WHETHER it’s the excitement of trying something new or testing your limits, there’s something about amusement parks that bring out the kid in us.
South Africa has so much variety, from wet and wild rides to adrenalin pumping edge-of-your-seat thrills. We’re so spoilt for choice it’s hard to pick one. But do yourself a favour and if you’re close to one of these places, take the family along and get the T-shirt.
We’ve got all the details on SA’s top five amusement parks. So get packing and go exploring.
● Splash Waterworld (Amanzimtoti, KZN): With the tag line “The most fun you’ll have on the South Coast!”, you know you’re in for an experience of note. Facilities include 10 water slides for all ages and a large recreational pool in case it gets too much for you. But the show-stopper is the Adventure River ride which will keep you entertained for hours. You can also try your hand at the 18-hole mini golf course and stop over at the Thirsty Whale for a quick bite to eat before doing it all over again. Braai areas are also available on site, so pack in some vleis and make a day of it. The park is open until September 15 from 10am to 4pm. Entrance fees are allocated on a day pass basis from R60 to R110 For enquires, call: 031 904 2273 or 031 903 3034. Physical address: 97 Beach Road, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal Visit: www.splashwaterworld.co.za
● Gold Reef City (Joburg): One of South Africa’s oldest amusement parks, Gold Reef City takes you back to Joburg’s Gold Rush era. Does the Tower of Terror strike fear in you? What about the Anaconda? With over 30 rides to choose from, there’s something for everyone. And if you want festivities to continue to the next day, you have a choice of two hotels to check into: Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel and Southern Sun Gold Reef City. Opening hours are between 9.30am and 5pm, Wednesdays to Sundays and all public holidays, except Christmas Day. Ticket prices include park entrance fees and applicable rides. Thrill rider: R190; non-rider: R110 Call: 011 248 6800. Physical address: Northern Pkwy & Data Crescent Joburg. Visit: https://www.tsogosun.com/gold-reef-city-casino/theme-park
● Ratanga Junction (Cape Town): Ratanga’s most famous ride is The Cobra. No matter what time of day it is, there’s always a long snaking line waiting to get on. It even has its own website link alerting you to the waiting time (http://www.ratanga.co.za/ride-queue-status/).
But if you don’t mind wasting a few hours to gain bragging rights, it’s worth the wait and the adrenalin rush. For the not-so-adventurous, there’s the run-of-the-mill kiddie rides like Barrel Roll or Temperance Flyer. Park opening hours are between 10am and 5pm. Check their website for closures. Ticket prices: Full adventurer: R179; mini adventurer: R95; fun pass: R70 Call: 021 550 8504. Physical address: Century City Boulevard, Century City, Milnerton http://www.ratanga.co.za
● Wild Waves Water Park (Port Edward): Welcome to the Aqua Loop, a 17m vertical plunge down a capsule before going splash! The Wild Coast Sun Wild Waves Water Park is a haven for water park lovers. There’s even a Kidz Zone play area. During peak season, the park is open from 9am 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
If you’re a guest at the hotel, entry fees are R40. Day visitors are R50 for kids, R100 for adults. Contact: 039 305 4800. https://www.suninternational.com/wild-coast-sun/activities/wild-waves-water-park/
● Valley Of The Waves (Sun City): After undergoing a R1 billion refurbishment, the resort complex included the water park in the extensive upgrade. The park’s main attraction is the Roaring Lagoon – a 6 500m wave pool that generates waves of nearly 2m high every 90 seconds. There are also a selection of restaurants and bars for those who prefer taking it easy and working on their tan. Trading hours are between 9am and 6pm in summer, with the park closing at 5pm in winter. Resort residents have free access to the Valley Of The Waves, otherwise rates range from R70 to R160, depending on the season. Contact: 014 557 3444. https://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/activities/valley-of-waves/
● Have pets, won’t travel. There are lots of options available, from pet-sitters to dog hotels, depending on your budget. A good place to start is your local directory listings in your region. Jenny and Tiffany from Paws and Claws World, a pet service specialist, explains the difference between a dog hotel and pet sitter: “There are two major differences between dog hotels and pet sitters. First while dog hotels offer their services on their own premises, a pet sitter will care for your dogs in the comfort of their own home. Keeping your dog in his normal routine, in the safety and comfort of his own home is guaranteed to be the most stress-free option for him.”
Contact: Cape Town: Paws And Claws: [email protected] Durban: Durban House Sitting: www.durbanhousesitting.co.za/ Joburg: Your Hound: [email protected].