Game-viewing at Sun City, sleep in and take advantage of later sunrise

While Sun City might be thought of in terms of golf, casinos and water, the resort borders the Pilanesberg National Park, making it an ideal location for game viewing holidays.

Winter is the best time as the cooler temperatures mean the animals are active for longer periods of the day, plus guests can sleep in as the sun rises later, allowing for slower starts in the morning.

The fourth largest park in South Africa, Pilanesberg has more than 200km of roads and more than 7 000 animals, including the Big 5, all in a malaria-free environment just three hours’ drive from Johannesburg.

Mankwe Gametrackers, located in the Welcome Centre at Sun City, offers outdoor adventures activities in the 55 000 ha Pilanesberg National Park, from game drives to bush walks and hot air balloon safaris, along with boma meals enjoyed in the natural surrounds of the bush.

Take a drive in an open safari vehicle with a knowledgeable ranger accompanying you to share the secret sights and sounds of the bush. Wrap up warmly under a snug blanket as you are driven around for exciting sighting, followed by a steaming mug of coffee or tea with pastries in the mornings or a variety of snacks with some refreshments; water, soft drinks or bears in the afternoon.

Bring your own mountain bike or rent one and tackle the 9.7km mountain bike route over rocky terrain and rivulets in the neighbouring Letsatsing Game Park. The 700ha private reserve has plentiful wildlife including wildebeest, impala, sable, giraffe, zebra, warthogs, nyala, kudu, birdlife and more.

Guided Family Bush Walks gives the whole family a chance to explore Letsatsing Game Park from a different angle - on foot, providing the opportunity to inspect more than 3 000 bird species and smaller critters up close, while spotting bigger animals from the ground.

Fly above the mountain tops and glide over water, while game viewing from a hot air balloon – undoubtedly a memorable way to view game. Guests are collected from their hotel and transported to the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve for the launch of the balloon. A light breakfast canapé and sparkling wine toast upon landing is included before proceeding on a short Safari enroute to the Hotel

Search for adventure and wildlife from the top of a quad bike, negotiating natural objects on route as you venture through Letsatsing Game Park, where you have the possibility of seeing zebra, giraffe and other wildlife.

Bring your camera to capture the animals as well as family and friendship memories at Sun City this winter.