Anahita Golf Club
Few would know that the oldest golf course in Africa predates any in the United States, and the continent boasts hundreds of remarkable courses set in stunning locations.
In recent years, golf tourism has thrived in Africa, with top-tier courses in breath-taking natural settings that have transformed the continent into a sought-after destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
These initiatives have not only attracted golfers seeking unique experiences but also bolstered Africa’s reputation as a golfing hub. Prestigious professional tournaments, such as the ABMO Open in Mauritius and the Magical Kenya Open, have drawn international players and fans, showcasing Africa’s golfing prowess.
Africa’s journey in golf tourism reflects its potential as a global golf destination, with unforgettable golf courses and captivating experiences that continue to enthrall both travelers and players alike. While South Africa is well-known for its golf offerings, there’s so much more to explore and we have partnered with AfricaGolfSafari.com to present five destinations for your consideration.
Kenya: Golf and the Big Five
Embarking on a vacation in Kenya promises a unique blend of wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and golfing pleasures, setting it apart from other African safari destinations.
Imagine starting your journey at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi, one of Kenya’s most prestigious golf courses. With its tree-lined fairways and immaculate greens, it’s a golfing gem. But it’s not just about golf here; it’s the rich history and serene ambiance that add an extra layer of charm. Tee off with the majestic Ngong Hills in the background, offering a tranquil suburban golfing experience.
From Nairobi, you can head west to the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha. This resort boasts an 18-hole golf course that overlooks the picturesque Lake Naivasha. The golf experience here is extraordinary, with jaw-dropping views of the Great Rift Valley’s dramatic landscapes and abundance of wildlife. Teeing off with the shimmering lake in the distance creates a captivating golfing experience. And after your round, the lodge’s serene surroundings make it an ideal place to relax with a well-earned beer or cocktail.
If you prefer coastal breezes and ocean views, Vipingo Ridge in Mombasa beckons. It’s a golf and residential estate with a world-class 18-hole championship golf course that seamlessly blends into the coastal terrain. Picture yourself teeing off with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop, a gentle coastal breeze in your hair, and the rhythmic sound of the waves providing the soundtrack for your round. This is golfing in paradise.
But Kenya isn’t just about golf; it’s also about incredible wildlife adventures. Kenya’s national parks, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo, are home to the Big Five and a wealth of other animals. Witnessing the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River, is a spectacle like no other.
Kenya’s diverse landscapes are equally captivating, from the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli to the lush forests of Aberdare National Park. The cultural experiences create an unique experience as you can interact with Maasai tribes, visit traditional villages, and learn about Kenya’s vibrant heritage in a way that no television show or movie can ever transcend.
In essence, a vacation in Kenya seamlessly combines the thrill of wildlife safaris with the pleasures of golfing in stunning settings. It’s a journey that takes you from the fairways of prestigious golf courses to the heart of Africa’s wilderness, offering an unforgettable and multifaceted adventure that’s uniquely Kenyan.
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Karen Country Club
Uganda: Gorillas, golf and greenery
A vacation in Uganda is a unique and captivating experience that combines wildlife encounters, lush landscapes, and golfing in a way that sets it apart from other African safari destinations. One of Uganda’s standout features is its renowned gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This incredible opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is exclusive to Uganda and a handful of neighboring countries. Beyond gorillas, Uganda’s national parks are teeming with a diverse range of wildlife, making it a haven for safari enthusiasts.
But what truly distinguishes Uganda is its stunning and varied geography. From the lush savannahs to the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria, the towering Rwenzori Mountains, and the scenic beauty of the Nile River, Uganda’s landscapes offer a striking contrast to the arid plains found in many other African safari destinations. Uganda’s avian diversity is another jewel in its crown. With over 1,000 bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers and ornithological enthusiasts. Besides gorillas, Uganda is home to chimpanzees and golden monkeys creating an impressive primate population. Uganda’s crown jewel, Queen Elizabeth National Park, is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions, elephants, and hippos. Murchison Falls National Park, known for its epic waterfalls and diverse fauna, created another highlight on your Uganda getaway. These parks provide the perfect setting for game drives, boat safaris, and guided wildlife encounters.
In the heart of Uganda, golfers can discover a trio of captivating courses, each offering a unique golfing experience amidst the country’s stunning landscapes. Uganda Golf Club, located in bustling Kampala, is the nation’s oldest golf course, tracing its roots back to 1902. This 18-hole course combines history with a vibrant urban setting, providing golfers with lush fairways and well-maintained greens. Serena Golf Resort is set on the shores of Lake Victoria, as this 18-hole course marries golfing pleasure with natural beauty. Golfers can relish the challenge of the game while being serenaded by the gentle lapping of the lake’s waters. The resort’s serene ambiance and top-notch facilities make it a haven for both golfers and those seeking relaxation. Entebbe Golf Club is another course on the shores of Lake Victoria. After a round of golf, adventure seekers can embark on a journey to explore Uganda’s remarkable national parks.
Uganda’s cultural richness adds yet another layer to its appeal. With various ethnic groups and traditions, travelers can engage in cultural exchanges and visit local communities to learn about their way of life, adding depth to their safari experience. Combining golf with a safari in Uganda allows for a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Imagine teeing off in the mornings, surrounded by the tranquillity of the golf course, and then embarking on thrilling wildlife safaris in the afternoons amidst Uganda’s stunning landscapes, creating lasting memories in the heart of East Africa.
