Big 5 Golf Safari

The Valley of Waves water park is Sun City’s legendary hub for all kinds of water fun. Offering family-friendly water activities that appeal to adventurers of all ages, there is something for everyone at this iconic Sun City water park. Both day visitors and Sun City Resort guests are invited to enjoy a full day of exciting activities, with a designated children’s area and lifeguards on duty. The main attraction at Valley of Waves is the Roaring Lagoon – a 6 500 square metre wave pool with hydraulic mechanisms that generate waves of nearly 2 metres high every 90 seconds.

Perhaps even more famous than the Valley of Waves, the Temple of Courage promises an exhilarating adrenalin rush with a 17-metre drop down a 70-metre slide. The almost vertical slide takes riders hurtling under a bridge and splashing into a small pool. There are also two body slides – the Tarantula and the Scorpion, and two tube rides – the Viper and the Mamba.

This private adult pool located above The Brew Monkey at the Valley of Waves will inspire you to dive in and swim laps. Surrounded by lush jungle, The Royal Baths is also the perfect place to unwind after an active day at Sun City.

- Operating hours: 08h00 - 19h00 (Valley of Waves times – peak periods) thereafter it will be open as per normal Valley of Waves times
- Free entry to all hotel and Sun Vacation Club residents on presentation of their resident cards
- Day visitor entry fee: R50 (guest will receive an armband for identification)
- Complimentary fruit skewer
- Complimentary non-alcoholic cocktail
- Guest to present ID on request
- Max capacity: 200 people
- Gazebos are available for private massages
- Observatory Bar is exclusively for guests at The Royal Baths

The largest permanent maze in the Southern Hemisphere, The Maze of the Lost City is constructed from artificial stone and wood, creating the illusion of an ancient archaeological discovery. It’s just as much fun for families to explore, as it is for teambuilding and corporate functions. The Maze of the Lost City was added to Sun City Resort in September 2012 and covers a half-acre. The Maze is accessed via a 100 metre-long suspension bridge from the Entertainment Centre, and offers some of the most spectacular views of the resort, particularly of The Palace of the Lost City and the Gary Player Golf Course. When night falls, flaming torches light the paths along the chambers. At the end of The Maze of the Lost City is the Maze Bar that has a selection of ice-cold craft beers on tap. The craft beer menu is updated regularly so you can always expect something new at this unique Sun City maze bar.

This Sun City maze can be hired out for private parties, conferences or as a dining area, hosting up to 200 people.

The Gary Player Country Club Golf Course, designed by Gary Player, is an 18-hole par-72 walking course, with a 5km running trail along the course. Built in an extinct volcanic crater, this immaculate golfing paradise conforms to the stringent US PGA specifications and was recently named South Africa’s Best Golf Course in the World Golf Awards 2015. It is also home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge which plays host to some of the world’s golfing legends.

When construction of the Sun City Resort began in 1978, the decision was taken to build a golf course that would rival the best in the world. Today, in spite of stiff competition, the Gary Player Country Club is deservedly ranked as one of the most prestigious golf courses on the African continent.

The popularity of the Sun City Resort led to the design and development of the Lost City Country Club. Gary Player was called upon again to extend his professional expertise by designing the golf course. Covered in the hardy Kikuyu grass, much like the Gary Player Country Club golf course at Sun City, the course offers undulating plains, expansive fairways, mountainous areas and small patches of desert. This superlative golf course also offers players a distinctive region covered with a series of lakes that separate the 9th from the final hole. The 13th hole offers a green in the shape of the African continent, complete with a pond that is home to numerous Nile Crocodiles; adding to the true African appeal of this course.

Rejuvenate, relax and restore in the exquisite bamboo forest gardens of the Balinese-style Spa at Fairlawns. With a range of therapies and signature Asian-inspired treatments, a team of skilled therapists are able to bring you back to a state of calm and natural well-being. Five indoor treatment rooms with enhanced mood lighting set the scene for your journey to relaxation and restoration. The Balinese Gardens are the perfect space to catch your breath after your massage. Featuring a heated plunge pool, Knipe Therapy, spa bath and hidden escapes on a Chinese daybed or pod swing chairs, it is an oasis to disconnect and refresh. Three outdoor treatment salas accommodate groups of two and more. Choose from a variety of facials for gentlemen and ladies, travel therapy treatments like a Jet Lag Massage, or the perfect manicure and pedicure combination.

