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Africa- Your Surprise Golf Destination
When people imagine a vacation in Africa, they think of wilderness, wild animals and white sand beaches. But golfing has a long history in Africa, going back to the early 1900s when Europeans on the continent felt that the community needed clubs, churches and yes, golf courses.
With over 800 golf courses across the continent, Africa has become more then beach vacations and wilderness safaris. Exclusive resort accommodations at beautiful golf courses means that golf vacations are on the rise in Africa – either on their own or tagged on to beach and/or safari holidays. And though there are literally hundreds of golf courses to choose from, we’ve done the research and found our top five golf destinations in Africa for you.
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Leisure Lodge Golf & Beach Resort, Kenya
Situated on the world-famous Diani Beach, this beautiful 200-acre property offers more than just its 18-hole championship golf club. There are 30 acres of lush tropical gardens, five swimming pools, conference facilities, a casino, a kid’s club and children’s area, and of course, beautiful beach frontage on the Diani Coast.
The 18-hold championship course golf course is 170 acres, offering a beautiful golf experience to everyone from beginner to pro. And when your golf game is done, every guest gets a beach bed by the ocean.
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Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Kenya
Just a 15-minute drive from Nairobi’s central business district, this five-star golf hotel boasts 130 deluxe rooms overlooking a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course. Rated as one of CNN’s top 10 golf clubs in the world and voted Best Golf Course in Kenya in the 2014 Golf Travel Awards, Windsor’s 7277 yards of perfectly designed golfing winds through coffee farms and indigenous forests, and offers lush fairways, fast greens and a few sparkling water hazards. Even non-golfers will enjoy the beautiful walk along the course, enjoying the birds, the flora and fauna and colourful fish.
When you’re finished a round, spend some time cycling, jogging, enjoying the fitness centre, or take a dip in the heated pool. Enjoy an afternoon of pampering at the spa and dine in one of the hotel’s five restaurants.
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Kilimanjaro Golf & Wildlife Estate, Tanzania
Rated the Number One Golf Course in Tanzania for 2016-2017, Kilimanjaro Golf & Wildlife Estates (or Kiligolf, as it is commonly known) sits on 1,040 acres of African bush land, in the valley between Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. The Usa River runs along the western side of the estate, and the Pare, Usambara and Blue Mountains are all visible from the property.
The Kiligolf estate is a protected environment for wildlife, and many animals live in the bush surrounding the golf course, including bush pigs, jackal, African serval, genet cats and more. And the natural water features are a haven for bird life including sunbirds, wagtails and plovers.
The 18-hole championship golf course is geared to host local and international golf tournaments, and the property includes 2-4-bedroom homes ready for purchase. In addition to the stunning and challenging golf course, the city of Arusha is a short 25km away, and includes everything from shopping to hotels to full medical services. There is even a local airstrip servicing light aircraft for people who want to visit Tanzania’s national parks and other nearby destinations.
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Leopard Rock Golf Resort, Zimbabwe
More than a hotel, Leopard Rock is a place everyone in the family can enjoy. It is a golfer’s dream, a nature lover’s haven and has leisure and entertainment for everybody. Voted by CNN in 2013 as one of the World’s Top 10 Golf Courses, the stunning views and 18 challenging holes will give you one of the best golf games you’ll every play. The course includes a beautiful water feature at the ninth hole, and spectacular views from the elevated tee of the 14th. And that’s just the beginning.
In addition to restaurants and beautiful banquet facilities, Leopard Rock also hosts its own game sanctuary, with a family friendly game park that overlooks the beautiful Burma Valley, the Himalayan Mountains and the Chimanimani Mountains. You can go on guided game walks, game horseback rides through the game park, and evening game viewing including drinks and canapés. Take a walk with one of the resident guides into the Enchanted Forrest, and learn about the trees, plants and birds who call the forest home.
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Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Kenya
Less than a two-hour drive (or a zippy 30-minute flight) from Nairobi, the Great Rift Valley Lodge is built on the Eburru Mountain. The 7000 ft elevation gives it stunning east and west views, with vistas that include sparkling Lake Naivasha and the crater at Mount Longonot.
Voted Africa’s Best Golf Hotel in 2016 at the World Golf Awards, the 18-hole championship course will challenge the most experienced golfers with well-bunkered holes and five water features. The fresh air and nighttime rains provide excellent conditions for year-round golf 12 hours a day. Golfers give right of way to the wild animals that live on the lush fairways and tiny islets in the pond. You’ll see rich birdlife and probably even a zebra as you make your way through the course.
If you want a break from golf during the day, take an excursion to Hell’s Gate National Park, with views of the biggest nesting colony of vultures outside of the Masai Mara, as well as other animals including zebra, gazelles and elands. And the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Guides will give you a detailed tour of the equatorial African sky, pointing out animals, people and other items in the 88 viewable constellations. There is also biking, nature walks and kid’s activities. Stay on site with the whole family in one of their beautiful suites.
