A major new waterpark operation has opened its doors in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the US$36m (€31.8m, £28m) Happy Island Waterworld offering among its attractions, the continent's largest wave pool.

Opened to the public on 27 December as a soft launch, the park – owned and operated by South African businessman Tim Hogins and China's Happy Island Group – offers a range of slides and pools, including the signature the Gravity Loop slide, which features a near-vertical drop, enabling riders to reach speeds of up to 60km per hour.

There are also two giant wave pools, as well as massage pools, a spray park, kids’ rides and a number of water rides, including the Spiral Slide, High-Speed Slide, Behemoth Bowl, Master Blaster Super Tubes, Typhoon, Rainbow Slide and the Python Slide. The park also has an all-day dining facility and a small shopping plaza.

With more than 25,000 visitors already through its doors, Happy Island management has predicted a strong first year. The park has a capacity for up to 35,000 people per day.