You don’t need to dream about Disneyland when you are in South Africa. This country has a number of theme parks that offer huge creativity and awesome experiences. Here we have our own original answers to Disney – where else will you find a pirate ship, an ancient Lost City and a 
City of Gold?
Ushaka Marine World
Nothing quite beats the Ushaka Marine World experience. Doubling up as a great theme park and
an Aquarium, Ushaka Marine World in Durban offers its visitor an unforgettable all-round experience.
The marine park is tastefully themed with African imaginary and the place exudes an air of fun and excitement. No matter what the occasion, you will always find something to do at UShaka Marine World, from sizzling entertainment at the Sea and Dolphin Worlds, to restaurants offering excellent cuisine, an unforgettable shopping experience in Treasure World retail village. Fun-filled water slides at Wet 'n Wild World are also on offer, or simply spend a lazy day sunbathing at Beach World.
Spanning over 17 hectares of prime beachfront, Ushaka Marine World is Africa's largest Marine Park. uShaka incorporates fresh and sea water, lush vegetation, natural materials and the recreation of a 1940's cargoship wreck into a magical world of sea and marine life.
In February 2005 Ushaka Marine World won the equivalent of an Oscar in the theme park industry. Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), awarded UShaka Marine World for Outstanding Achievement in thematic creative design. This award, which was presented in Los Angeles, put the Durban venue in the elite league of international attractions.
There Ushaka Marine World’s Phantom Ship, Village Walk, the Wet ‘n Wild water park and Seaworld beat world dominators like Jurassic Park Institute Tour of Japan, Walt Disney’s Lucky The Dinosaur, Action! An adventure in Moviemaking of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.
Here are some interesting facts about Ushaka Marine World:
The Phantom Ship which is the icon of the park, represents the history of the Port of Durban which is one of the biggest ports on the African continent. The coast of Durban was one of the treacherous routes in history, hence the shipwreck theme.
The Village Walk, the retail area, with its earthy mix of natural and modern materials depicts a bustling African market. The design using open spaces, thatch and mosaics celebrates the artistic heritage of our people.
Wet ’n Wild water park is the ‘fun in the sun’ area where Durban residents as well as visitors can enjoy the enviable climate and great sea views.
SeaWorld which houses the fifth largest aquarium in the world boasts more than 200 species of sea life abundant in our coastline. The most popular inhabitant is Gambit the 30-year-old dolphin - he is the largest dolphin in any oceanarium in the world. Gambit and other dolphins are enjoyed by visitors from all over the world at the 1200-seater dolphin stadium.
Ratanga Junction
Cape Town’s Ratanga Junction combines dreams and themes to form an extravaganza of entertainment. From casual to quirky to old world glamour, Ratanga has it all offering more than 10 themes that include favourites such as Life’s a Beach, Cape Street Party, Mediterranean Magic and many more. Let your imagination run wild at Ratanga.
The Ratanga theme park runs from December through to July.
Gold Reef City
This is the Gauteng province’s prime address for theme parks.
If you want your children to learn why we call Johannesburg the City of Gold you might find it best to do so via the Gold Reef city theme park. This theme park is created around an authentic 19th Century Gold Mine.
Some of its popular experiences include Jozi Express, Anaconda, Miner’s Revenge, Golden Loop and the people’s favourite, Tower of Terror – (great if you enjoy out-of-body experiences!) From the moment that you are securely strapped into the coco pan you know you are in for a ride of a lifetime. The suspense before the drop is raising and before you know it you are thrust from the top of a genuine Mine Head Gear some 32 metres to ground level and then you are surprisingly dropped a further 15 metres underground. You are then speeded up a 70 metre incline back to the surface knowing what it’s like to be 7ft under! Not for the fainthearted, you have been warned!
Gold Reef City also offers adventure rides, restaurants, site seeing and many other tours that you can enjoy including Amusement Attractions, Historical Exhibits, Gold Pouring, Underground Tours and a Victorian Hotel.
The Gold Reef City Theme Park is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 09h30 to 17h00. During the Gauteng school holidays the theme park is open everyday.
And don’t forget to visit The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City while you are in South Africa. This lost ancient city theme park offers up a wonder world of illusion and the Valley of the Waves is an absolute treat for the kids. Don’t miss it.
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