Sun City

Family-Friendly Holiday in South Africa

No prizes then for guessing that a holiday at Sun City is perfect for active parents with even more active children, golfers who want a safari edge to their game and for those who want a don’t-make-me-think vacation complete with impeccable service and first-class accommodation – and what accommodation there is! With options ranging from family-friendly hotels to the glitzy indulgence of the 5-Star Palace of the Lost City, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Ask your safari expert to tailor-make an itinerary for you: Sun City combines well with nearby Madikwe Private Game Reserve and at under three hours by car from Johannesburg’s international airport, you’ll be well-placed to add-on safaris to the Kruger National Park or jet down to everyone’s favourite city, Cape Town.

Sun City Hotels & Resorts

Sun City is one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations for the simple reason that it's as ideal for a fun-filled family vacation as it is for a decadent romantic getaway or an activities-driven adventure. Scattered around the sprawling resort and its two championship golf courses, the four individual Sun City hotels each offer something unique so whatever sort of holiday you're planning, you're bound to find suitable Sun City accommodation.

The exclusive and outrageously indulgent Palace of the Lost City is ideal for adventurous romantics or those looking for a truly luxurious 5-star getaway; the Cascades is an upmarket luxury hotel set in beautiful gardens featuring pools and waterfalls; Sun City Hotel was the very first hotel established and offers a classic resort experience; and the Cabanas is the ideal affordable accommodation to suit active families and budget travellers.

Ready for your dream getaway?

Discover the excitement of Sun City with a holiday filled with endless entertainment and memorable experiences. From family activities to championship golfing and nearby safaris, there’s something for everyone. Start planning your unforgettable vacation today!

Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Sun City

January is a warm month in Sun City. This is the best time to visit Sun City in South Africa if you're looking to enjoy an African summer. That said, you may want to avoid Sun City over the predictably busy South African school holidays – especially the Christmas and New Year period, or book well in advance if you want to experience the festive season.

February is still a hot month in the north of South Africa. This is great weather for enjoying the man-made wave pool known as the Valley of the Waves, or for a round of golf on the award-winning Gary Player Golf Course and Country Club. This is the best time to go to Sun City if you would prefer to miss the end-of-year holiday crowd, but still catch the sunshine of summer, and experience the best Sun City tours.

March is the last month of summer in Sun City and the weather slowly begins to turn cooler towards the end of the month. It is still a relatively warm month and is a great time to go on a game drive in the nearby Pilanesberg National Park. Pilanesberg is right on the doorstep of the resort, and offers safaris where visitors can view elephants, Cape buffalo, rhino and lion.

Travelling to Sun City from April to December

April is a busier month in Sun City after the quieter February and March shoulder season. The Easter school holiday break brings large crowds of visitors to this renowned resort to escape the city over the long weekends.

May is regarded as the best time to go to Sun City because it is an ideal time for a safari experience in the nearby Pilanesberg or Madikwe Game Reserve. Animals tend to congregate around their watering holes and the bush is less dense due to the drier and cooler climate, which makes them easier to spot. The Valley of the Waves in the Lost City does scheduled maintenance on the water slides, pools and man-made beach, so it's advisable to check your travel dates to avoid disappointment.

June may be winter in the Northwest Province, but this is a great time to visit Sun City in South Africa. It's less crowded over the winter months, it's cooler, and the rates on accommodation and safaris are lower.

July is the middle of winter in South Africa, and it can get chilly, but this is the best time to visit Sun City in South Africa to avoid the crowds. August is the last month of winter before Spring arrives in September. There is a chance of some rainfall at this time of year, but most days are calm with hardly any wind.

October and November are great months to visit Sun City in South Africa just before the peak season. December is one of the busiest months. Prices are higher over this festive season and the entire resort is usually booked well in advance. December has more rainfall than any other month of the year, but these are usually short, sharp afternoon showers after long hot days.

How to combine Sun City with a South African Holiday

Combine Sun City with one or more of Southern Africa’s other iconic destinations such as Victoria Falls or Cape Town for a superb, multi-experience holiday. And if it’s big game you want to see, then you won’t miss out on anything when you blend the fun and adventure of a Sun City tour with a safari in the legendary Kruger Park not to mention the malaria-free Big 5 destinations of close-by Madikwe Private Game Reserve or next-door Pilanesberg National Park.

