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Wild rides in South Africa
Theme parks
Gold Reef City, fun for everyone
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
Visitors to Gold Reef City Theme Park can go on an underground mine tour, watch gold being poured, and pan for gold.
South Africa's theme parks offer visitors more than just the chance to have loads of fun under the African sun.
Though frivolous and fantastical entertainment is always a top priority at theme parks, most also offer a variety of educational programmes and historical attractions for those who wish to explore in depth the culture and history of South Africa.
Theme parks in South Africa run the gamut from the typical carnival funfair park complete with rollercoasters, big wheels, bumper cars and other rides, to wildlife-themed shows, sport-themed parks and those that are more historic in nature.
From Johannesburg's memorable Gold Reef City, rated amongst the top theme parks in South Africa, and one of the few where history is as important as adrenalin-pumping action, to Durban's wet and wonderful uShaka Marine World and Cape Town's sparkling Ratanga Junction, open during the summer months, there something to appeal to all tastes and moods.
Children - and their parents - will adore the breakers churned up at the Valley of the Waves water park at over-the-top Sun City, the wild rides on offer at Gold Reef City, Umhlanga Gateway's Wave Park, and the marine wonderland of uShaka Marine World.
Parents, if they haven't regressed to childhood themselves at the thrilling thought of riding the Tower of Terror or the Jozi Express, could take a more sedate trip back in time at Gold Reef City's many historical attractions, visit a working crocodile farm at Sun City or let their kids drive them up the wall - literally - at Gateway's 8-storey, free-standing indoor climbing wall.
Whatever your pleasure, South Africa's theme parks offer a whole world of fun and adventure - and not just for the kids.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Ratanga Junction
Phone: +27 (0)861 200 300
Fax: +27 (0)21 550 8556
Email: info@ratanga.co.za
Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Phone: +27 (0)31 514 0500
Fax: +27 (0)31 514 0592
Gold Reef City Theme Park
Phone: +27 (0)11 248 6800
Fax: +27 (0)11 248 6863
Email: info@goldreefcity.co.za
UShaka Marine World
Phone: +27 (0)31 328 8000/90
Email: mkt@ushakamarineworld.co.za
Valley of the Waves
c/o Sun International
Phone: +27 (0)11 780 7000/1
Fax: +27 (0)11 780 7061
How to get here
Gold Reef City is in Johannesburg, Sun City is outside Rustenburg in the North West province. In KwaZulu-Natal, visit the Gateway Theatre of Shopping is in Umhlanga Rocks, and UShaka Marine World in Durban. Ratanga Junction is in Milnerton in Cape Town.
What to pack
All of the theme parks featured have water parks or slides, so pack bring a swimming costume and towel.
Where to stay
When visiting the Valley of the Waves, stay over at Sun City or the Palace of the Lost City.