Exploring Sun City and the Surrounding Safari Parks

Located in the Northwest of South Africa

Sun City is nestled in the heart of South Africa's North West Province, a shining oasis amidst the rugged African landscape. This world-renowned resort city is a hub of entertainment and luxury and is surrounded by some of Africa's most spectacular safari parks. Here, we'll take a historical journey through the origins and development of Sun City, as well as the neighbouring safari parks that have contributed to its allure.

Sun City: A Desert Oasis

Sun City's story began in the 1970s when South African hotel magnate Sol Kerzner embarked on an ambitious project. The idea was to create a luxury resort in the heart of the North West Province, a region known for its arid terrain and limited tourism infrastructure. Kerzner's vision was to transform this desolate landscape into an international vacation destination.

Construction of Sun City commenced in 1976, and the resort officially opened its doors in December 1979. The initial phases included the Sun City Hotel, the Cabanas, and the Sun City Casino, quickly establishing the city as a playground for the wealthy. The resort's signature feature, the Palace of the Lost City, was added in 1992, reflecting a grand blend of African architecture and opulence.

Sun City quickly gained fame as a hub for entertainment, boasting a world-class golf course, water parks, theatres, and a bustling casino. But what set it apart from other resorts was its proximity to Africa's rich wildlife.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve: A Natural Neighbour

Just a stone's throw away from Sun City lies the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, a 57,000-hectare wildlife haven home to Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo). Established in 1979, the same year as Sun City, this reserve has played a significant role in the region's tourism boom.

The Pilanesberg Reserve, situated within the crater of an ancient volcano, offers a unique landscape for visitors to explore. Safari tours and self-drive options provide opportunities to witness the incredible diversity of wildlife in their natural habitat. Over the years, the reserve has become a conservation success story, showcasing the restoration of a once-degraded ecosystem.

Madikwe Game Reserve: A Conservation Triumph

Further to the northwest of Sun City lies the Madikwe Game Reserve, a relatively newer addition to the safari circuit. Established in 1991, Madikwe has become one of South Africa's premier safari destinations. This reserve boasts an array of wildlife, including the Big Five and a significant population of endangered African wild dogs.

What makes Madikwe particularly notable is its origin as a conservation-driven project. The land was previously used for farming, and its transformation into a thriving reserve was a testament to South Africa's commitment to wildlife conservation.

The Siege of Mafeking: A Tale of Endurance

The town of Mafeking, located approximately 130 kilometers west of Sun City, played a pivotal role in the history of South Africa during the late 19th century. The Siege of Mafeking, which occurred from October 1899 to May 1900, was a significant event during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Mafeking, a British-held town in the North West Province, was besieged by Boer forces led by Commandant General Piet Cronjé. The siege lasted for 217 days and became a symbol of British resolve and tenacity. Under the leadership of Colonel Robert Baden-Powell, who later founded the Boy Scouts movement, the British garrison and the local population endured extreme hardships. The Siege of Mafeking finally ended on May 17, 1900, when British relief forces broke through the Boer lines. This event had a lasting impact on South African history, as it marked the beginning of the end of the Boer War and the eventual establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910

The Barolong People: A Legacy of Resilience

The Barolong people, also known as the Bahurutshe or Rolong, are an ethnic group indigenous to the North West Province of South Africa. They have a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries and played a role in the history of Mafeking and the surrounding region.During the Siege of Mafeking, the Barolong people were instrumental in supporting the British garrison, providing food, labor, and valuable intelligence. Their resilience and cooperation with the British forces helped to withstand the long siege. This historical cooperation between the Barolong people and the British is an important part of the region's history and reflects the resilience of local communities in the face of adversity.

The Bushmen (San People): Ancient Inhabitants of the Region

The Bushmen, also known as the San people, are one of the oldest indigenous groups in southern Africa, with a history that spans tens of thousands of years. Their presence in the region around Sun City and the North West Province dates back millennia. The Bushmen are known for their deep connection to the land, their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and their rich cultural traditions, including rock art that can be found in the area. Their history is a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and nature in this part of Africa.

With its opulent resorts and entertainment options, Sun City has long been a symbol of luxury and leisure. Yet, its true beauty lies in its harmonious coexistence with the African wilderness. The neighbouring safari parks, such as the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and Madikwe Game Reserve, offer visitors a chance to experience South Africa's wildlife's raw, natural beauty. As we reflect on the history of Sun City and its surrounding safari parks, we see a story of transformation. What was once a barren landscape has been reshaped into a thriving oasis of entertainment and conservation. Today, Sun City remains a testament to the vision and determination of those who sought to create a piece of paradise in the heart of the African wilderness.

