Hello from the SOFT SAFARI capital of the world.

During my protracted stay in Pretoria South Africa I kept hearing about a fabulous resort to the northwest of the capital that promised easy wild animal encounters sandwiched between comfortable nights in Las Vegas-like hotel rooms. The two-hour bus ride out to the Sun City resort gave me time to think about how little I knew of the place. And, it is a good thing I didn't learn more ahead of time because I never would have gone! That would have been a big mistake.

The resort is surrounded by desert and hills, little vegetation. An artificial oasis carved out of inhospitable terrain creates an unexpected fantasy world in the middle of nowhere. Outside: bare and desolate. Inside: luxury hotels nestled among tropical rain forests, streams, lakes, even an artificial lagoon complete with wave machine all connected by a monorail sky train. It strangely reminds me of Disneyworld and Las Vegas combined. The inter-city bus is met by the eager "reception staff" at the entrance to the Entertainment Center located in front of the Cascades Hotel where the bus stops. Those with reservations are escorted off to one of the four hotels in the complex. Walk-ins like me are rare and no one seemed to know quite what to do with me.

Eventually I made my way to the adjacent Cascades Hotel reception desk and asked for rates. "Sticker shock" is too mild a term for my reaction to being told single rooms would be $150 to $309 per night. Even flashing my obsolete travel agency affiliation business card got me a mere 20% discount. The very polite staff member suggested I check with another of the four hotels as each has its own rate structure.

The four hotels are strung along a connecting road about 2-300 meters apart, easy walking distance for a serious hiker like me. Psychologically prepared for the worst, I assumed my most professional demeanor, combed my hair and asked for the sales manager at the second hotel, the Sun City. Presenting my Theos Travel Services business card describing the defunct Travel Treasures CD-ROM project I had started several years ago to Theo, the recently promoted assistant sales manager, gave us both a chuckle and comments on the similarity of names.

When he asked how long I might be staying I replied "That depends on the rate I'll be paying and based on what I've been quoted so far I might need to turn around right now and go back to Pretoria!" His smile broadened as he turned his attention to the terminal screen and remarked: "Well, let's see what we can do." In a few seconds he continued: "I can get you in for $92/night..." My spirits stirred slightly. "No, I can do better than that, if you can stay three nights." I nodded and he added: "$105 for the first night and $70 per night for the second and third. It's on the Winter Warmer promotion. Will that work?"

I smiled, trying to sound nonchalant: "That will work fine." After registering I discovered I had checked into the second level of four affluence levels. At the bottom sat the "The Cabanas" catering to families with rack rates starting at around $90. My level offered standard rates starting at $130. The first place at which I had inquired had rates starting at $150 and the top level "Palace of the Lost City Hotel" offered the ultimate in luxury with rates to match: $400 to $2000 per night!

The four hotels each have their own attractions. Mine, the Sun City Hotel faced the golf course and housed the resort casino. The "cheapie" basic accommodations offering sat near the lake with its water sports including a paraglider ride and a variety of features designed for tiny tots. The Cascades Hotel had an artificial rain forest at its back door, adjacent to the artificial lagoon with its mechanical wave machine. The opulent Palace of the Lost City Hotel is integrated with an extraordinary "amusement" park. All hotels have their own swimming pools, restaurants and shopping arcades. That part feels very much like Las Vegas.

In addition to the frequent gourmet buffet meals ($12 for lunch) offered in all hotels, there is a Food Fair catering to every taste... and cheap. I ate there a lot... pizza, hot fudge sundaes, hot dogs all added to my cholesterol count (or as I learned on my return, depressed it!). Near the Food Fair are two movie theaters, cavernous video game rooms and extensive conference-exhibit facilities. Most of the resort exuded excitement, bombarding every sense with enticing inducements to enjoy the moment. Only the Palace Hotel flaunted its quiet elegance, something its well healed mostly senile residents no doubt demanded.

I spent two days exploring the entire complex, several times thinking I'd seen it all only to discover another unseen path leading into yet another major feature of the resort. I'd compare the extent and complexity of the resort to Disneyland in California. Eventually I did exhaust the possibilities for serendipity and turned my attention to the twice-daily game drives through nearby Pilanesberg Game Preserve. Each drive costs about $19 and lasts about three hours. My first drive started at 08:00 and gave us glimpses of numerous herds of animals. Unfortunately, we never got close enough to really appreciate them. At one point we joined four other vehicles stopped by the side of the road to watch a "lion" in the grass. Occasionally the king of beasts lifted his head high enough to make ONE ear visible to the throngs staring at his hidden resting place twenty meters away.

The day before I left I decided to take one more drive, but in the afternoon. All the herds cooperated this time and we moved to within meters of nine elephants walking near and across the road. Rhinoceros, a large troop of Baboon, Zebra, antelope of several kinds and others entertained us with their close presence as well. I managed to get a few decent pictures this time out.

During the four relaxing days I spent in the Sun City Resort I managed to read the first of the Harry Potter books: The Philosopher's Stone. It is easy to see why it has become a best seller, even with adults... perhaps especially with adults! (cont.)

Peace,
Fred L Bellomy

 

 

Sun City South Africa: Looks real, doesn't it. A full size sculpture inside one of the several lobbies of the Palace Hotel.

 

End