collaborated on a song called "Sun City", in which they pledged they would not perform at the resort because of their opposition to apartheid. Additionally, Simple Minds included the song as part of a live medley on their Live in the City of Light double album in 1987.
Bophuthatswana was eventually re-incorporated into the new democratic South Africa in 1994 and the novelty of international performers, gambling and risqué entertainment has worn off somewhat.
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Hotels and Accommodation
There are four hotels at Sun City, each offering a choice of accommodation with its own style, character and ambience. Choose from the luxury of The Palace of the Lost City to the perfect family holiday venue at the Cabanas.
The Palace of the Lost City
The Palace of the Lost City in South Africa ranks as one of the world’s most extraordinary hotels. The centerpiece of the extraordinary Palace of the Lost City complex is a fairytale palace residence, built with unbelievable attention to detail. The grand interior befits a royal palace with a domed roof enhanced with serpentine paintings and floors that shine with textures of intricate mosaics. The interior features exquisite mosaics, frescoes and hand-painted ceilings depicting South Africa ‘s wildlife and culture.
There are no less than 338 rooms including four suites. The King, Royal, African and Desert Suites are available on request. The King Suite at The Palace of the Lost City is the epitome of regal luxury with hand-carved walls, frescoed ceilings and hundreds of custom-designed items. All luxury suites at The Palace of the Lost City feature a sauna and jacuzzi bath, while the Africa Suite even has an additional jacuzzi on the balcony. Staying here affords you the opportunity to enjoy life in your very own Palace!
The Cascades Hotel
The Cascades Hotel is a sophisticated and elegant hotel with lush gardens, tropical birds and water features. The Cascades Hotel is the grand old lady of Sun City, and still retains a timeless elegance. All the rooms at The Cascades face the tropical splendour of the Cascades Hotel ‘s gardens and pools. There are 7740 square metres of water features, including 12 man made waterfalls and cataracts. Understandably the Cascades Hotel is often the favorite hotel amongst visitors who know Sun City well.
The Sun City Hotel
Alive with activity, the Sun City Hotel in South Africa buzzes around the clock with the excitement of its world-class restaurants, casinos and stage revues. The Sun City Hotel was the first hotel to open its doors at Sun City in South Africa on December 7th 1979. A multitude of entertainment options characterise The Sun City Hotel in the heart of the Sun City complex. The Sun City Hotel in South Africa is for those who want to be where the action is - day and night, this hotel never stops pumping!
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The Cabanas
The most relaxed and casual of all Sun City’s hotels, the Sun City Cabanas is a lakeside hideaway situated in the Sun City Resort. The Cabanas open out onto lush gardens leading down to the Sun City Lake which is a watersport playground for visitors of all ages. The Cabanas is a popular hotel choice for those travelling to Sun City and South Africa. Guests can choose the accommodation type to suit their needs. The Standard Cabanas are all air-conditioned with TV and radio and a shower en suite, whilst the Family Cabanas are larger, accommodating four people with a full bathroom.
Golf Courses
The Sun City golf courses in South Africa are just as spectacular as the rest of the Sun City Resort, with both courses offering the best golf facilities in Africa. The two golf courses were designed by South Africa ‘s golfing pro Gary Player, and top golf tournaments are played on these courses.
Whilst professionals can certainly do their rounds, Sun City has not forgotten the amateur player; the Titleist Golf Academy provides private or group instruction and golf clinics. South Africa ‘s famous Gary Player Country Club features an 18-hole golf course with a par of 72. The Gary Player Golf Course situated at Sun City is home to the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge. The clever design and multiple tees make the course equally enjoyable for both the keen novice and the skilled professional. Sun City ‘s Country Club offers comprehensive facilities for golfer and non-golfer alike.
Entertainment and Activities
Sun City is aptly named “Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure” as it provides dazzling entertainment for everyone! The resort at Sun City features glamorous casinos, gourmet restaurants, extensive sports facilities and star-studded performances.
🇿🇦Most Exclusive Resort in South Africa - North West's Sun City ✔️
Initially, Sun City was allowed to provide entertainment such as gambling and topless revue shows, which were banned in South Africa. These factors, as well as its relatively close location to the large metropolitan areas of Pretoria and Johannesburg, ensured that Sun City soon became (and stayed) a popular holiday and weekend destination.
Many famous musicians such as Queen, Elton John, Linda Ronstadt, Julio Iglesias, The O’Jays, Ray Charles, Boney M., Black Sabbath, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Brightman, Laura Branigan, John Legend, R Kelly and Thomas Anders (of Modern Talking fame) also performed at the ‘Sun City Super Bowl’, a large auditorium which seats 6,230.
The Sun City resort has hosted various concerts and events, including the Miss World, Miss South Africa and Miss South Africa Teen Pageant. The South African pageants take place annually in Sun City’s Superbowl Arena and the Valley of Waves.
In addition to this, Sun City Resort was awarded the 2007 Overall Imvelo Responsible Tourism Award in South Africa. Sun City Resort is an environmentally friendly destination and has been awarded Gold classification from the Heritage Programme for its commitment to the principles of sustainable and responsible environmental practice.
Table: Key Features of Sun City Resort
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotels | The Palace of the Lost City, The Cascades Hotel, The Sun City Hotel, The Cabanas |
| Golf Courses | Gary Player Country Club, Lost City Golf Course (both designed by Gary Player) |
| Entertainment | Casinos, restaurants, sports facilities, star-studded performances, Valley of Waves |
| Attractions | Lost City, Sun Central, Sun City Superbowl, South African Hall of Fame |
Valley of Waves
Sol Kerzner brought the beach to Sun City, creating one of the most spectacular water parks in the world. The Valley of the Waves is a whole-day’s entertainment with a selection of slides and rides for young and old. The brave ones love the Temple of Courage with a 17-metre drop down a 70-metre slide and the more sedate amongst us prefer a lazy tube ride on the Lazy River.
The Maze of the Lost City
This is the largest permanent maze in the southern hemisphere and huge fun for families, teambuilding and corporate functions. The Maze of the Lost City covers a half-acre and offers spectacular views of the resort and its exotic surrounds. You enter The Maze via a 100-metre-long suspension bridge from Sun Central. At the end of your walk, enjoy an ice-cold craft beer or soft-drink at the Maze Bar.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve borders the Sun City Resort and is a short drive away from the main complex. A knowledgeable safari guide will take you around Pilanesberg Game Reserve pointing out fascinating features and facts while on the lookout for lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, rhinos and leopards.
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