Sun City | The Lost City | Hotels

If Samuel Taylor Coleridge* could have brought to life the stately “pleasuredome” that Kubla Khan did decree in his fabled poem of the same name, it might well have been the mirror image of The Sun City Resort in South Africa.

The only difference is that the idea of a resort as fantastical as Sun City was conceived by South Africa’s own revolutionary dreamer, Sol Kerzner. From the moment it first opened its doors to the public in 1979, Kerzner has not wavered in his ambition to create the ultimate leisure resort where guests of all ages can enjoy a range of entertainment and action.

Located alongside the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and counting the ever-popular Valley of the Waves as one of its major draws, Sun City enjoys the prestige of being the only “surf and safari” destination within a two-hour drive of Johannesburg. Today the resort boasts four internationally acclaimed hotels – choose between the exotic opulence of The Palace of the Lost City, the savoir-faire of the five-star Cascades, the non-stop buzz at the Soho, and the laidback environment of the Cabanas. Plus, multiple casinos, restaurants, shops and two luxurious spas as well as world-class conference and wedding facilities.

With no shortage of exciting things to do, it would be fair to say Kerzner has achieved his dream of creating a “world within a city.” Catch a live show in the Superbowl which has hosted some of the most popular superstars over the years. Thrill to a perfectly choreographed extravaganza. Get your culture fix at the state-of-the-art Hall of Fame exhibition.

If golf is your game, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Sun City with two spectacular courses – the legendary Gary Player Golf Course and the 72-par, desert-style Lost City Golf Course which is alive with water features including a hazard at hole 13 that is home to 38 Nile crocodiles, both designed by champion golfer Gary Player.

Fitness enthusiasts can challenge themselves to a spin around the TimeChamp trail run or tackle one of Sun City’s mountain bike trails to get their heart racing. Polish your serve on one of the 11 tennis courts or get your adrenaline pumping with a wild-eyed Waterworld escapade.

Enjoy a relaxed Segway tour of the resort grounds or up the pace with an awe-inspiring ride over Sun City on the world’s fastest zip slide. And if you’re up for some more action-filled adventure, get on down to the Adrenaline Extreme base.

Imagine yourself an explorer of old with a wander around the “ancient” temple ruins, carvings, and grottos of The Lost City which also features the 'Shrine of the Sacred Monkey' and a magical Maze.

Lovers of the great outdoors can brush up on their archery skills, master the art of playing the Djembe drum, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with the highly threatened rhino.

Experience the incredible biodiversity of the world-renowned Pilanesberg National Park by booking a guided game drive or “on foot” rhino tracking expedition or get a bird’s eye view of the park’s abundant fauna and flora with an unforgettable hot air balloon safari.

It's abundance of activities for adults and children alike, makes Sun City the one place in South Africa where “the fun truly never sets.”

* Samuel Taylor Coleridge penned his famous poem Kubla Khan (aka A Vision in a Dream) in 1797; it was later published in 1816.