Sun City, SOUTH AFRICA
Airing Date: Sep 9th, 2002
Just a two hour drive from Johannesburg, Sun City in South Africa boasts two casinos, two golf courses and four hotels. In fact, the resort is so big that guests use an onsite monorail to travel from one end to the other.
The biggest and flashiest of the hotels is The Palace of the Lost City. When Michael Jackson is in town he's a regular visitor to the hotel, and it's no wonder when you look at the King Suite. Around twice the size of the average house, it comes with everything from a baby grand piano to a butler.
More modest rooms are available, but regardless of your budget you'll enjoy first class facilities throughout the resort.
There are 20 quality restaurants to choose from including the Crystal Court, which serves mains of springbok, crocodile and ostrich on the traditional African menu.
While you're travelling through the city you may feel the earth shudder. This is no illusion - it's a simulated earthquake, every hour on the hour.
Another impressive man-made feature is the Valley of the Waves, a facility that offers perfect two metre waves every ninety seconds. The waterslides and a dozen or so other pools are all guaranteed to put a splash into your day.
All activities are included in the price of your stay, but your guests can join in the fun too.
Day visitors are also welcome at both of the resort's golf courses. Choose from the Gary Player Championship Course or the Lost City course with its challenging 13th hole. On this traditionally unlucky hole 40 very real Nile crocodiles patrol the water hazard.
If you're feeling adventurous, head next door to The Pilanesburg National Park. The big five in South Africa are lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards, and you might just see all of them on a three hour guided game drive.
The facts:
South African Airways flies to Johannesburg from Australia 8 times a week. Return prices start from $2011 ex Sydney and $1765 ex Perth. Prices include charges, levies and taxes.
South African Airways
Tel: 1800 221 699
The King Suite at Sun City is $5,600 per night. Basic rooms start from around $560 per night. Rooms at Sun City's four star Cascades Hotel start from $340 per night. Mains in the Crystal Court restaurant cost around $27. Guest admission to the Valley of the Waves is $10. A round of golf is about $50.
Sun City Resort
Tel: 0011 27 14 557 1000 (international)
A three hour guided game drive costs about $30.
South African Tourism (SATOUR)
Tel: 02 9261 3424