Whatever your choice, a Sun City combination tour makes for an excellent family holiday but if you’re seeking romantic relaxation in luxurious surroundings, you won’t be disappointed either. Our selection of top Sun City tours and holidays include indulgent combination getaways to Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Kruger, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, our Africa Safari Experts will be sure to recommend the ideal itinerary or will tailor-make one to your requirements.

Can day-visitors access the resort, and how will this affect your stay?

Yes, Sun City does welcome day-visitors, particularly to the popular Valley of Waves water park and the Sun Central entertainment center. On weekends and public holidays, the resort can become quite lively with vibrant day-trip crowds.

However, if you are staying at one of the resort's luxury hotels, especially the five-star Cascades or the ultra-luxurious Palace of the Lost City, your exclusive experience remains entirely uncompromised. Guests staying at these premium properties enjoy completely private pool areas, dedicated resident-only lounges, and tranquil gardens that are strictly off-limits to day-visitors, ensuring you always have a quiet sanctuary to retreat to.

Flights & Getting Around

O R Tambo International Airport: Johannesburg‘s main airport is the gateway to Sun City but you’ll need to journey about three hours by road to get there.

Most people arrange a mini bus road transfer but it’s easy enough to hire a car and make the trip yourself, especially if you’re planning to do game drives in next-door Pilanesberg National Park or if you’re also heading for Madikwe Private Game Reserve, located about two hours away from Sun City.

How does a safari at next-door Pilanesberg compare to the Kruger National Park?

While the iconic Kruger National Park is legendary for its vast size, Pilanesberg National Park offers a beautifully unique and highly convenient safari experience right on Sun City's doorstep. Because Pilanesberg is set within the rare geology of an alkaline volcanic ring, it features dramatic, rugged landscapes and excellent, compact road networks.

The wildlife viewing here is spectacular, it is home to thriving populations of the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo) alongside unique desert-fringe species like brown hyena and gemsbok that you won’t typically see in the Kruger. Best of all, because Pilanesberg is completely malaria-free and only a two-to-three-hour drive from Johannesburg, it is the ultimate stress-free safari option for families traveling with young children.

What is the dress code at Sun City's premium restaurants and bars?

Sun City perfectly balances a relaxed, holiday-resort vibe with sophisticated, five-star luxury. During the day, casual resort wear, shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses, and swimwear, is the standard as you move between the pools and activities (though you’ll want to cover up when entering hotel lobbies or casual lunch spots).

In the evenings, the atmosphere transforms, especially at the fine-dining restaurants and elegant bars within The Palace of the Lost City and the Cascades. For these venues, the dress code is smart-casual. Men are generally expected to wear long trousers, collared shirts, and closed shoes, while women opt for elegant evening wear, ensuring a wonderfully sophisticated dining experience.

Is it safe to drive myself from Johannesburg to Sun City?

The route from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport to Sun City is a highly popular, well-travelled, and safe drive. The roads are entirely paved, well-maintained, and heavily signposted, making it an easy option if you prefer the independence of a rental car, especially if you plan on doing independent self-drive morning safaris into the neighboring Pilanesberg National Park.

If you would rather sit back, relax, and soak in the changing South African landscapes without the stress of navigating, simply let us know. We can easily arrange a transfer to sweep you from the airport terminal directly to your hotel doorstep.

Top Travel Tips for Sun City

Bring your binoculars: the excellent Big 5 Pilanesberg National Park is literally next door and offers guided game drives, horse-back safaris and hot-air balloon adventures.

Don’t worry about the mosquitoes: Sun City, Pilanesberg and nearby Madikwe Private Game Reserve are malaria-free.

No waves in winter: the Valley of the Waves closes for a month every winter for annual maintenance – check exact dates when booking your Sun City holiday.

Relax about activities: there’s no need to pre-book activities: golf, game drives, tours and safaris … everything can be arranged at your hotel.

Kids at Cabanas: although all Sun City’s hotels are child-friendly, The Cabanas really makes things easy with a Kids Club, play centres and activities for all ages.

Wrap up in winter: June and July are dry but cold at night; if you’re planning an early morning round of golf, game drive or hot-air balloon safari, you’ll need to wrap up well.

Get a free ride: most attractions at Sun City are within walking distance of each other but if not, then there is a free shuttle service between hotels and the entertainment centres.

Start Planning Your Sun City Holiday

Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to Sun City that’s right for you.