Day 6: Journey to the Jewel of the Bush
Day 6 was all about transition—moving from the vibrant city rhythms of Cape Town to the tranquil, luxurious oasis of Sun City Resort. Though most of the day was spent in transit, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in our South African adventure.
Farewell, Cape Town – Hello, Adventure
We were up bright and early, saying goodbye to the Portswood Hotel and our phenomenal Cape Town team—Andre and Terrance, who had taken such great care of us throughout our stay. It was definitely bittersweet leaving Cape Town, but we were also buzzing with excitement for what was ahead.
After a smooth flight to Johannesburg, we met our new driver and began the 3-hour journey by road to Sun City Resort, a sprawling luxury complex nestled on the edge of Pilanesberg National Park. Even from the road, you could tell we were headed somewhere special.
Welcome to Sun City Resort
Known as the “Las Vegas of Africa” (but with its own unique flair), Sun City is a legendary resort that blends luxury, entertainment, and natural beauty. Opened in 1979, it has become one of South Africa’s top destinations for both locals and international travelers. It has several different hotels throughout the resort complex, so there is something for everyone. We stayed in the Cascades but were able to explore other parts of the resort with the inter-resort bus system.
There’s truly something for everyone here—from family-friendly fun to high-end indulgence:
The Valley of Waves – a massive waterpark with a wave pool, lazy river, and thrilling water slides
The Lost City Golf Course – famous for its crocodile-filled water hazard (yes, actual crocodiles!)
Casinos and nightlife
Ziplining, quad biking, and safari adventures
Cultural villages and live performances
Luxury shopping and world-class dining
And, of course, the crown jewel: The Palace of the Lost City, which was a bit out of our price budget to stay at, but it was great to visit!
Spa, Wine, and Sunset Vibes
After a long travel day, I wasted no time and made a beeline straight to the Royal Spa at the Palace. I treated myself to a heavenly 90-minute hot stone massage, which was pretty much a medical necessity ever since the two overnight flights in economy! The combination of warm stones and expert hands melted away almost every ounce of travel fatigue. Absolute bliss.
Feeling completely relaxed, I took a slow stroll around the resort, soaking in the lush landscaping, the extravagant architecture, and the golden light of the late afternoon. I ended up on a terrace overlooking the glittering pool with a glass of Pinotage—South Africa’s signature red wine as bold and rich as the country itself. It was a perfect moment of peace and reflection.
Of the many eating establishments, I chose to have dinner at the Palace’s steakhouse, where I indulged in a delicious, well-cooked meal paired with excellent service and a touch of old-world elegance. Although I chose not to indulge in the 24K Gold Beef Filet, the cumin-spiced lamb rack really hit the spot. Afterward, I turned in early, ready to catch up on some much-needed rest.
What’s Next: Into the Wild
Tomorrow, we head to Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, located inside Pilanesberg National Park—meaning, the real adventure begins. We’ll be going on our first safari, a true bucket list experience that I’ve been dreaming about for years. Lions, elephants, rhinos—who knows what we’ll see? But one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be unforgettable.
Stay tuned, because the next chapter of this journey is about to get wild! 🐘🦁🌿
