Before you go

Your trip to Sun City.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Sun City – Noroeste

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional O. R. Tambo (JNB) Joanesburgo · 190 km
Aeroporto Internacional de Pilanesberg (NTY) Sun City · 10 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. International flights arrive in Johannesburg (JNB), about 190 km away. It's roughly a 2.5-hour drive via the N4 and R556, passing Rustenburg. There are transfers and day tours departing from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

How many days

Two days with one night for two safaris. Those who stay three days can alternate between the park and the pools and leisure activities of the complex.

When to go

From May to September, in the dry season, for safaris, with cold mornings. In summer the heat favors the water park and the park turns green.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes, for the self-drive safari; no, for those who book guided safaris that depart from the complex and the lodges.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Sun City

Morning
Arrival
Leave Johannesburg early and reach Sun City via the N4.
Afternoon
Mankwe Dam
Enter the park through the Bakubung gate and head to the hides at Mankwe Dam.
Late afternoon
Sunset safari
Take a guided sunset safari in an open vehicle.
Evening
Night safari
Take the guided night safari with spotlights, or dine at the hotel.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Sun City?

Use the complex as a base for safaris in Pilanesberg National Park next door, in addition to the hotels' leisure facilities.

What is the distance from Sun City to Johannesburg?

About 190 km, roughly a 2.5-hour drive.

Which Pilanesberg gate is closest to Sun City?

The Bakubung gate, a few minutes from the complex.

Can Pilanesberg be done as a day trip from Johannesburg?

Yes, with a tour or by car, but it's about 5 hours of driving in total; staying overnight allows early-morning and late-afternoon safaris.

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