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Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
For some of us, memories of Sun City begin and end with childhood holidays punctuated by long days spent at the Valley of Waves and the feeling of being somewhere wild and exotic, without having strayed too far from Joburg’s borders. For this writer, it was fascinating to revisit this old haunt with fresh eyes – and a far deeper appreciation for the lush bushveld that surrounds it.
It is a relatively short and scenic drive from Johannesburg to Sun City in the North West Province, between 140km and 180km depending on the route you take, placing it well within weekend getaway territory.
The accommodation options here are numerous, from the charming Lefika Villas for those who like the freedom to self-cater with all the luxury trimmings, to The Palace of the Lost City – a grand hotel designed around the myth of a long-lost African kingdom that epitomises Sun City’s reputation as part theme park, part resort.
Opting for a more understated but no less lovely experience, The Reserve felt like a home away from home. For relaxed family holidays or a leisurely escape with close friends, it serves brilliantly. We left the city early one Friday afternoon and loved watching the landscape shift as the distance grew between us and Joburg.
The Reserve offers the best of both worlds: you’re close enough to dip into Sun City’s world of family-friendly fun, food, and adventure, but can just as easily slip into safari mode thanks to exclusive access to the neighbouring Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. This was a major drawcard, and a perk we made use of more than once during our stay.
Sun City, revisited
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
There wasn’t anything else in South Africa like Sun City when it opened in 1979 – a fantasy playground in the bushveld complete with casinos, concert venues, golf courses, and a man-made beach. The vision of business magnate Sol Kerzner, the addition of The Palace of the Lost City in 1992, added to the mythos of Sun City – and became the jewel in its crown.
Bearing in mind its age, some aspects of this grand and towering building do seem dated to the modern eye, yet its dedication to the theme is still something to behold. Architects and designers collaborated with artists to craft every detail, from the stone-tiled floors to the ornate columns and ceilings.
Beyond the Palace, with Sun City’s two championship golf courses (covering 7km, the Gary Player Country Club is one of the longest in the world) and the Valley of the Waves, there’s more to this resort than meets the eye.
The Reserve gets a refresh
Sun City maintains its nostalgic, retro appeal while continuously reinventing itself. The latest in a string of upgrades set its sights on The Reserve – a collection of 234 timeshare units forming part of Sun Vacation Club. Nearly 30 years after these units were introduced, Sun International kicked off a R210 million refurbishment in 2024.
These units have been given a modern makeover inspired by the African wilderness, but – after a peek inside one of the pre-refurbishment units – we saw they still carry the easygoing charm that’s made them a favourite for years.
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
We stayed in a three-bedroom unit in The Reserve’s Buffalo section. It was spacious and stylish, with woven wallpapers, animal-print fabrics, and pops of blue and yellow bringing colour to an otherwise earthy palette. The kitchen is fully-equipped for keen cooks, while the built-in braai on the patio is a South African necessity – great for fans of fire or as a place to kick back with a sundowner.
The bedrooms are well laid out, with an en-suite main bedroom and two twin rooms upstairs. With three bathrooms total, there's no queueing for the shower, and two include deep bathtubs – a bonus for winter visits. The lounge and dining areas downstairs offer plenty of space to relax and socialise, and air-conditioning throughout keeps the temperature comfortable year-round. Daily housekeeping services are available for those who want to keep it extra easy.
Our stay – A winter escape
Checking in through the Sun Vacation Club reception was quick and fuss-free, with friendly staff on hand to answer questions. We wasted no time unpacking, settling into our spacious unit, and making it our own. While our visit was just for two nights, you get the sense that these are not just holiday apartments but getaways designed for longer stays.
If, like us, you opt not to cook on the night of your arrival, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, with something to suit just about every taste or budget. We kept it easy with Nando’s in Sun Central but the epicurious can browse the full list of offerings here, which range from popular local fast food joints to fine dining restaurants, and everything in between.
The Reserve is a short walk or shuttle ride from Sun City’s central attractions. While some in our party preferred to lounge indoors on Saturday morning, others found The Reserve an ideal starting point from which to explore. It’s fun to walk the grounds of the resort or take the footpaths on the golf courses backdropped by green, rolling hills (as long as you watch your head for golf balls gone rogue). It was never too far a stroll to pop back home for a snack or a cup of tea in between wanderings.
Adjoining the reception of Sun Vacation Club is a small convenience store with pantry staples, braai supplies, and basic toiletries, plus a Vida e Café for your grab-and-go coffee. Walking out through reception to the swimming pools, the accompanying deck chairs were an enticing spot to catch some rays – and we could imagine ourselves returning here to curl up with a book, in between dips when the weather permits.
Touch of the Wild
Come Saturday evening, we joined Mankwe GAMETRACKERS for a guided game drive in the expansive Pilanesberg Nature Reserve, departing from Sun City’s Welcome Centre. Aboard the open-top safari vehicle amidst excited chatter, we soaked in the sights – while the animals were not out in their hordes that day, we enjoyed elephant, buck, giraffe, rhino, and crocodile sightings in the glow of the setting sun. We always say, it's not just about ticking off the Big Five – it's a gift simply to be in these environments.
The experience was led by the irrepressibly cheery guide Sbu, whose warm disposition helped us survive the last, bitingly cold portion of the ride. Those of us who didn’t pack our beanies certainly regretted it, and we advise you to learn from our mistake: the winter days in this area may be wonderfully warm, but the temperatures drop steeply once the sun sets. We bundled up in blankets for the final, torch-lit stretch home – the glowing eyes of owls blinking out from the darkness every now and then.
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
A hot bath immediately upon returning to our unit was nothing if not welcome. Meanwhile, a fire was lit – you didn’t think we’d leave without a braai – and we settled in for a home-cooked feast. There could be no better way to round off our stay. The morning of our departure, we journeyed home via the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve with a self-drive safari to make the most of our proximity to this gem.
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
Leisure and adventure at Sun City
Sun City is what you make it. There’s enough here to fill an entire week – from padel courts and segway tours to zip-lining, spa treatments, and that iconic artificial beach – but there’s also plenty of space to do nothing at all. Kids will love the maze, the mini-zoo, and the water slides. Adults might be more tempted by the golf courses or a cocktail at the Royal Baths. Sun City even has its own parkrun, held weekly on Saturday mornings – a beautiful way to get your steps in among the trees and hills. Bars and lounges in The Palace and Sun City Hotel offer relaxed nightlife options.Plan your visit to The Reserve at Sun City
The Reserve offers a quieter alternative to Sun City’s busier hotels, with newly refurbished units that balance comfort and convenience. The makeover gives it fresh energy without losing the essence of what's made it so enduringly popular, making it ideal for families or groups looking to self-cater while staying close to the action.GETTING THERE
Sun City is a two-hour drive from Johannesburg. Shuttle services and private transfers are available from OR Tambo International Airport. Pilanesberg International Airport is nearby for flying visitors, and private charters can land at the resort’s small airstrip.
ACCESSIBILITY
Sun City resort is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, with ramps, lifts, and accessible bathrooms in key spots.
NAVIGATION
Shuttle buses run regularly across the resort, departing from the Welcome Centre.
MAKE A BOOKING
Bookings for The Reserve can be made through the Sun Vacation Club website, with virtual tours and membership info available online. While refurbished units are prioritised for members, limited short stays are sometimes open to the public – it’s worth checking availability. Contact Sun Vacation Club on +27 (0)11 780 7300 or email sales.svc@suninternational.com.
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