Palace of the Lost City

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Palace of the Lost City

Escape to the Palace of the Lost City at Sun City, one of South Africa’s first visionary hotels imagined and brought to life by famous hotel magnate, Sol Kerzner in 1992, a place of sheer escapism and fantasy and a place where you can find top class accommodation in a serene garden setting. Run away from your day-to-day life to Northwest Province and come and experience something completely out of the box, at one of South Africa’s best-known family and golf resorts. Book online for great special package deals with us!

The Palace of the Lost City is one of four upmarket hotels at Sun City – a luxury resort and casino in the North West Province of South Africa, only 140km away from Johannesburg, on the border of Pilanesberg Game Reserve. 

The Palace of The Lost City was built in 1992 and should feature on your bucket list to experience something extraordinary for your next holiday or weekend getaway – the magical setting in the jungle is the largest manmade jungle ever created on earth! The jungle garden took 2 years to complete when 440 gardeners planted 6 000 mature trees, and 1.6 million plants – they formed 4 different ecosystems reflecting wetlands, rainforests, a coastal area and a desert area.

Book your Lost City accommodation at the Palace of the Lost City and experience the incredible Valley of the Waves, a vast man-made water park for all ages where fake waterfalls, rivers, streams and slides entertain tourists all day. Southern Africa’s largest maze is here too, and a 90m long suspension bridge to get there.

Five-star luxury greets guests in extraordinary architecture that has to be seen to be believed, all reflecting the African myth about the lost city, lost tribe and its themes. Bronze and stone carvings of wild animals, mosaics, huge, arched ceilings, towers and weird and wonderful structures surround you as walk around this massive landscape. 

Choose luxury Lost City accommodation in 336 lavish rooms – 3 presidential suites, 6 superior suites, 151 luxury rooms, 6 junior suites, 77 superior luxury rooms, 35 superior luxury pool-facing rooms, 55 family rooms and 3 paraplegic rooms. Dine in the Crystal Court in the mornings and order your dinner in the plush Plume and Grill Room while the pool deck is a great place for fancy lunches. Enjoy the two giant swimming pools, the beauty salon and spa and all the entertainment around you for days on end at the Lost City South Africa. 

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Why Stay at the Palace of the Lost City?

The Palace of the Lost City is unlike any other hotel in South Africa. Rising above the Sun City resort in spectacular fashion, this legendary five-star property combines fantasy architecture, tropical gardens and world-class hospitality to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Inspired by the mythical legend of a lost African kingdom, the hotel feels more like a palace than a resort. Towering columns, intricate mosaics, handcrafted sculptures and dramatic interiors transport guests into a world of imagination and luxury.

For travellers seeking a destination that is every bit as memorable as the experiences surrounding it, the Palace remains Sun City’s flagship hotel and one of Africa’s most famous resorts.

The Story Behind an African Icon

The Palace of the Lost City was the vision of legendary hotel entrepreneur Sol Kerzner, who opened the hotel in 1992 as the crown jewel of the Sun City resort.

Designed around the fictional tale of an ancient African civilisation lost to time, every aspect of the hotel reflects this imaginative narrative. Guests discover towering domes, elaborate carvings, grand staircases and decorative artwork celebrating African wildlife, mythology and culture.

More than three decades later, the Palace remains one of the most recognisable hotels on the continent.

A Remarkable Setting Within Sun City

Perched on the highest ground within the resort, the Palace enjoys commanding views over Sun City’s gardens, lakes and entertainment areas.

The hotel is surrounded by one of the largest man-made botanical gardens ever created. Thousands of mature trees and over a million plants were introduced to transform the landscape into a tropical paradise featuring wetlands, forested areas, waterfalls and walking trails.

Guests can spend hours simply exploring the grounds, discovering hidden pathways, sculptures and scenic viewpoints.

The setting feels entirely removed from everyday life.

Luxury Accommodation Fit for Royalty

The Palace offers 336 luxurious rooms and suites designed to reflect the grandeur of the hotel itself.

Accommodation categories range from elegant luxury rooms to spacious family rooms, superior suites and exclusive presidential suites. Rich fabrics, handcrafted furnishings and carefully selected décor create an atmosphere of classic luxury throughout the property.

Modern comforts include spacious bathrooms, air conditioning, high-speed connectivity, premium bedding and exceptional views across the gardens, pools or surrounding landscape.

The result is accommodation that feels both timeless and indulgent.

Family-Friendly Luxury at Sun City

Despite its opulent atmosphere, the Palace is exceptionally welcoming to families.

Children enjoy easy access to the famous Valley of Waves, the Maze of the Lost City and numerous family-friendly activities throughout the resort. Spacious family rooms provide flexibility, while the resort’s extensive entertainment options ensure younger guests remain engaged throughout their stay.

Parents appreciate the balance between luxury accommodation and family-focused experiences.

Few luxury hotels in South Africa offer such a wide range of activities suitable for multiple generations.

The Legendary Valley of Waves

One of the greatest advantages of staying at the Palace is its direct access to the Valley of Waves.

This iconic water park remains one of Sun City’s biggest attractions, featuring wave pools, water slides, lazy rivers, waterfalls and family entertainment suitable for all ages.

Guests can move easily between the hotel and the water park throughout the day, making it particularly popular with families during school holidays and long weekends.

