Getaway to South Africa
An experience of a different kind is waiting in Sun City. In the middle of an extended savannah lies the Las Vegas of southern Africa. The spacious entertainment area used to be part of the former homeland Bophuthatswana. The formal independence of the homeland made it possible for the businessman Sol Kerzner to set up this complex quite close to the population centres Johannesburg.
Vacation Getaway to South Africa – Sun City & Lost City
By Ina Smit
Sun City and Lost City rises from the dust of scrubby countryside, appearing like a mirage in the desert and shimmering in the African sun. It takes center stage in a volcanic valley surrounded by the Pilansberg mountains. An open invitation to inspect this haven on your worldwide travels.
Photo: fredericksburg.com
The Sun City Resort Complex was the inspiration of Sol Kerzner, South Africa’s hotel genius. He began with a firm belief in the power of tourism and a multi-million dollar investment to build this ultra-luxurious African vacation getaway in 1980. Features like tropical gardens, a flamingo lake, rushing waterfalls and a Sky train has become synonymous with Sun City and a later add-on, the Cascades.
The Lost City was Sol Kerzner’s supreme fantasy and was added a few years later. It has become the mystical, awe-inspiring structure portraying a local legend with a gentle people occupying an old city. You seem to be entering an extraordinary world when crossing the bridge to the city, which looks like it is thousands of years old. Burning torches are placed at regular intervals on the bridge, you can hear the roar of lions and the trumpet of elephants, and from time to time you can even feel the earth tremble when crossing the bridge.
Huge, lifelike elephants guard the center palace. The palace is adorned with Renaissance frescoes, mosaic floors, hand-carved furniture, towers of faux tusks and palm fronds and is lit by thousands of candles. Among the “ruins” you will find a mystical black pool overlooking the rest of the city and one can almost imagine beautiful princesses bathing there.
Sun City is the South African equivalent of Las Vegas with gambling as its main attraction and is about three hours drive from Johannesburg. Overall, it is like a huge, luxurious adult amusement park with assorted great stage extravaganzas at night. In short, a place to play and with beds for 2000 guests when the day is done.
The play does not stop indoors though. Outdoors you will find two championship golf courses, one with crocodiles at the thirteenth hole and which was designed by the legendary Gary Player.
Furthermore you can explore the 55 000 hectare area of Pilansberg National Park which lies in an ancient volcanic crater and is the third largest game reserve in southern Africa. Game viewing which includes the big five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can be enjoyed from specially adapted four-wheel-drive vehicles or from the heights of a hot air balloon and followed by a sumptuous bush breakfast.
There is no doubt in my mind that Sun City and Lost City is a must see on your next worldwide travel vacation getaway, even if you do not gamble. There are simply so much to see and do and the food is superb. Just one more reason to go.
Ina Smit is an experienced traveler who had vacation getaways in many countries, staying in global resorts and is regarded as an authority on the subject of worldwide travel. Take the plane, take the train, the bus, the boat or the ferry but visit her at: http://www.WWTravelSite.com
Worldwide Travel Vacation Getaway Businesses From Home
Palace Hotel Sun City
The Palace Hotel is convenient to everything Sun City has to offer, and is only 7 km (4 miles) away from Sun City International Airport. With 316 rooms, this property contains all the amenities and services you would expect from a 5-star hotel. Featured in each room, among other amenities, are Hair Dryer, Non Smoking Rooms, Air Conditioning, Television , Mini Bar. More info.
