Home to the Valley of Waves and sprawled along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, Sun City Resort enjoys the fine distinction of being the only surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of landlocked Johannesburg.
Sun City, South Africa (05 August 2021) – We often take familiar things for granted, and after visiting Sun City for the first time in almost two years this past weekend, we were reminded that we really do have a forgotten gem… literally on our doorstep.
Sun City was developed by the hotel magnate Sol Kerzner as part of his Sun International group of properties. It was officially opened on 7 December 1979, then located in the Bantustan of Bophuthatswana.
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. Those factors and 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.
But that was 42 years ago, and since then, the resort has evolved into a favourite family destination, hosting massive events, winning global awards and even being featured as the backdrop of a movie starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler!
“We made the 1,5 hour trip from Jozi just as inter-provincial travel was allowed again, and to be sipping a cocktail by a resort pool within 2 hours of leaving Fourways, is reason enough to take the toll-free road and follow the Sun.”
And since we all love lists, here are 5 reasons why you should visit Sun City:
It’s less than 2 hours away.
Let’s be honest, for a sneaky long weekend from Joburg; the N3 is just too much of a mission and the Kruger just too far. We were checked in and changed in less than 2 hours from pulling out of our driveway.
It’s supporting local tourism.
I think at one stage I wrote Sun City off and in my mind left It to the “international tourists”. Why should we let them have all the fun? Re-discovering iconic South African holiday spots have been a staple of our local tourism for the last 18 months; let’s reclaim our holiday heritage!
You don’t have to Uber home!
Admittedly I may have walked 12km steps a day while we were there, but the beauty of such a vast resort is that you never get bored, never dine at the same restaurant and never have to worry about roadblocks!
It’s great value!
The sheer range of activities, many such as the Valley of the Waves free for residents (there are currently no day visitors allowed), combined with the numerous bars. Take-away spots, Braai areas and accommodation choices mean you can literally spend a full jam-packed weekend away on almost any budget imaginable.
It’s Sun City!!!
They built the City on Rock ’n Roll; they launched it with Jean Michelle Jarre, they have had some of the greatest rock stars perform at the Super Bowl, they have 2 golf courses, 4 hotels, safari excursions, the Vacation Club, Timeshare a freaking Wave Pool and a Monorail!
Do you need another reason? We will certainly be back and hope to see you there as our battered local tourism industry slowly gets back on its feet.
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