Johannesburg mining-themed amusement park Gold Reef City was relaunched last month, following a R630-million investment in refurbishing and expanding the famous tourist destination, which is owned by hotel group Tsogo Sun.

“This investment is in line with the group’s corporate strategy to invest in and expand its operations in South Africa. We are committed to ensuring that our properties stay relevant, fresh and competitive in the leisure market. Added to this is that the selection of offerings at our properties are vitally important components in ensuring great experiences for all our guests,” says Tsogo Sun CEO Marcel von Aulock.

Johannesburg executive mayor Parks Tau says: “For many South Africans, Gold Reef City conjures up images of carefree days spent exploring the Victorian buildings and gold mine that provide a perfect blend of educational and entertainment value.”

He adds that Tsogo Sun’s investment has helped ensure Gold Reef City’s sustainability, stating that, as “the premier entertainment destination in southern Johannesburg”, Gold Reef City remains a significant contributor to Johannesburg’s tourism industry, which offers “local and international visitors . . . a truly unique experience”.

Gold Reef City operations director and complex GM Mike Page says: “There is nowhere else in South Africa, if not the world, where one can experience a world-class theme park, the historical significance of the Apartheid Museum, enjoy the thrill of a casino, an opulent theatre and . . . family-friendly entertainment . . .”

Among the additions to the property are several new and upgraded restaurants, including Back o’ the Moon, Vigour & Verve, Spur Steak Ranch, Boston BBQ, Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant, The Raj Indian Restaurant, Ocean Basket, Vida e Café and Col Cacchio Pizzeria, as well as a food court.
There is also a Kaya FM satellite studio at Gold Reef City, in keeping with Tsogo Sun’s philosophy of establishing strategic partnerships with radio stations and leveraging the opportunity to bring radio alive within the group’s entertainment destinations.

Children visiting Gold Reef City will be enter-tained at the new Magic Company twelve-lane bowling alley, as well as Tsogo Sun’s movie franchise, Movies@Gold Reef City, featuring a cinema complex themed as a Victorian train station.

The cinema complex comprises six theatres, four of which with three-dimensional capability, and 1 048 seats. The largest theatre, Platform 2, called Grand Central, has 322 seats. Platform 3, which seats 84 people, boasts luxurious leather seats and a bar.
The new Salon Privé features an opulent gaming ambience, with its own private entrances, playing areas, baccarat room, Internet and cash- desk facilities, lobby and VIP desk, as well as an exclusive lounge.

“Gold Reef City has a long history of providing a unique combination of educational, historical and leisure attractions for the City of Johannesburg. “This great heritage has been enhanced with the addition of the new facilities, offering visitors an even wider range of experiences than ever before. This is a place to connect with our history, to do business, to be entertained or to spend a day getting the adrenaline pumping,” says Page.
Gold Reef City is one of Tsogo Sun’s 14 casino and entertainment destinations and over 90 hotels throughout South Africa, Africa, the Seychelles and Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.