Click here for full details of a Uganda Gorillas, Chimps and Golf vacation
Uganda Country Club
Namibia: Dramatic Desert Golf
Combining golf with a safari in Namibia offers a truly unique and well-rounded vacation experience. Namibia, with its stunning desert landscapes, diverse wildlife, and top-notch golf courses, provides a captivating blend of sport and nature.
In Namibia, you’ll find golf courses set against dramatic desert backdrops. One standout is the Rossmund Desert Golf Course in Swakopmund, where you can tee off amidst rolling dunes with the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. As you play, you might even spot local wildlife like springbok, jackals, and various bird species, enhancing the allure of the course.
The Windhoek Golf and Country Club, situated in the capital city, offers golfers a unique blend of lush fairways and rugged desert scenery. Adjacent to a nature reserve, this course occasionally surprises golfers with sightings of wildlife like springbok and oryx during their rounds. Additionally, the club is known for its night golfing opportunities, allowing you to play under the starry Namibian skies.
Further south of Windhoek lies the Omeya Golf and Residential Oasis, part of a tranquil residential estate. This course is designed to incorporate the natural features of its surroundings, including rocky outcrops and native vegetation. With its challenging yet fair layout, it’s a favorite among serious golfers.
In Namibia, the golf experience seamlessly blends with the safari adventure. You can tee off against the backdrop of the Namib Desert’s towering dunes, spot wildlife during your golf rounds, and then venture into the wild to encounter Namibia’s iconic fauna and flora. Etosha National Park, renowned for its vast salt pans and incredible wildlife, offers thrilling game drives and opportunities to spot elephants, lions, and rhinos. Namib-Naukluft National Park features the mesmerizing dunes of Sossusvlei and otherworldly desert landscapes. These parks provide an ideal setting for combining golf with guided safari experiences.
Click here for full details of a Namibia Desert, Golf and Safari vacation
Windhoek Golf and Country Club
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Safaris and Golf
Zimbabwean golf courses offer golfers a stunning backdrop, with incredible views of iconic landmarks such as Victoria Falls. One standout course is the Elephant Hills Golf Course, where golfers can tee off with the Zambezi River gleaming in the distance, just minutes upstream from the beautiful ‘Mosi Oa Tunya’ – The Smoke That Thunders! Around Victoria Falls, there are numerous safari experiences to enjoy, and it’s not uncommon to spot elephants strolling through the town. You have a wide range of accommodation options, including the renowned Victoria Falls Hotel, celebrated for its elegance, luxury, and historical significance. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in one of the many luxurious safari lodges along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, offering game viewing opportunities such as guided walks, drives, and boat trips.
Zimbabwe beckons adventurers with its array of national parks that provide diverse and thrilling safari experiences. These include Hwange (just a 3-hour drive from Victoria Falls), Lake Kariba, and Matobo National Park, known for its unique rock formations near Bulawayo, an area that also features some enjoyable golf courses. In the vibrant capital of Harare, golf enthusiasts can indulge in their passion at several excellent courses with Royal Harare and Borrowdale Brooke being among the finest. Zimbabwe offers golfers the chance to play golf and then immerse themselves in the thrill of African safaris amidst captivating landscapes.
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Elephant Hills
Mauritius: A Tropical Golfing Paradise Island
Mauritius is known for its pristine beaches, lush green golf courses, and tropical ambiance. The island is home to a collection of world-class golf courses meticulously designed by renowned architects. These courses not only provide suitable challenges but also offer incredible vistas with stunning ocean views and volcanic landscapes.
Some of the standout golf courses in Mauritius include the newly opened La Reserve Golf Course which is already gaining a reputation as a must-play destination. Additionally, there’s the Heritage Golf Club, Anahita Golf Club, and the iconic Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, each delivering an exceptional golfing adventure.
Pairing a golf trip to Mauritius with an African safari creates a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Golfers can bask in the tranquility of Mauritius’ turquoise waters and pristine beaches before embarking on a thrilling African safari. For example, after a day of golfing in Mauritius, one can journey to Kenya for an exciting safari in the Maasai Mara, where the Big Five freely roam. Alternatively, Uganda offers the chance to track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park following a leisurely golfing getaway. Namibia’s captivating desert landscapes and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, along with their abundant wildlife, provide equally enticing options.
The world-class beachfront resorts of the island seamlessly complement the luxury lodges and safari camps in the wilds of Africa. Golfers can savor the beauty of tropical island fairways and then immerse themselves in the exhilaration of an African safari adventure, all within one extraordinary trip. This fusion of golf and safari experiences across Mauritius and one of these African nations promises a well-rounded and unforgettable vacation, offering golfers the best of both worlds: the tranquility of pristine beaches and the excitement of wildlife encounters in the heart of Africa.
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Anahita
Africa has so much to offer
Combining golf experiences in these African countries with their respective wildlife adventures as well as the magical combination of bush and beach vacations will create a golf experience that can only be found on the African continent. Luxury lodges and resorts cater to golfers and wildlife enthusiasts, ensuring a seamless transition between the tranquility of golfing and the thrill of African safaris. These destinations offer golfers the opportunity to tee it up in paradise and then embark on extraordinary journeys through Africa’s natural wonders, making for an enriching and well-rounded travel experience.
Planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip that seamlessly combines wildlife encounters, prime tee times, and comprehensive support demands specialized assistance. It is our pleasure to recommend Africa Golf Safari, a company whose team boasts over 100 years of expertise in organizing African vacations. We have established a partnership with them to guarantee that your African golfing expedition is meticulously customized to align with your specific preferences and desires, and this once-in-a-lifetime destination is a must-play for the golfer who is looking for a truly unique golf stay and play destination.