It remains one of South Africa’s most famous leisure attractions.

Dining Experiences Worth Discovering

Dining at the Palace forms an important part of the overall experience.

The Crystal Court is renowned for its lavish breakfasts, elegant high teas and beautiful garden-inspired décor. The sophisticated Plume restaurant offers refined cuisine with African influences, while the Grill Room specialises in premium cuts and expertly prepared dishes.

For more relaxed dining, the Pool Deck provides light meals and refreshments throughout the day, while the Tusk Bar and Lounge offers an inviting setting for evening cocktails and social gatherings.

The diversity of dining options ensures every occasion is catered for.

Relaxation and Wellness

Guests looking to slow the pace of their holiday can enjoy the hotel’s extensive wellness facilities.

The Royal Salon Spa offers a variety of treatments designed to restore and rejuvenate, while the hotel’s beautiful pools provide peaceful spaces to unwind between activities.

The lush gardens surrounding the Palace create an atmosphere of tranquillity rarely found at a large resort destination.

Many guests choose to dedicate entire afternoons to relaxation before returning to Sun City’s entertainment options later in the evening.

Combine Luxury with Safari Adventures

One of the unique benefits of staying at the Palace is its location adjacent to the renowned Pilanesberg National Park.

Guests can easily combine luxury resort living with Big Five safari experiences. Guided game drives into Pilanesberg provide opportunities to encounter lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo within a malaria-free environment.

This combination of safari, entertainment, golf and luxury accommodation is one of the reasons Sun City continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Why Choose the Palace of the Lost City?

The Palace of the Lost City is not simply a hotel—it is an experience.

From its legendary architecture and spectacular gardens to its luxury accommodation, fine dining and family attractions, every aspect of the property is designed to inspire wonder. Whether visiting for a family holiday, romantic getaway, golf trip or special celebration, the Palace offers something few hotels can match.

It remains one of South Africa’s most iconic luxury destinations and an essential experience for travellers exploring Sun City.

Plan Your Sun City Escape

Combine the Palace of the Lost City with a Big Five safari in Pilanesberg National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve or a broader South African itinerary including Cape Town, Victoria Falls and the Cape Winelands. Voyage2Africa can create a tailor-made luxury holiday perfectly suited to your travel style.

What do past clients say about this destination?

15/01/2023

We take my daughter to the Palace often and this time she loved it even more – Robert the Pianist called her to play something for the breakfast guests so she did and everyone clapped. Besides that, we always do the maze, the amazing Valley of the Waves and we are teaching my daughter tennis and golf so that is the best place to do it.

Fred King

Amazing Holiday Packages including The Palace of The Lost City

The golf course area at The Palace of the Lost City
Per family of 4

Palace of the Lost City Family Package

4 Nights
Extraordinary experiences await you and your family when you choose our irresistible 4-night family package at Sun City’s incredible Palace of the Lost City. A special deal for a family of four.
Aerial view of The Palace of the Lost City in Sun City
Per person sharing

Palace of the Lost City Couples Package

4 Nights
Complete escapism and romance abound in our special romantic 4-night package for couples at the lavish and eccentric Palace of the Lost City at Sun City. Packed with time together in a veritable wonderland.

From $450

PER PERSON SHARING PER NIGHT


Activities

  • Bird Watching
  • Cycling
  • Golf
  • Horse Riding
  • Jet Skis
  • Sailing
  • Squash Court
  • Tennis Court
  • Walks
  • Water Skiing
  • Sun City Entertainment Centre and Casino
  • Game drives in Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Included

  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast

that include this property

Facilities

  • Valley of Waves
  • Ironing and laundry service (surcharge)
  • Room service (24 hours)
  • Flat screen TV, satellite channels
  • Air conditioning
  • Laptop safe
  • Minibar
  • Kettle, tea and coffee, coffee machine
  • Balcony or patio
  • Bars
  • Business Centre, Conference Centre
  • Gym
  • Kiddies Club
  • Restaurants
  • Chapel

Highlights

  • The most extraordinary hotel in the world created from scratch by the visionary Sol Kerzner in 1992 
  • Weird and wonderful architecture and opulent décor reflect an ancient African myth 
  • The largest man made forest in the world created from 6000 mature trees, and 1,6 million different plants 
  • A choice of 336 luxury rooms and suites for families, couples and VIPs.


Faq's about Palace of the Lost City

Is the Palace of the Lost City suitable for families?

Yes. The Palace offers family rooms, direct access to the Valley of Waves and a wide variety of activities suitable for children and adults.

How far is the Palace from Johannesburg?

The Palace of the Lost City is approximately 140 kilometres from Johannesburg, with a driving time of around 2.5 hours.

Can guests visit Pilanesberg National Park from the Palace?

Yes. Pilanesberg National Park borders Sun City and safari excursions can easily be arranged during your stay.

What makes the Palace of the Lost City unique?

Its fantasy-inspired architecture, enormous botanical gardens, luxury accommodation and legendary status make it one of Africa’s most distinctive hotels.

Does the Palace have spa facilities?

Yes. The Royal Salon Spa offers a range of wellness treatments, beauty therapies and relaxation experiences for guests.

How many nights should I stay at the Palace of the Lost City?

A stay of two to four nights allows enough time to enjoy the hotel, Sun City attractions, golf courses and optional safari activities in Pilanesberg National Park.