Sun City is located in the North West province and is a two-hour drive from Pretoria/ Johannesburg. This is perfect for just a day trip, or you can make a weekend of it!
We got up bright and early, put on our swimsuits, and hit the road. It was a cloudy day, which turned out to be the perfect weather! Everyone who has been to Sun City will tell you that the sun burns differently there! So, remember to take sunscreen with you – and enough of that!
You must book tickets online; they don’t sell them at the gate. But they do accept same-day tickets. You won’t get refunded due to the weather, so my suggestion is to check the weather the morning you plan on going, and then buy the tickets as you make your way to Sun City.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means I may garner a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase.
What to do at Sun City?
There are so many great things to do in Sun City! So, whether you are someone who just wants to relax next to the water or the adventurist who likes to go down the tallest slides, there is something for everyone.
Valley of the Waves
This is probably the most popular activity. Don’t have the money or time to travel to the coast? No problem, here is a massive ‘ocean’ with the occasional wave that rips through the swimming spot. And usually, it is a competition to see who can get closest to the start of the wave.
Then you have the lazy river for the people who like to relax on a big tube.
There are many super tube slides to tire out your kiddies. Those located on the left side require no tubes and tend to be less crowded. Or if you are brave enough, right in the middle, you’ll find the tallest slide with a massive drop.
Valley of Waves entrance fee (2022):
Weekend (Saturday & Sunday)
- Adults – R450 pp
- Children under 13 – R350 pp
- 2 years and under – Free
Midweek (Monday to Friday)
- Adults – R395 pp
- Children under 13 – R290 pp
- 2 years and under – Free
Buy the tickets HERE.
This will give you access to all the other activities at the resort.
Go hiking
There are many wandering trails around the resort. Be on the lookout for the waterfalls and take in the lush greenery as you wander through what feels like a forest.
Visit the Casino
The casino located at Sun City is probably one of the most popular casinos in South Africa. If you feel lucky, take a turn at the tables.
Grab a bite to eat
There are many restaurants that will fill those hungry tummies. You’ll also find some tuck shops and fast food/takeaway shops at the Valley of Waves.
Just relax
If you are not one for swimming, you can hire an umbrella and chair at the entrance and just grab a nice spot on the sand or the grass area. There are also lockers for hire.
Stay over for the weekend
You can either stay over at the Sun City Hotel or at the self-catering cabanas. This is the best way to explore this massive resort, as one day is not enough.
Book some accommodation here.
Or you can join this trip with a safari and stay over at Pilanesberg, which is a reserve just next to Sun City resort. Here you can go on game drives or do self-drives if you want.
Here is a list of some stunning places to stay in the Pilanesberg area:
- Morokolo Safari Lodge ($$)
- Black Rhino Game Lodge ($$)
- Lush Private Lodge ($$$)
- Ivory Tree Game Lodge ($$$)
- Bakubung Villa ($$$)
- Shepherds Tree Game Lodge ($$$)
- Kgorogoro Lodge ($$$)
- Mbazo Safaris ($$$)
PIN IT!
