Looking for a family getaway that feels like a proper holiday but doesn’t require a passport or packing stress? Sun City might just be your golden ticket. Nestled in the North West Province, this iconic resort is where adventure meets luxury with enough entertainment to keep the kids busy and enough relaxation for the grown-ups to actually unwind (imagine that!).
We packed up our bags, our snacks, and our sanity (just barely) and headed off for a few days of fun in the sun. From water parks and waffles to wow moments and wind-down time, here’s how we did Sun City, the Ashventure way, plus a few tips to help you plan your own family-friendly escape.
A Little World of Its Own
Imagine a lost world tucked away on African soil. A place that feels completely removed from real life, yet somehow still close to home. I’d only been here once before, way back when I was about 11 or 12, with vague memories of bright colours, big energy, and possibly a questionable printed leotard moment (we don’t talk about that).
Coming back this time with my hubby and our son felt like discovering it all over again. It was familiar, yet brand new, and suddenly that little spark of excitement kicked in, the kind you get when a local getaway starts feeling a little… luxurious.
Sun City is a little bit of everything, all at once. It’s big, bold, and full of life, but somehow still easy to navigate and surprisingly relaxing. Everything feels thoughtfully connected, from the luxury hotels and family-friendly spaces to the entertainment, nature, and little moments of magic in between. We could walk everywhere… but let’s be honest, when there’s a shuttle and you’re travelling with a child, walking quickly becomes optional.
What really stood out were the details. The carved pillars, the rustic handles, the way every corner feels like it was designed to transport you somewhere else entirely. It’s an oasis built to sweep you away from reality, and honestly, only Sol Kerzner could create something that makes you forget the outside world even exists.
It’s a playground for kids, a haven for grown-ups, and one of those places that reminds you how important it is to step away from the everyday. Because sometimes, you don’t need to travel far to feel like you’ve escaped, especially when a luxury getaway like this exists right in our own backyard.
Check-In & Chill
Sun City has a few accommodation options, each with its own vibe, from the iconic Palace of the Lost City to The Cabanas and The Soho. But this time around, we chose Cascades, and it was exactly what our little family needed.
One thing to note (because this has changed) is that you can no longer cross-use hotel facilities. So choosing where you stay really matters. For us, Cascades just ticked all the right boxes, especially with Yaqeen our kid whose holiday-high energy never quits and keeps us on our toes 24/7.
The pool area alone was a win. Heated pools, cooler pools, a slide (which instantly became the main character of the trip), and plenty of space to relax while still keeping an eye on the fun. It felt family-friendly without being chaotic, which is always a win in my books.
The rooms are cosy, well-maintained, and genuinely comfortable, everything you need after a full day baking in the sun or exploring. It’s the kind of space you actually look forward to returning to: a hot shower, a cup of Nespresso (yes, they have that too), and a few moments of downtime before the evening fun begin.
Breakfast? a dream. The area itself is stunning, with pools and waterfalls in view, and the spread has something for everyone, including a halaal section, which we always appreciate. And yes… even with all that delicious variety, Coco Pops still rules on our family trips.
The hotel also has super easy access to the entertainment areas and other restaurants, which makes hopping around hassle-free. Plus, it’s within a nice walking distance to the Valley of Waves, so you can pop back and forth without needing a shuttle.
It feels calm, lush, and easy, perfect for families who want a bit of luxury without the overwhelm. While The Palace has its own wow factor, Cascades gave us exactly what we needed: comfort, convenience, and that relaxed holiday energy where everyone actually gets to enjoy themselves.
Valley of The Waves
We all know who the main character here is the Valley of Waves and it does not disappoint. It’s an absolute playground set in a tropical African oasis. If I felt like a kid in a candy store, I can only imagine what was going through Yaqeen’s mind.
Pools, slides, splash zones, and even a lazy river to float away your worries there’s enough variety to keep energy levels high without ever feeling overcrowded. And yes, the wave pool is exactly as fun as it looks, if you don’t mind being pushed back, tossed around, and emerging looking like you went through a washing machine (pro tip: hold onto your bikini bras!).
Hubz, Zeyn, and Yaqeen were obsessed, and I… well, I alternated between laying like a snob on the transported sand or joining in the chaos. Having done my fair share of waterparks, including Atlantis in Dubai, I can confidently say this one made my top 10 list.
You can’t take your own food and drinks, but don’t worry, there’s no shortage of options, from snacks to junk food, to keep little tummies and sugar cravings happy.
So Much to Do, So Little Holiday
If you’re planning to do it all, you’ll need at least a week… maybe two. Sun City isn’t a one-and-done kind of destination. It’s the kind of place where you pick your fun, promise yourself you’ll come back for the rest, and somehow end up planning round two, three and maybe even four.
From adrenaline-filled adventures to slow, easy moments made for soaking it all in, Sun City really does have something for every kind of traveller. We’ve already covered the waterpark (aka the main character energy), but there’s so much more waiting beyond the waves.
Here the 10 things not to miss:
- Zip 2000 – One of the world’s longest and fastest zip lines. Not for the faint-hearted, but 100% worth the adrenaline rush.
- Adventure Activities – Think quad biking, archery and outdoor thrills for anyone who likes a little action in their holiday.
- Pilanesberg Game Reserve -Go on a Big 5 safari or opt for an unforgettable elephant experience, all just a short drive away.
- Forest of Lights – A magical evening walk through beautifully lit pathways that feel straight out of a fairytale.
- Maze of the Lost City – The largest permanent maze in the Southern Hemisphere, fun, confusing and surprisingly addictive.
- Sun Central – Home to shops, restaurants, movies and The Magic Company arcade. Perfect for downtime or rainy moments.
- Casino – For those feeling lucky, try your hand at the slots or table games.
- Spas & Golf – Slow things down with spa treatments or enjoy a round on championship golf courses.
- Camp Kwena & Stimela Train – Supervised fun and activities designed especially for little adventurers and a A cute mini train ride that’s perfect for younger kids.
- Waterworld – Jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, tube rides and scenic boat cruises — adventure lovers, this one’s for you.
These are just some of the highlights. You’ll never run out of things to do, see, or explore. But one thing’s for sure, whatever you choose, it’s the kind of fun that turns into family stories you’ll be laughing about for years to come.
Signing Off… Sun-Kissed & Smiling
Sun City really is one of those places that reminds you how important it is to pause, play, and soak in the moments that matter most. From adrenaline-filled days to slow, peaceful evenings, it gives you space to reconnect with your family, with yourself, and with that childlike excitement we all secretly miss.
It’s not just a getaway, it’s an experience layered with laughter, little traditions, and memories that sneak up on you long after the bags are unpacked. Whether you’re chasing waves, chasing kids, or just chasing a bit of calm, Sun City somehow makes it all feel easy.
And knowing something this special exists right here in our own backyard makes it even sweeter. This won’t be our last visit, not by a long shot. Because some places don’t just give you a holiday… they give you moments you’ll talk about for years to come.
Until the next Ashventure XoXo
