Wheelchair Holidays : South Africa - Sun City & Pilansberg National Park

South Africa - Sun City & Pilansberg National Park

The contrast between the stark, arid bushveld surrounding Sun City and the lush green golfing greens and secluded gardens is extreme. Nothing serves to demonstrate the transforming capabilities of water more clearly. Step out of your 4x4 in the bush and the air is dry, the light sharp. Open your Palace room door onto the gardens and the breeze is cool, the sound of bubbling water soothing. The cool tiles of the foyer rolled smoothly under wheel as The Palace Of The Lost City welcomed us and our baggage was whisked away to our room in the Elephant Wing. Welcoming smiles were everywhere to be seen, each one helping to shed a city shackle and expose the soul in search of relaxation within.

After a refreshing shower, and a drink at the Tusk Bar, we chose to dine at the Crystal Court. The court is an impressive looking room when viewed from above at the foyer level, when seated at your table it is positively breath taking. A South African, on holiday in South Africa, is supposed to be cool about these things, after all, it is our home turf. Is it not only the foreign tourists who stroll around with rubber necks and jaws agape? My excuse was that only a reclining lounge chair would have afforded me the opportunity to fully appreciate the décor, so instead I showed discipline and self-control by immersing myself in the evening menu.

After dinner, as we strolled into the Shawu Courtyard with its life size bronze statue of the famous tusker, we reflected that there are few places in the world where the design of The Palace could work as effectively as it does in the North Western Province. The main building is open to the elements with its courtyards leading directly into restaurants, bars, lounges and conference halls. The entrances are huge, the ceilings towering and the floor spaces vast. Gone is the claustrophobia of closed rooms, and the heaviness of deep pile carpeting. The Palace is volumous, on a scale that will allow you to dispense with swinging the proverbial cat, and substitute it with a giraffe!

The morning dawned windless, crisp and clear and after taking in breakfast we were ready for some serious game viewing. The Pilansberg National Park, the fourth largest in South Africa, and home to the Big 5, is only a few minutes away from Sun City. The 4x4 game-viewing vehicle picked us up right outside the hotel and in no time we were off. Spotting lions is difficult enough, given that their coats match the grass so perfectly, and their perchance to sleep most of the day. Fortunately our guide, Jonathan, knew their habits and was able to not only locate a pride of seven, but also position the vehicle so as to provide us with a clear view of the magnificent males, and watchful females. The benefits of taking a guided tour were paying off handsomely. It was our first ever sighting of lions in the wild, an exciting moment, and one that gained newfound respect for these big cats.

Our vehicle came face-to-face with two bull elephants out to rev a couple of fresh tourists. A game of elephant and Nissan, similar to the more well known, cat and mouse, ensued with each party edging up and down the road. Needless to say the Japanese motoring giant was forced to give way to a couple too many tons of wrinkled skin. The rhino were far more considerate, choosing to watch us from the shade of a huge thorn tree. Zebra, the pyjama donkeys of the bushveld, giraffe, wildebeest, springbok, impala, warthog, and waterbuck were all on our spotting menu, as were numerous guinea fowl, partridge, and kingfishers.

During the heat of the midday the animal's head for the shade of the trees, while the human's head for the sun drenched lawns next to the pool. So much for being in touch with nature. The poolside bar took care to keep us cool on the inside, and the huge King Pool took care of the outside. If one has somehow missed out a breakfast, and the poolside braai lunch, then the traditional "high tea" served in the Crystal Court offers an escape. If the bushveld calls you for more, then try and time your visit to coincide with one of Sun City's "boma braai‚s", a sumptuous meal under the stars, greeted and entertained by tribal dancers, surrounded by flaming torches, all within the game park boundaries.

Our last evening found us at the Villa Del Palazzo overlooking the enormous King Pool. The lights twinkling in the moat surrounding the restaurant almost give the impression that we were floating in the pool, but our thoughts were focussed more closely on the North Italian meal. The evening was calm and clear so we decided to forego an after dinner drink in favour of a stroll through the gardens.

We chose not to take The Palace up on their suitcase packing service, feeling that while it was not intended to hasten our departure, but more likely to assist those overcome by the effects of luxurious living. That would mean defeat, and we were still strong, albeit plumper. Our closing breakfast was a leisurely affair as we attempted, in vain, to make an impression on the incredible array of choices. An elephant would have been hard pressed. One could get used to lazy mornings, interspersed with regular coffee refills, browsing the days paper, as the sun shines down on you through those towering Crystal Court windows. Sadly this is but a getaway, our car beckoned, as did the office . . .

I am permanently confined to a wheelchair through spinal muscular atrophy. My wife and I have repeatedly proved that travelling in a wheelchair is neither daunting, nor limiting, and hope our experiences will be of benefit to others. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any additional information.

Reproduced with kind permission of Hilton Purvis
P O Box 371,
Noordhoek, 7979,
South Africa.

Wheelchair Holidays : South Africa - Sun City & Pilansberg National Park