Discover heartfelt hospitality and elegance in the Manor Bistro lounge with windows opening out onto the gardens, serving daily classic afternoon tea. An ideal spot to dine on light meals, and ogle the cake trolley, inspired by the Ritz in London, this is also fast becoming very popular with events. Partake in a classic, with morning and afternoon tea served daily. You can also indulge in Champagne or sparkling wine served by the glass. High Tea is served from Tuesday to Monday, 11h00 to 17h00.

The varied habitats on the Greater Mabula Game Reserve provide ideal conditions for an astounding selection of large mammals including the Big Five, other predators such as Brown Hyena and Jackal and Cheetah, and an impressive variety of antelope from Red Hartebeest to Eland, Gemsbok and Blesbok. That’s not to mention the elusive cheetah, cheeky honey badger and the omnipresent crèches of warthogs that flit across one’s path during your safari.

An early Morning safari around sunrise and afternoon Safari with sundowners are offered to lodge guests, and depending on the time of year you visit, each experience can be unique. Watch the vivid change of the seasons as the green thickets and grasslands give way to the bushveld greys and yellows of autumn.

See Impala, Zebra, Giraffe, and Ostrich all graze together on the vast open grassland plains; the herd of elephant crashing through thick bush to get to the juiciest leaves and a shy hippo pair hiding everything but their protruding nostrils under the water.

Admire the resident lion pride lazing under an African thorn tree after a tiring hunt or watch silently as the beautiful, yet terrifying, Golden Orb spider spins her thick web across two Silver Cluster Leaf trees.

Each safari drive will reveal new scents, curious sounds and the beauty of an authentic African landscape to delight your senses.

300 bird species
60 mammals
Big Five
Numerous plants, reptile and insect species
Qualified Guides conduct open vehicle safari in luxury land cruisers across the 12 000 hectare private reserve.

Leaving from the lodge, Guides will accompany you on an experience that introduces you to Nature on an intimate level. Being on foot allows you to witness the detail of both Flora and Fauna on a different scale, often highlighting smaller and less familiar species. Guides are specifically qualified to undertake walking safaris and are well equipped to ensure safety.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and khaki coloured clothing to blend in with the natural environment. Bright colours are not permitted.

Departure time: 05h30 (summer) – 06h30 (winter)
Minimum Guests: 2
Maximum Guests: 8
Age restrictions: Below 16 years not permitted

Horseback Safaris offer a different perspective for wildlife viewing. Benefit from the height and mobility offered from being mounted that sets this opportunity aside from other activities.

Experienced Guides ensure that riders are aware of the necessary safety precautions. Long trousers and closed shoes are recommended.

Departure Times Summer: 06h00 – 09h00 | 16h00
Departure Times Winter: 07h00 – 10h00 | 15h00
Length of the trail: 2 hours (1.5 hours on the trail, and a half an hour for induction)
Age restrictions: Below 5 years not permitted

Participate in an adventure over interesting trails on a Quad Bike. With the emphasis on safety, guides ensure that participants are wearing the necessary safety gear before exploring the reserve. the safari is undertaken on 250cc Suzuki Quad bikes that can be driven in manual or automatic.

Departure Times Summer: 07h00, 10h00, 15h00 and 17h00
Departure Times Winter: 08h00, 11h00, 14h00 and 16h00
Frequency: 1.5 hours (1 hour on the trail, and a half an hour for induction), daily
Age restrictions: Below 5 years not permitted
These activities can be booked at reception at an additional charge.

The Balloon Crew, consisting of the pilot and two crew members, will arrive at the Lodge the evening prior to the flight, meet the passengers and brief them on the following morning’s balloon safari. The flight lasts approximately one hour, starting at 06h00 at a suitable area selected on the reserve – the latter depending on the flight direction and meteorological conditions of the day. Our Rangers will transfer you back to the Lodge in time for breakfast.

The above includes your flight, champagne served during the flight and a certificate for “bravery”.