Sun City Travel Forum

Hi We are having a stopover in Johanesburg on our way to Europe late May'07 and decided to spend the 4 nights in Sun City Cabanas. We want to see some animals in the wild and enjoy Africa. This is our first visit to Africa. Is it possible to see "real Africa" not far from Sun City, such as a village, not a tourist set up.
Some tips on the best way to visit the Pilansberg Game Park and the cost of Safari Tour. Appreciate any other info regarding " must See" sights or warinings.
Mike

Hi Mike

If I were you I would be a little cautious about looking for non-tourist villages. As you probably know, this can be dangerous! If you stay at a good hotel - such as Kwa Maritane (Place of the Rock) http://www.places.co.za/html/2768.html - they staff there will be able to giveyou some very good advice. They are located in the reserve and you can book a game drive through the hotel.

Also in the area are several casinos, a lion park (somewhere near Rustenburg I think) and also you will probably pass the Hartebeespoort Dam on your way from Jhb to Sun city.

Enjoy your stay but take care too!

Hi Mike,

I know you have already looked at my pages on this info, and thanks again for doing so :)

I thought I'd mention we are staying at Bakgatla Camp in Pilansberg, which is a 6 bed self catering chalter.

Hi Thank you for the information, our travel agent has booked 4 nights at Sun City Cabanas and transfers to and from Johannesburg airport. Are all Game Park Safaris much the same, if not what should we be looking for?
Mike

The Cabanas is a lovely hotel. It is close to all Sun City amenities too. Have you jet skiied or parasailed before? This is great fun, and done at Sun City.

Most game parks are similar, try and go on a night drive if you can :)

Well besides the safari you can also go to the Kwena Gardens which has alot of Nile Crocodiles. Feeding is at 4pm so I don`t think you wanna miss that. There is also a shabbeen near the Cabanna`s which you can checkout. There is also a nice nature walk at the Cascades which is very beautiful. There is alot of water activity at the Cabanas like Jenny mentioned which is very nice.

Here is a link to the activities at Sun City

http://www.suninternational.com/Resorts/SunCity/Default.aspx?PicFrame=SCBarResF.aspx&MainFrame=SCFacilGuide.aspx&MenuFrame=MainMenu.aspx%3fcmsMenu%3d268

Mike, you asked "Are all Game Park Safaris much the same, if not what should we be looking for?"

The Sun City Pilanesburg situation is more of a glitzy theme park - only about 30 years ago there was no game, or gaming in that area. The central building of the Pilanesburg park was a Magistrate's Court not too long ago. Most of Sun City's rocks are made of fiberglass......

In the Kruger Park area, the animals have always been there, and man has only made a small intrusion. The entertainment is natural...... animals, plants, sunsets, stars and the sounds of the real wilderness.

As far as I know all the campsites of Pilanesburg are just outside the boundary fence, meaning that cars are welcome to come and go at all hours of the day. I've heard complaints of rowdy party(casino)-goers being an nuisance with thumping music from their cars in the early hours of the morning. In places like Kruger, the camps are closed between sunset and sunrise and practically all traffic stops.