Sun City and Lost City rises from the dust of scrubby countryside, appearing like a mirage in the desert and shimmering in the African sun. It takes center stage in a volcanic valley surrounded by the Pilansberg mountains. An open invitation to visit this oasis on your worldwide travels.

The Sun City Resort Complex was the brainchild of Sol Kerzner, South Africa's hotel genius. He began with a strong belief in the power of tourism and a multi-million dollar investment to produce this ultra-luxurious African vacation getaway in 1980. Characteristics like tropical gardens, a flamingo lake, rushing waterfalls and a Sky train has become synonymous with Sun City and a later add-on, the Cascades.

The Lost City was Sol Kerzner's ultimate fantasy and was added a few years later. It has become the secret, awe-inspiring structure depicting a local legend with a gentle people occupying an old city. You seem to be entering a extraordinary world when crossing the bridge to the city, which looks like it is thousands of years old. Burning torches are placed at regular intervals on the bridge, you can hear the roar of lions and the trumpet of elephants, and from time to time you can even feel the earth tremble when crossing the bridge.

Huge, lifelike elephants guard the center palace. The palace is decorated with Renaissance frescoes, mosaic floors, hand-carved furniture, columns of faux tusks and palm fronds and is lit by thousands of candles. Among the "ruins" you will find a mystical black pool overlooking the rest of the city and one can almost imagine beautiful princesses bathing there.

Sun City is the South African equivalent of Las Vegas with gambling as its great attraction and is about three hours drive from Johannesburg. Overall, it is like a huge, luxurious adult amusement park with different great stage extravaganzas at night. In short, a place to play and with beds for 2000 guests when the day is done.

The play does not stop indoors though. Outdoors you will find two championship golf courses, one with crocodiles at the thirteenth hole and which was designed by the legendary Gary Player.

Furthermore you can explore the 55 000 hectare expanse of Pilansberg National Park which lies in an ancient volcanic crater and is the third largest game park in southern Africa. Game viewing which includes the big five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can be enjoyed from specially adapted four-wheel-drive vehicles or from the heights of a hot air balloon and followed by a sumptuous bush breakfast.

There is no doubt in my mind that Sun City and Lost City is a must see on your next worldwide travel vacation getaway, even if you do not gamble. There are simply so much to see and do and the food is superior. Just one more reason to go.