Sun City Golf: An 11-Day Golf and Safari Holiday From Sun City to Cape Town
Sun City golf is a bucket-list experience. The resort in the Pilanesberg, about two hours from Johannesburg, is home to two of South Africa’s most famous courses: the Gary Player Country Club, host of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and the Lost City course, famous for the crocodiles at its 13th hole. This 11-day “Up n Down” trip pairs Sun City with a Big Five safari and a week of golf in Cape Town.
At a glance
- Duration: 11 days: 3 nights at Sun City, 7 nights in Cape Town
- Golf: 6 rounds: Lost City, Gary Player, Royal Cape, Steenberg, Arabella and Pearl Valley
- Safari: game drives in the malaria-free Pilanesberg
Sample itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to Sun City
Transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Sun City. In the afternoon, take your first game drive in the Pilanesberg, an extinct volcanic crater that’s home to the Big Five.
Day 2: Lost City Golf Course
The Lost City course is a desert-style layout with sweeping bushveld views. Its 13th green is guarded by a pit of real crocodiles. Carts are compulsory. Spend the afternoon by the pool.
Day 3: Gary Player Country Club
The Gary Player Country Club is often ranked among the best courses in South Africa and has hosted the Nedbank Golf Challenge, nicknamed “Africa’s Major”, since 1981. It’s long and demanding, with water hazards, clever bunkering and kidney-shaped greens, so a caddie is recommended. Enjoy the resort’s entertainment in the evening.
Day 4: Fly to Cape Town
Take a morning game drive, then fly to Cape Town. The evening is at leisure at the V&A Waterfront.
Day 5: Royal Cape
Play South Africa’s oldest club, founded in 1885, a classic parkland course with mountain views.
Day 6: The Cape Peninsula
Spend a day at Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point and the Boulders penguins.
Day 7: Steenberg
Play Peter Matkovich’s Steenberg among vineyards and forests in Constantia, followed by a wine tasting.
Day 8: Free day
Ride the cableway up Table Mountain, visit Robben Island or simply relax.
Day 9: Arabella
Take a day trip to Arabella on the Bot River lagoon near Hermanus. In whale season (about June to November), stop in Hermanus to see southern right whales. See our whale season guide.
Day 10: Winelands day
Enjoy tastings in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Read our Cape Winelands guide.
Day 11: Pearl Valley and departure
Finish at Jack Nicklaus’s Pearl Valley before your flight home.
Sun City golf tips
- Beat the heat: summers are very hot, so book early tee times.
- Book ahead: tee times on the Gary Player course are in high demand, especially around the Nedbank Golf Challenge in November/December.
- Caddies: highly recommended on the Gary Player course, where local knowledge pays.
Add more safari
Just north of Sun City, the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve makes a superb two- or three-night add-on.
FAQ
Is Sun City malaria-free?
Yes. Sun City and the Pilanesberg are in a malaria-free area.
Can I play Sun City golf on a Rovos Rail journey?
Yes. Sun City is a stop on the Rovos Rail golf safari.
Contact us to plan your Sun City golf holiday.
