Sun City and the Lost City

Sun City is a large resort complex near Rustenburg in North West province, about 180 km northwest of Johannesburg in South Africa, and sits beside Pilanesberg National Park. The drive takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, and visitors can travel by rental car, a guided tour from Sandton at roughly R1,500 to R2,800, or a private driver. The resort's centrepiece is the Palace of the Lost City, a themed hotel built in the style of a lost African kingdom, set among landscaped jungle gardens and a large artificial lake. Sun City has a casino, restaurants and entertainment venues, and it is known for its championship golf courses, including Gary Player Country Club. The Valley of Waves water park features a wave pool with a sandy beach, water slides and lazy rivers, which makes it the main draw for families in the warmer months. Other activities include zipline and adventure rides, a cable-way style attraction, and quad biking, and visitors can also arrange a game drive in nearby Pilanesberg. A workable day starts with an early departure from Johannesburg, arrives before late morning, spends the middle of the day at the Valley of Waves or the Palace gardens, then eats at one of the resort's restaurants before returning in the late afternoon. Buffets and casual restaurants are located throughout the complex, and picnic options are limited. September to March gives the warmest weather and the best conditions for the Valley of Waves, while winter mornings can be cool and the pools less inviting. Weekends and school holidays draw large crowds, so a weekday is calmer. Visitors should check current entry conditions and activity prices with the resort, allow for a long drive on both ends, and consider an overnight stay to reduce time on the road.