SUN CITY RESORT

ONE OF AFRICA’S PREMIER VACATION DESTINATIONS, RECOGNIZED FOR ITS SUPERB RESORT OFFERING OF HOTELS, ATTRACTIONS.

5 STAR

TAU GAME LODGE

ENJOY AN AUTHENTIC SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI VACATION IN THE MIDST OF NATURAL WILDLIFE, COMPLETE WITH GREAT GAME VIEWING.

5 STAR

EKUTHULENI LODGE

SITUATED ON THE OPEN PLAINS IN THE CENTRE OF WELGEVONDEN GAME RESERVE, AND OFFERS SWEEPING VIEWS OF THE SAVANNAH PLAINS.

LODGE

CLIFFTOP SAFARI HIDEAWAY

PERCHED REGALLY AMIDST THE BUSH WILLOWS ON THE TIP OF A MAGNIFICENT GORGE OVERLOOKING THE STERKSTROOM RIVER.

5 STAR

IMPODIMO GAME LODGE

SET ON A ROCKY RIDGE OVERLOOKING MAGNIFICENT VISTAS THE IDEAL RETREAT TO ESCAPE THE BUSY WORLD.

5 STAR

IVORY TREE GAME LODGE

SITUATED WITHIN THE PILANESBERG GAME RESERVE, ONE OF THE LARGEST VOLCANIC COMPLEXES OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD.

5 STAR

MARATABA SAFARI LODGE

ON A HILLSIDE OVERLOOKING THE WATERFALL VALLEY. HERE, LUXURY IS IN THE EXPERIENCE OF LIFE’S GREAT TREASURES.

5 STAR

ROYAL MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE

THE PERFECT RETREAT TO REJUVENATE YOUR MIND, EXHALE LIFE’S PRESSURES AND INHALE THE MAGNIFICENT BEAUTY SURROUNDING YOU.

5 STAR

SANCTUARY MAKANYANE SAFARI

SITUATED ON PRIVATE GROUND WITHIN THE MALARIA FREE, “BIG 5” MADIKWE GAME RESERVE IN SOUTH AFRICA’S NORTH WEST PROVINCE 16 GUEST MAX.

5 STAR

SHEPHERDS TREE GAME LODGE

GUESTS CAN ENJOY TWO GUIDED GAME DRIVES DAILY, IN THE PILANESBERG GAME RESERVE’S WILDERNESS AREA.

5 STAR

BAKUBUNG BUSH LODGE

LOCATED IN THE PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK, A MALARIA FREE, 57,000-HECTARE RESERVE WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE BIG FIVE FROM YOUR ROOM.

4 STAR

BLACK RHINO GAME LODGE

OVERLOOKING A BUSY WATERHOLE, WHICH IS A HIVE OF BIRD AND ANIMAL ACTIVITY AND A FAVOURITE PLAYGROUND FOR ELEPHANT AND BUFFALO.

4 STAR

THAKADU RIVER CAMP

ALL THE COMFORTS OF MODERN LIVING IN THE HEART OF THE BUSHVELD, OUR SKILLED RANGERS SHARE THEIR EXTENDED KNOWLEDGE WITH GUESTS.

4 STAR

MABULA GAME LODGE

REVEL IN THE SHEER VARIETY OF ANIMAL, BIRD AND PLANT LIFE; AND THE DIVERSE LANDSCAPES FROM GRASSLANDS TO ROCKY OUTCROPS.

4 STAR

JACI'S LODGES

SET IN THE MAGNIFICENT MADIKWE GAME RESERVE IN SOUTH AFRICA’S NORTH-WEST PROVINCE. THE LODGE FEATURES EIGHT LUXURY TREEHOUSE SUITES.

SAFARI LODGE

ENTABENI SAFARI CONSERVANCY

“THE PLACE OF THE MOUNTAIN”, IS SITUATED IN THE WORLD HERITAGE WATERBERG BIOSPHERE. THIS 22 000 HECTARE MALARIA-FREE RESERVE BOASTS FIVE ECO-SYSTEMS.

SAFARI

KWAFUBESI TENTED SAFARI CAMP

HOME TO AN ASTOUNDING SELECTION OF LARGE MAMMALS INCLUDING THE BIG FIVE, OTHER PREDATORS SUCH AS HYENA AND JACKAL.

TENTED CAMP

LEGEND GOLF & SAFARI LODGE

GAME RESERVE, WORLD CLASS GOLF COURSE & EXCITING HOLIDAY FACILITIES - YOUR AFRICAN ADVENTURE AWAITS

4 STAR