Sun City
Sun City seems so remote from the tranquil peace of Pilanesberg but is actually only a 45 minute drive away and its glitz and glamour provide a fantastic contrast to life at Savannah Lodge. You can choose to travel in the daytime to cool off in the Valley of the Waves water park or play a round of golf or two, and the lush gardens and sparkling pools of Palace of the Lost City hotel complex are irresistible by day or by night. Our evening trip offers the chance to enjoy world class entertainment from international superstars such as Dolly Parton or Elton John, or to try your luck at the gaming tables of the magnificent casino. If the lure of the bright lights tempts you, because we offer a bespoke service, we can add longer trips before or after your safari.
Sun City History
In the 1970s Pilanesberg formed part of the self-governing Bophuthatswana region, which was outside the scope of South Africa’s gambling legislation. Developer Sol Kerzner saw the opportunity to create an ambitious self-contained resort, based on the twin ‘forbidden’ attractions of gaming and show business. It was a huge success and over the years has grown in style and sophistication, offering a unique range of attractions for both children and grown-ups – an interesting contrast to the wildlife nature park that it borders.
The Palace of the lost city
Considering that it was conceived 25 years ago, this mind-boggling 5-star luxury hotel bears comfortable comparison with the fantastical worlds of Indiana Jones and Game of Thrones. It has been created as if it were the gigantic royal residence of some ancient, fabulously rich, jungle monarch. Grand proportions and graceful towers are subject to incredible attention to detail including artworks, sculpture, mosaic, frescoes and fountains. Outside, the palace lies surrounded by exotic planting, bubbling streams and gushing waterfalls. There are many bars and restaurants and the casino is open around the clock.
The Valley of the waves and waterworld
The Valley of the Waves park includes more than 15 exciting water rides of varying comfort levels from gentle to hair-raising, within an amazing man-made environment of palm-fringed beaches, artificial earthquakes and pounding tidal waves. By contrast, the Waterworld lakes area is devoted to hands-on watersports including wakeboarding, water-skiing, jet skiing and bumper boats. Later in the evening things quieten down with lake cruises at sunset.
Golf at Sun City
Considering that it was conceived 25 years ago, this mind-boggling 5-star luxury hotel bears comfortable comparison with the fantastical worlds of Indiana Jones and Game of Thrones. It has been created as if it were the gigantic royal residence of some ancient, fabulously rich, jungle monarch. Grand proportions and graceful towers are subject to incredible attention to detail including artworks, sculpture, mosaic, frescoes and fountains. Outside, the palace lies surrounded by exotic planting, bubbling streams and gushing waterfalls. There are many bars and restaurants and the casino is open around the clock.