How much does it cost to: Spend a weekend at the Lost City at Sun City?

A weekend getaway to The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City is an exciting adventure, but it does require a well-planned budget.

Take a look at what this adventure could cost for a family of four.

ENTRANCE FEES

The starting point is the entrance fees.

Sun City operates on a resort model, meaning access to the Lost City water park for example is included for guests staying at the resort hotels.

However, for day visitors, tickets are priced around R250 to R300 per adult and R200 to R250 per child.

So two adults and two children can expect to pay approximately R900 to R1 100 for entry.

This covers full use of the water slides, pools, and leisure facilities, making it the core cost of the outing.

Largest expense

Accommodation is the largest expense for families planning to stay over the weekend.

Sun City offers several hotel options, ranging from the family-friendly Cabanas to the luxurious The Palace of the Lost City.

Standard family rooms at the Cabanas average R2 500 to R3 000 per night. Mid-range options like the Sun City Hotel cost R3 500 to R4 500 per night.

The Palace, known for its opulence, can exceed R6 000 per night depending on the time of year.

For a two-night stay, families should budget anywhere between R5 000 and R12 000, depending on the choice of hotel.

This cost typically includes breakfast and access to resort facilities, including the Lost City water park.

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO FACTOR IN

Food and drinks are another important consideration.

Sun City has a wide range of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining.

Families can expect to spend R100 to R150 per person per meal at casual venues, which translates to R1 200 to R1 800 for four people over the weekend.

Opting for sit-down dinners at higher-end restaurants can push this figure closer to R2 500 to R3 000. Snacks and drinks at the water park itself also add up, with cold drinks and light meals averaging R50 to R80 per person.

Transport costs vary depending on where the family is traveling from.

For Johannesburg residents, petrol and tolls for the ±200km drive to Sun City amount to around R600 to R800.

Durban families face a much larger expense, with petrol for the ±600km trip costing R1 500 to R2 000, or flights for four exceeding R6 000.

Shuttle services from OR Tambo International Airport to Sun City are also available, averaging R500 to R700 per person.

Optional extras can enhance the experience but increase the budget.

Activities such as mini-golf, spa treatments, or adventure sports range from R200 to R1 000 per person. Families may also choose to explore the broader Sun City resort, including the casino, entertainment shows, or safari tours in the nearby Pilanesberg National Park, which can add several thousand rand to the total.

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