Jump in! Maybe the cold water will help you clear your head.

David Ogden Stiers

Although the summer holidays are now behind us, many of us are still clinging to the idea of being more daring and not losing our thirst for adventure in the new year. After all, it is still summer, and there are many warm, sunny days ahead. For many parents, the idea of escaping during the year with their kids from the humdrum of daily routines is all the more appealing. Are you searching for some of the best water parks in the country? A getaway on Saturday or Sunday, or a cheeky escape after work and school on a Friday afternoon, must certainly have crossed your mind. We don't blame you if a little staycation in an interesting place with a sparkling pool is on your mind, or if the thought of a Sunday boat ride along a lazy river is all you can think about.

So, if you are ready to make the year ahead interesting and if you are ready to visit one of the top swimming resorts in South Africa, we say start packing your bags and get ready to go. We are here to guide you with a list of options for fun and exciting water resorts and waterparks.

While you're exploring, you should also take a look at some of the best places to go swimming in SA.

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Some of the Best Waterparks in South Africa

They say happiness comes in waves. Guess, I'm at the right place then!

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While escaping to a resort is always an ideal option, there is no reason why you can't have fun for one day only. A day of fun is exactly what awaits you at some of the coolest waterparks all over South Africa. Here are some well-known aqua parks spread across the country.

uShaka Marine World's Wet 'n Wild

If you are living in Durban, weekends and weekdays can be fun if you choose to go to uShaka Marine World, where you will find the Wet 'n Wild water park.

young child in a swimming pool with a water feature playing with an inflatable ball and using a swimming tube
Don't forget water safety, even when having fun at an aqua park! Image: Yianni Mathioudakis

From a variety of water slides to swimming with the sharks, the water park offers a chance for the whole family to have some fun. A ride down the lazy river is great for children, while the thrill seekers in the family may enjoy the Drop Zone, which is the highest slide in Africa.

Valley of the Waves

It is highly recommended that you venture to Sun City's Valley of the Waves for the weekend. Enjoying the wave pool on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is always a great idea. While older family members can enjoy the soft beach sand, the young members will be entertained by the attractions that cater to daredevils. Day visitors are allowed in as well, and can buy tickets that give them entry into this incredible water park located in the North West province.

Mzanzi Theme Park

While people in Gauteng may not have the luxury of visiting the beach on weekends, they can surely visit one of the coolest water parks in South Africa.

close up of an empty green water slide at an aqua park
Image: Vladimir Srajber

Although this is a relatively new water park, it is also the ideal spot for a picnic. Offering day visitors the chance to enjoy the tsunami wave pool, the lazy river, a pirate boat ride, rainbow slides, and the thrilling behemoth bowl, this waterpark will be unforgettable for all.

With braai meat being served at the restaurants on the property, you are bound to have the most delicious experience at the Mzanzi Theme Park.

Wild Waters

For people in Boksburg, the long-standing Wild Waters waterpark has often been known as the place for the most amazing rave parties and birthday parties. However, during most days, it is an ideal spot for young and old. Your adrenaline will surely be pumping with slides like the Boomerango and the Superbowl.

Aquadome

In the heart of Vanderbijlpark is Emerald Resort, which also allows day visitors in the indoor waterpark called Aquadome. Here, you can enjoy the heated pools as well as relax in the jacuzzi. An indoor waterpark is ideal to hang out at during all weather conditions and can be a rather relaxing experience for the whole family.

Catch a glimpse of the top 10 waterparks in South Africa.

Remember, some water parks will only be open in the summer months, and offer a fun alternative to visiting one of our local beaches.

Waterparks Near Me in South Africa

There are
120

waterparks in South Africa

In South Africa, you are surely spoilt for choice in terms of the waterparks that you can choose to visit when you want to enjoy a few park slide rides or enjoy memorable moments sliding down some thrilling water slides. Outside of the top 10 water parks in the country, here are a few other South African waterparks that you can choose to visit:

pool
More Local Water Parks

✪ Cubana Waterpark in Mpumalanga
✪Crystal Sun Waterpark in Pretoria
✪ Warmbaths Waterpark in Limpopo
✪ Splash Waterworld in Port Elizabeth
✪ Mafunyane Water Park in Nelspruit
✪ Hennops Waterpark in Pretoria
✪ Water World in Strand

Most waterparks are worth visiting on public holidays during the year, especially for families who enjoy action-packed and busier public holiday days. If you love basking in the sun, having oodles of fun, trying out water rides, or just taking a dip in a pool, outdoor waterparks can be the most rewarding experience for you. Whether you are visiting the popular Dolphin Beach Entertainment waterpark in Jeffreys Bay or the Pine Lake Resort waterpark, you will have to adhere to some park rules. Rules are important, but it is just as important to ensure that you arrive at any waterpark being fully prepared.

How to Prepare Yourself for Visiting a Water Park

Are you ready to ride the kamikaze speed slide at uShaka Marine World? If so, we are happy to inform you that wet and wild times are just around the corner, but you must be prepared for the adventure that awaits. At many waterparks, day visitors will be searched by security before being allowed into the park.

Here are some things to think about before your visit.

Find out how full the park gets during peak seasons, so you can plan your visit accordingly and perhaps go at a quieter time outside of the peak period.
Ensure that the waterpark you intend to visitallows for day visitors and find out how long day visitors are permitted to stay at the waterpark. Knowing the opening and closing hours of the waterpark is important.
Decide on the best day to visit the park (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) anduse the weather as a guide.
If you are going with smaller children, find out if the slides are family-friendly or what slide rides there are for younger children.
Before booking your tickets, read the terms and conditions for booking and understand the policy for ticket cancellations or weather-related ticket cancellations.
Find out if you are allowed to take umbrellas or if any glass items are allowed in the waterpark.
Do your research in advance and try to get hold of a park map so you know where all the thrill rides are.

Sometimes, it is an indoor waterpark that you may want to check out more than an outdoor waterpark.

Finding Indoor Waterparks Near Me

child sliding down a water slide at a water park
Indoor water parks cater to all ages. - Image: April Walker

You may be asking, "Where can I find indoor waterparks near me?" If so, you may have realised that there are many more advantages to visiting indoor waterparks over outdoor parks. Both Aquadome and Graceland waterpark are indoor parks that you can go to, so you can reap the benefits of these indoor waterparks.

Here are some benefits of indoor waterparks:

All-year operations, irrespective of the weather.

The security of being supervised by trained lifeguards

Relaxed atmosphere with the chance to enjoy relaxed sit-down meals.

While South Africa is well known as the place of wild safaris, hiking up majestic mountains, and for its rich cultural heritage, our country also has a rather compelling relationship with water. People often visit South Africa to find some of the best spots for open water swimming, but our country is also home to some of the coolest waterparks too.

Imagine enjoying a nice family picnic near some of the most exhilarating outdoor water slides, or having a relaxing Sunday afternoon dip in the splash pool at an indoor water park near you. Weekends don't only have to be for weekend retreats, but also for planned day visits to one of the aqua parks near you. However, remember that if water is involved, you need to make sure that all the children in your care know the basics of water safety and fundamental swimming techniques. To prepare for a year filled with swimming, watersports and other games in the pool, contact one of our Superprof swimming tutors today.

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Laila Abramjee

Laila is an enthusiastic English educator and a fun-filled freelance writer. She has accomplished her dream of getting her first book published and has managed to write over 1 000 000 words since beginning her freelance career. In her free time, she is a travel blogger who explores all South Africa has to offer.