South Africa – “The Golfing Trip of a Lifetime” Going South East

 

 

Having put together two guided golfing trips to South Africa in 2019 and 2020 (we just arrived back as Covid started!) Covid prevented us from a third trip in 2021, but we are very aware that golfers are still very reluctant to travel anywhere right now so we will not be putting a guided trip together in 2022 either.

We are, however, still able to offer a FIT (For Individual Travellers) Trip for you if you would like to visit what we consider to be the best golfing holiday, in the very best golfing destination in the world.  

Why do we rate South Africa so highly ?

Quite simply, it has everything.  Super golf (obviously), fantastic scenery, stunning and unique wildlife and safari parks, lush winelands and wonderful beaches, the famous Garden Route and the capital Cape Town beneath flat topped Table Mountain (on the South West itinerary), super yet inexpensive dining, and all of this with just a 1 hour time difference from Western Europe (so no dreaded jet lag !).  Our trips are tailored to include all of this plus much more……

This “Trip of a Lifetime Going South East” trip is a 14 night 15 day adventure taking in two of South Africa’s major cities, Johannesburg and Durban, plus magical Sun City,  the No 1 safari experience in the Kruger Park, and eight rounds of golf with four of the courses rated in South Africa’s top six !

Starting with a two night stay at the wonderful 5* Michelangelo Hotel and a round at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington GC, followed by three nights in Sun City, playing both the Gary Player and Lost City Golf Courses.  After Sun City you head on up to the Kruger Park, with an overnight stopover at The 5* Walkersons Hotel and a round on Ernie Els Highland Gate Course on the way, before arriving for three nights at the wonderful 5* Buhala Private Game Lodge, including a round of golf at the stunning Leopards Creek, and two full day safari’s in the Kruger National Park.  A short flight to Durban completes the itinerary, where you will stay four nights at the 5* Zimbali Resort Hotel and play Umhlali Country Club, Zimbali GC and Durban Country Club.

For non golfers there is a private tour of The Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontien Caves in Johannesburg, a three hour game drive in the Pilanesberg National Park, a tour of Dullstroom on the way to the Kruger, a private sightseeing tour on the Mpumalanga Panorama Route, a tour of Zululand, including Zulu Cultural Village at Shakaland, and a tour of Ballito and Crocodile Creek.  Or they can just hang out at any of the 5* venues we will be visiting on this unique trip !

Sorry for being a little repetitive, but this is 5* all the way !

Interested ?  What golfer (or non golfer) wouldn’t be ? (see below the full itinerary).

 

 

 

Day 1 – Arrive Johannesburg Airport / 5* Michelangelo Hotel 

Transfer duration: 30 min.

Accommodation: 5 star

Breakfast included

Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Upon arrival, you’ll clear passport control and collect your luggage before meeting up with your driver in the arrivals hall.

You’ll be transferred in comfort to The Michelangelo Hotel located on the famous Nelson Mandela Square in upmarket Sandton.

The Michelangelo Hotel, a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, is the perfect complement to Sandton’s exclusive central business district. With its signature Renaissance architecture, elegance and service excellence, The Michelangelo creates a lasting impression from the moment you arrive.

Over the heart of the famous Nelson Mandela Square towers the majestic Michelangelo – the perfect vantage from which to observe the entertainment and corporate capital of Africa.

The 218 Deluxe and Superior rooms, as well as 22 Premier and Executive suites have all been tastefully decorated to reflect the elegant Renaissance-style that has been carried throughout the rest of the hotel.

True to its name, the Piccolo Mondo Restaurant really is “a world in one”. You can circumnavigate the globe in a journey of tastes that transports you from Mozambique to the Mediterranean.

Piccolo Mondo’s seafood menu includes Mozambican prawns, lobsters, langoustines, mussels, oysters, crab, clams, calamari and Norwegian salmon.

The Il Ritrovo Lounge serves high tea every afternoon and you can toast the sunset with cocktails, complemented by tapas and other light snacks.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure after checking in.

  

 

Day 2 – Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Course

Course ranking: 6/500

Carts and caddies available

Non golfers: Private tour of Cradle of Humankind, including a tour of the Sterkfontien Caves .

Enjoy breakfast and meet your driver at reception for your transfer to Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Course.

The Club is the product of a merger of the former Royal Johannesburg Golf Club and the former Kensington Golf Club in 1998. Possibly the first merger of its kind in South Africa, it has produced a financially sound club with modernised facilities and a strong and supportive membership base.

Essentially, the improvements to the Clubhouse and the two courses at Royal Johannesburg were funded from the sale of the Kensington property. The result is a superb facility, with two outstanding parkland golf courses ideally suited to preserve the value of both clubs, and meet the challenges of the 21st Century. The Johannesburg Golf Club was founded in 1891 and was located on the current premises as far back as 1909. It received its Royal Charter in 1931. On the occasion of the Club’s Centenary celebrations in 1991, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews sent both its Captain and Chairman of its Rules Committee as official representatives.

The Club was instrumental in forming the Transvaal Golf Union in 1908 and from its membership provided the first President of the South African Golf Union in 1910. The Club has been the home of the Gauteng Senior Golfer’s Society for over 60 years. The PGA of South Africa also relocated to the Club in 2005.

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The resort opened in 1890 as the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club, and merged with the Kensington Golf Club in 1998. It is part of the PGA Tour network of golf courses. The East Course has hosted the South African PGA Championship since 2005 and both the East and West, the Joburg Open since 2007, the biggest annual professional golf event in Africa; the 2012 field was the largest of the PGA European Tour season, with 210 players. It also has hosted the International Final Qualifier (Africa) for the Open Championship since 2009, the Sanlam Women’s Amateur Golf Championships of South Africa in 2008, and the 5 Nations Commonwealth Tournament in 2007.

