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Sun City Review

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Sun City

Category: Resorts, Casinos
Location: Sun City

Fodor's Review:

Sun City is a huge entertainment and resort complex in the middle of dry bushveld in the North West Province. It's very popular with golfers and families, and South Africans and foreign tourists alike. It's the dream child of Sol Kerzner, the South African entrepreneur who first saw the possibilities of a casino in the rocky wilds of the Pilanesberg mountains, formed by an ancient volcano. The area was in the then Bantustan of Bophuthatswana—one of several areas during apartheid set aside for black ethnic groups, with a semblance of self-government. As such, it was exempt from South Africa's then strict anti-gambling laws. Today Sun City comprises four luxurious hotels, two casinos, major amphitheaters that host international stars, and a host of outdoor attractions. The complex is split into two parts: the original Sun City and Lost City, which is anchored by the magnificent Palace Hotel.

Though it's quite possible to enjoy a week at the resort without setting foot in a casino, Sun City has its slot machines, card tables, and roulette wheels. It stages rock concerts, major boxing bouts, the annual Sun City Golf Challenge, and the occasional Miss World pageant. At Lost City, painted wild animals march across the ceilings, imitation star-spangled skies glitter even by day, lush jungles decorate the halls, and stone lions and elephants keep watch over it all.

Sun City's appeal is vastly enhanced by the nearby Pilanesberg National Park and a full round of outdoor sports and activities, including two Gary Player-designed world-class golf courses, elephant-back riding, archery, and surfing in the Valley of the Waves, a water park with a giant pool that creates perfect waves for bodysurfing.

Elsewhere the resort offers visits to the Motsaeng Cultural Village, a crocodile sanctuary, horseback riding, jogging trails, large botanical gardens, helicopter trips, balloon safaris, and the Zip 2000—the world's longest, highest, and fasted zip line. It's 2 km (1 mi) long and reaches speeds of 120 km/h (75 mi/h).

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