Insider Golf Guides #5 South Africa
Golf Traveller has many years of experience in delivering itineraries in South Africa that combine the finest golf and immerse clients in the best the country has to offer. This is our guide to the Rainbow Nation.
Why go? One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa is among the few countries that can claim to hold all the keys to the ‘perfect’ holiday destination. There are incredible beaches, wildlife, views and gastronomy all across the Rainbow Nation, from cosmopolitan Cape Town encircled by the finest winelands to the breathtaking surrounds of Kruger Park where the Big Five roam. There’s Hermanus on the Western Cape, the best place in the world to go whale watching, the Garden Route, a scenic drive that weaves through forest, national parks, and past picturesque beaches and lagoons, plus sun-soaked Durban, Victoria Falls and so much more.
When to go? The ideal time to visit South Africa depends on what you want to do, meaning there is always something to enjoy year-round. For the best of the South African summer, November to February is the ideal time to hit the beaches, but if it’s the wildlife you’re coming for then you’ll want to look between May and September, when the dry, cooler winter months in the northern areas create excellent conditions to see the Big Five. The shoulder season, July to November, is the best time for whale spotting, and is also when the stunning wildflowers that populate the west coast bloom.
Why golf in South Africa? Playing golf in South Africa is a diverse experience, from courses with the backdrop of the coast to those intertwined with wildlife. Leopard Creek Country Club, bordering Kruger National Park, provides a remarkable blend of luxury and wilderness, with the chance to spot the Big Five while playing. Clovelly, a course nestled in the picturesque Cape Peninsula, charms players with its natural beauty and challenging design, while the Nicklaus Course at Pearl Valley Golf Club, part of the prestigious Val de Vie Estate, boasts immaculate fairways and innovative layouts. There’s also Erinvale Golf Club, framed by the majestic Helderberg Mountains, which offers not only a great round of golf but also proximity to South Africa's renowned wine region.
Where do you stay? Our South African itinerary includes luxurious accommodation in three remarkable locations. Begin with a four-night stay at the five-star Lukimbi Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park, where you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of the wilderness with thrilling game drives and premium amenities. Next, spend two nights at the iconic five-star Silo Hotel in Cape Town, offering unparalleled views and sophisticated urban charm. Conclude your adventure with four nights of indulgence at La Residence in Franschhoek, a five-star retreat nestled in the Cape Winelands, where you’ll enjoy refined hospitality surrounded by the vineyards and mountains.
What activities can you do? Top of many people’s lists in South Africa has to be exploring its renowned winelands, including charming Franschhoek and historic Babylonstoren, where you can savour world-class wines amidst stunning vineyard landscapes. Enjoy a wine-tasting experience at the Muratie Wine Estate, a gem in the Cape Winelands known for its rich history and exceptional vintages, then head into the city itself for an urban adventure. For nature enthusiasts, head to Hermanus, the whale-watching capital of the world, to witness these majestic creatures up close during their migration season.
What’s the ideal length of stay? Ten days in South Africa gives you plenty of time to take in golf, wildlife, wine and everything else, exploring both the southern delights of Cape Town and the beauty of the Kruger to the north. Of course, with more time comes more opportunity to indulge in all South Africa has to offer, and Golf Traveller is equipped to create itineraries to suit all desires.