Cascades

Traveller testimonial

I was planning to send you a thank you note after our trip, but you beat me to it. Our plan was to take the kids there after my wife and I had the opportunity to see Sun City in 2014. At the time, we stayed in the Cascades and while walking around the area, noticed that the Cabanas seemed a bit dated. But, fortunately for us, it was recently revamped. The units were fresh, new and lovely. Thank you for your advice to rather book two units and for the good rate you managed to get. The kids enjoyed their own facilities independent of mom and dad. We believe that the Cascades are also being revamped and unfortunately we just missed the opening of the new entertainment centre on 1 Nov. But maybe we can do another trip in a few years' time. The first part of our trip was in Blyde River Canyon and Kruger Park. We were last there 11 years ago. We were dissappointed at the lack of maintenance on all facilities at the Forever resort, the local road infrastructure, tourist attractions, etc. and the lack of positive change. We noticed that farm fences all dissappeared and roaming livestock was a constant threat on the road. The only real changes we noticed were 2 new malls in Hazyview, Graskop gained a few lovely coffee shops and Skukuza has a new restaurant. In Blydepoort area, we had to pay for everything - viewing of vistas, waterfalls and potholes (one's on the road came for free) - but nothing was maintained. And no further service was offered beyond collecting fees. When visiting Kruger - apart from the drought, which put a dampner on things a bit - the staff's lack of interest in their roles as ambassadors for SA and to welcome visitors and to be of assistance, was a real concern. To be honest, we were happy to leave Mpumalanga behind. I'm mentioning it as background to our arrival at Sun City. The road to Sun City is in a shocking condition! But then when you arrive at Sun City, it is a real oasis. We were immediately struck by the staff's friendliness, willingness and ability to assist. All staff greeted, from the welcome desk to the porters (Peter was our guy) and even the gardening staff. I like to converse with the staff as it gives one a feel for how things really are. In Skukuza's new restaurant, our waiter had to ask the manager what the cost of a cuppucino was. At Sun City, regardless of who I spoke to, all my questions were answered - from the bus drivers to the security guard at Sun City's back gate to Pilanesberg Park. So, to summarise a long story, our stay at Sun City was all we have hoped for. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was the highlight of our holiday. Pilansberg National Park seriously needs assistance. The road infrastructure is in a terrible condition. The drive through was very rewarding and we saw many animals, but again - no maintenance on important matters. Apologies for the long mail - we now understand with clearer insight why Cape Town is doing so well. We are glad to be home. :)

Johan Brundyn | Cabanas , 2016