Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Hot summer days with temperatures soaring into the high 20s are here, and with schools about to close, it’s the perfect time to enjoy hours of swimming and fun in the sun. Luckily, South Africa offers a variety of waterparks and resorts designed for all-day water fun. If you’re unsure where to go, here are 10 of the top water theme parks in the country to visit this summer.
Sun City: Valley of Waves and Waterworld (North West)
Sun City offers endless water fun for the whole family. In fact, they have two incredible water parks, giving you the option to choose whatever works best for your family or go to both. The iconic Valley of Waves features a landlocked beach, thrilling water slides, and plenty of water-based activities. Kids will never want to leave! Also on the vast Sun City property, close to the Cabanas Hotel, is Sun City Waterworld, a huge water park with wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides. Exciting activities include jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, tube rides, pontoon boats, and the Tsala cruise boat. Hotel guests and Vacation Club residents enjoy free access, while day visitors pay an entrance fee.
For more information, visit www.suninternational.com.
uShaka Wet ‘n Wild (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)
Located within the iconic uShaka Marine World, uShaka Wet ‘n Wild is a water park
offering an exhilarating mix of slides and pools for all ages. Thrill-seekers can enjoy
high-speed slides, while those seeking relaxation can unwind in the lazy river. With
stunning views of the Indian Ocean, this waterpark is perfect for family fun under the sun. When your crew has had enough of swimming, xplore the 16-hectare theme park uShaka Marine World and enjoy the Sea World aquarium, dolphin and seal shows, turtle and penguin pools, and the snorkel lagoon. This world-class destination blends fun, culture, and education, making it ideal for children to learn about marine life while having a great time. Please note that food hampers, braais, and cooler boxes are not allowed on the premises.
For more information, visit www.ushakamarine.com
Wild Waves Water Park at Wild Coast Sun (Port Edward, Eastern Cape)
Set in the scenic Wild Coast, this water park boasts a variety of slides and an action-packed wave pool. Dive into adventure at Wild Waves Water Park, one of the Eastern
Cape’s top attractions. Thrill-seekers can enjoy world-class slides like the Aqualoop,
Superbowl, Boomerango, and two steep body slides. For families, there’s a dedicated children’s area, while those seeking relaxation can float along the Lazy River. Designed to international standards, this water park offers fun for all ages there are thrilling rides for adults and relaxing, fun time for little ones. offering
something for everyone.
For more information, visit www.suninternational.com.
Mzansi Happy Island Waterworld (Muldersdrift, Gauteng)
Gauteng may lack an ocean, but Happy Island Waterworld more than makes up for it as the largest water park in the province. Iconic attractions include the Tsunami Wave Pools, High-Speed Slides, Amazon Splash Pools, Pirate Boat, and the thrilling Free Fall slide. For a more laid-back experience, unwind on the Lazy River. With its relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly activities, it’s the perfect destination for all ages.
For more information, visit www.mzansithemepark.co.za
Pines Resort (Krugersdorp, Gauteng)
Pines Resort offers a fantastic water park with slides for all ages, a lazy river, and a
wave pool, making it the ideal destination for family fun and relaxation in a secure,
natural setting. Enjoy a day of swimming and sliding with loved ones, or visit the rope adventure park with ziplines and climbing obstacles. The resort’s spacious areas are perfect for a picnic or braai, offering a great spot for food and good company. However, no alcohol is allowed to be brought onto the premises and there is a no-drinking policy in the parking area, to maintain a fun atmosphere for everyone.
For more information, visit www.pinesresort.co.za
Mafunyane Riverside Water Park (Nelspruit, Mpumalanga)
Located inside Riverside Mall in Nelspruit, offers over seven thrilling water attractions, including super slides, sparkling pools, and fun activities for all ages. With exciting slides like “Cheetah’s Challenge,” “Boomslang Bungee,” and “Leaping Leopard,” there’s something for thrill-seekers and those looking to relax. For a more laid-back experience, enjoy the large pool and kiddies’ water play area, or relax on the lawns. The park also caters to school trips, birthday parties or team-building events, with picnic and braai areas, a fast-food restaurant, and plenty of space for fun activities. Celebrate birthdays with friends and family at the water park!
For more information, visit www.mafunyane.co.za
Warmbaths Forever Resort (Bela-Bela, Limpopo)
Warmbaths, A Forever Resort, located in the African Bushveld, has been a beloved
holiday destination for many years, attracting families from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. It offers a variety of activities for all ages, making it the perfect getaway. The waterpark opens at 07:00 during the peak holiday season, and highlights include a cable water ski, wave pool, giant slide, outdoor heated swimming pools, a rheumatism pool, kiddies’ swimming pool, and Splash Island. Guests can also enjoy game drives in the private reserve and relaxing spa treatments
in the hydro park. With a range of accommodation options available, Warmbaths is
ideal for families with different needs and expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.
For more information, visit www.foreverwarmbaths.co.za
Motheo Adventure Farm (Kimberly, Northern Cape)
Motheo Adventure Farm offers a range of outdoor activities, including a water park with slides and splash pools, set in a scenic environment. It’s perfect for families looking to combine water fun with picnicking and farm activities. In addition to the water park, the farm features swimming pools, a zip line, quad bikes, animal feeding, and more. Motheo also caters for events like birthday parties, team-building sessions, and year-end functions. With so much to do, it promises a fun and memorable day for everyone.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/motheoadventurefarmresort
Splash Waterworld (Gqeberha, Eastern Cape)
Located at Kings Beach in Gqeberha, Splash Waterworld is a family-friendly water park offering a variety of slides, a lazy river, swimming pools, and splash zones. Surrounded by beautiful views, it promises a day of entertainment and relaxation, with lifeguards on duty for safety. With slides catering to all adrenaline levels, both children and adults will stay entertained. There’s also a kiosk serving delicious food and cold beverages. Bring your picnic, swimwear, and sunscreen, as you’ll want to spend the whole summer here.
For more information, visit www.splashwaterworldpe.co.za
