Image above taken from the Legend Golf & Safari Resort website.
Whether you’re going on a trip to Africa to celebrate your 10th wedding anniversary or for a guys getaway with your best golfing buddies, there are several accommodations and tour options that enable you to combine safari with golf.
Below are our top 3 picks for the best golf and safari combination adventures:
Legend Golf & Safari Resort: If you’re looking for one of the most unique golfing experiences in the world, fantastic game-viewing and safari adventures, and state-of-the-art spa treatments, then Legend Golf & Safari Resort needs to be on your itinerary for your next African safari vacation!
Recently honored with the titles, Africa’s Leading Sports Resort and South Africa’s Leading Golf Resort at the 2010 World Travel Awards, Legend Golf & Safari Resort provides guests with the ultimate in luxury accommodations and sports and recreation.
Both images above taken from the Legend Golf & Safari Resort website.
So what makes Legend Golf & Safari Resort so famous? Well, besides its uncanny ability to combine wildlife with golf, the resort is home to an 18-hole course, with each of the holes designed by a world-renowned golfer. Each of these golfers were hand selected to create their very own hole, based on their personality and love for the game. Some of the individuals who were selected to design holes include Trevor Immelman (past US Masters champion), Padraig Harrington (Open Champion and US PGA winner), Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, and more.
This par 72 course combines the unique visions of 18 golfers, plus, individuals who play this course can experience the stunning African wildlife, such as giraffe and other large game that pass through the course (note, there is no danger of predatory game such as lions).
In addition to the property’s Signature Course, Legend Resort also has the Tribute Course, which is comprised of 10 holes, each exact replicas of some of the world’s most famous courses, including Pine Valley, St. Andrews Old Course, Augusta, Yale University, Rivera Country Club, and more.
And, of course, we have to mention the Extreme 19th, a hole that has been praised by international media and avid golfers for its completely one-of-a-kind character. With the tee situated at the top of Hanglip Mountain, golfers must take a helicopter ride to access the beginning of the course—something most other courses in the world can’t boast!
See the video below of the Extreme 19th:
IMPORTANT SIDENOTE:
**It’s important to note that this property is a great option for couples who might have differing preferences on how they want to spend their vacation. For example, if your husband (or wife) wants to golf two out of the four days that you are visiting the property, than there is plenty of exciting and leisurely activities for you to do while he / she is golfing! You can enjoy signature spa treatments at the resort’s Wellness Center, go horseback riding, take helicopter rides around the property, embark on a game drive, or simply relax with a book as you soak in the delicate sounds of nature.
Rovos Rail Golf Safari: One of the most fascinating ways to view and experience Africa, the Rovos Rail is a Victorian-inspired steam locomotive, designed with the utmost attention to detail. The train is made up of guest sleeper cars (Royal Suites, Deluxe Suites, Pullman Suites), non-smoking lounge car (26 guests), two non-smoking 42-seat dining cars, kitchen car, smoking lounge, and an observation car (32 guests).
All images below taken from the Rovos Rail website.
Dining is done in traditional Victorian style. Dinner is served in the dining cars where guests enjoy the finest, hand-selected South African wines and exceptional traditional African dishes. Evening attire is formal, with gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie, and women are suggested to wear cocktail / evening dresses or pant suites.
One of Rovos Rail’s signature adventures is their nine-day Golf Safari, designed to bring avid golfers through some of Africa’s most spectacular golf courses. It’s also important to note that even non-golfers can enjoy this itinerary, as there are a variety of exciting excursions that they can take part in throughout this scenic and leisurely trip.
This safari begins in Pretoria (a city situated just outside of Johannesburg) and continues along the eastern coast of southern Africa. The first stop is at Kruger National Park, where non-golfing guests can embark on a game drive safari. Guests who wish to golf will be taken to the internationally renowned Leopard Creek Golf Estate. In the evening, the train will embark to Swaziland.
The following day, the train stops at the Ngwenya Glass Factory where all guests can observe how traditional South African glass is made. The tour is then followed by lunch and a game drive in Mkhaya Game Reserve—golfers may choose to play at the Royal Swazi Golf Club today.
Other courses guests can play throughout the trip include the Durban Beachwood Country Club, Champagne Sports Resort, and the Gary Player Country Club.
To view the full itinerary for this nine-day locomotive trip, click here.
Build Your Own Golf Safari: Would you rather hand select your golf courses and safari experiences? If so, there are no limitations on what you can do. Whether you want to spend three days exploring the courses surrounding Cape Town, or venture to the courses of Mpumalanga, the sky is the limit.
If you don’t already know, South Africa is home to some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses that have been attracting world-renowned golfers for centuries.
Some of the best courses include Leopard Creek Country Club, Links at Fancourt, Pearl Valley Golf Estates, Durban Country Club (all of which you can read more about by visiting our blog post on South Africa’s Top 4 Golf Courses), Humewood Golf Club in Port Elizabeth, and Ernie Els Oubaai in Knysna.
When you customize your golf safari itinerary, you can also choose from a variety of luxurious accommodations, and incorporate wildlife safari experiences throughout your trip to Africa.
Have questions about any of the above golf safari trips or customizing your very own African golf safari vacation? Contact us today.