Sun City & Madikwe
Not far from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, a
unique paradise in the bush is waiting for your arrival.
Sun City calls itself “Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure”
and with an impressive list of attractions to off er.
Madikwe Game Reserve is a large malaria-free game
reserve, where the Big Five is in abundance. Being
only 3.5 hours drive from the capital and off ering
an excellent range of accommodation options, this
region is a perfect self-drive route for those wanting
that authentic safari with freedom, without having
to travel too far.
5 days/4 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Day 1: Johannesburg – Sun City (174km)
After picking up your Europcar rental, make your way to Sun City. The
roads are smooth and well signposted, making for an easy three hour
drive. On arrival, check into your Sun City Hotel for a two night stay.
Day 2: Sun City
Park your car up for the day and enjoy all that Sun City has to off er. Golf
courses, water parks, casinos, entertainment and events, also plenty of
restaurant options are ready for you to discover.
Day 3: Sun City – Madikwe Game Reserve (77km)
Check out of your Sun City Hotel and prepare for a 1.5 hour drive to
Madikwe Game Reserve. Upon arrival, check in to your Madikwe Game
Reserve Lodge for a two night stay.
Day 4: Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the lesser known parks in South
Africa, which makes it a hidden gem. It is regarded as one of the best
conservation areas in Africa and off ers the Big Five, but with an added
bonus of wild dog. Choose your preference of a self-drive safari lodge, or
an all inclusive lodge which will include guided game drives.
Day 5: Madikwe Game Reserve – Johannesburg (211km)
Your return journey to Johannesburg will take approximately 3.5 hours.
Return the Europcar to your preferred Europcar Depot in Johannesburg
or the airport depot, where your arrangements end.
Highlights worth seeing along the way
The Cradle of Humankind – About an hour’s drive from Johannesburg,
the Cradle of Humankind is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of
the world’s most important paleo-anthropological sites. A main attraction
is the Sterkfontein stalactitic caves, linking underground chambers with a
lake at a depth of approximately 40m. Excavations here have unearthed
the skull of a humanoid creature known as Australopithecus africanus,
estimated to be two million years old. Guided tours of the cave are
available, and you should also stop by Maropeng Visitor Centre to view
other exhibits.
Roadside markets – On your journey towards Sun City you’ll be
pleasantly surprised with the local art and craft markets. This is a perfect
opportunity to stretch your legs while grabbing a bag of souvenirs.
Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve – You will come across this park entrance
and definitely feel the need to stop. This reserve has more than 30
different species of animals. Make use of their picnic area and braai
facilities for an enjoyable lunch.
Pilanesburg National Park – Accessible from Sun City, Pilanesburg
National Park is one of South Africa’s most fascinating game reserves.
The Park still shows many stone and iron age sites, with evidence proving
the presence of man from long ago.
Fly to Madikwe Game Reserve – If you are short of time, a quick 60
minute flight from Johannesburg will have you on safari even quicker.
Rental car: Europcar (Group B) from $49 per day
Our favourite places to stay:
•
Sun City Hotels - Cascades, Cabanas, Sun City Hotel and Palace of
the Lost Chambers
•
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, Pilanesburg National Park
•
Black Rhino Game Lodge, Pilanesburg National Park
•
Tau Game Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
•
Jaci’s Lodges, Madikwe Game Reserve
•
Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe River Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 1-5 day hire rate. Price shown does not include earlybird or other discounted off ers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date.
17