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Return to the hotel after golf and spend the remainder of the day exploring Nelson Mandela Square at own pace.

Day 3 – Sun City

The 5* Palace of the Lost City Hotel

Transfer duration: 3 hours.

Accommodation: 5 star

Check in and spend the day sampling the delights of Sun City and the spectacular Palace of the Lost City Hotel. 

A legendary destination designed by dreamers for luxury-seekers. Since inception in 1992, The Palace of the Lost City has enthralled visitors from all over the globe. Its unique setting in South Africa, on an extinct volcanic site among the Pilanesberg mountains, is matched by the inspired architecture and passionate attention to detail for which The Palace of the Lost City is renowned.

This luxury five-star hotel in Sun City has integrated the natural beauty of its surroundings into its design, taking architectural and interior themes from the legend of a lost African tribe to capture the essence of The Palace. Think richly-woven colours, faux elephant tusks, sculptured bronze and crystal, and jungle cascades. The magnificence of the wild landscape is depicted through lions, kudus, birds and beasts of all kinds; these are immortalised in statues, stone carvings, mosaic illustrations, vaulted ceilings, dazzling flame-topped towers and in artist Danie de Jager’s bronze wildlife sculptures. With fresco ceilings above and ancient tiles below, you are left to stand in awe at the sheer scale and grandeur of the masterpiece that is The Palace of the Lost City.

Day 4 – Lost City Golf Course

Course ranking: 35/500

Carts and lunch included

Non golfers: 3 hour game drive in the Pilanesberg National Park

Designed by Gary Player, this impressive 18-hole, par 72 cart course is located beyond The Palace at the Lost City. The course covers more than 100 hectares with various themes, from desert to mountains and parkland. It incorporates an impressive 28 000m² (about 92 000ft²) of water features, with perhaps its most famous feature being the water hazard on the 13th hole, which is home to Nile crocodiles! The course has a state-of-the-art clubhouse with a restaurant and pro shop, with a driving range and putting green completing the offering.

Day 5 – Gary Player Golf Course

Course ranking: 5/500

Lunch included, walking course

Non golfers: Day at leisure in Sun City

The Gary Player Country Club Golf Course, designed by Gary Player, is an 18-hole par-72 walking course, with a 5km running trail along the course. Built in an extinct volcanic crater, this immaculate golfing paradise conforms to the stringent US PGA specifications and was recently named South Africa’s Best Golf Course in the World Golf Awards 2015. It is also home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge which plays host to some of the world’s golfing legends.

When construction of the Sun City Resort began in 1978, the decision was taken to build a golf course that would rival the best in the world. Today, in spite of stiff competition, the Gary Player Country Club is deservedly ranked as one of the most prestigious golf courses on the African continent. 

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Day 6 – 5* Walkersons Hotel

Check out and transfer 4 hours to Dullstroom for a one night stay at The 5* Walkersons Hotel and Spa, dinner included.

The beautiful Walkersons Hotel & Spa has enchanted visitors to Dullstroom for more than twenty years. The stunning views of hills and well stocked trout dams, accommodation with all the modern comforts and fine country dining make Walkersons a charming and memorable destination.

The original owners created Walkersons with a Scottish country manor feel, with natural stone and wood and lots of interesting nooks and crannies.

Walkersons is a haven of serenity in Mpumalanga, with elegant dining rooms, a gorgeous terrace, the cosy Peggy’s Bar and lovely lawns leading to the hidden swimming pool. Its stylish, old world country atmosphere continues in the bedroom suites, with elegant décor, tastefully appointed bathrooms and large verandas to enjoy the glorious views.

Whether you want to be thoroughly pampered or prefer the independence of self-catering, Walkersons Hotel & Spa has an option to match your taste.

Trip Advisor Review

“I came for a quick getaway to unwind. It is a haven indeed. It surpassed all that I had expected. The attention to detail, personal attention and the ambiance of the retreat makes it perfect. Absolute luxury in the highveld”.

 

Day 7 – Highland Gate Course

Course ranking: 20/500

Carts included

Non golfers: Tour of Dullstroom

Visitors to this magnificent golf course, rated by many to be one of the best in South Africa are in for a treat as the course is set among some of the most scenic mountainous terrain in Mpumalanga. Although the testing layout provides an equal challenge to both club player and the tour professional, Highland Gate’s strength lies in its high altitude charm which makes for a scenic  and truly memorable golf experience

“WHEN GOLFERS SAY THEY WERE TORN BETWEEN HITTING
THEIR NEXT SHOT AND PAUSING TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THE
GOLF COURSE OR THE SURROUNDING SCENERY, YOU KNOW
IT HAS TO BE A VERY SPECIAL PLACE. HIGHLAND GATE IS
DEFINITELY THAT KIND OF PLACE”.

– Ernie Els

 

Day 8 – 5* Bahula Lodge

Check out and transfer 2.5 hours to Kruger National Park and stay 3 nights at Buhala Private game Lodge, dinner included.  Afternoon safari in the Kruger National Park after check in.

Buhala Lodge offers luxury accommodation close to the Kruger National Park Malelane Gate and also the exclusive Leopard Creek Country Club.

The lodge is in close proximity to both Mozambique and Swaziland, and also the Crocodile Bridge Gate into the Kruger National Park.

It is an enchanting colonial style thatch roof lodge, situated on the Southern banks of the Crocodile River. The ample outdoor veranda space, provides all guests an opportunity to relax and dine outside while admiring gorgeous views of the Kruger National Park, and all the wild life splendor it has to offer. Members of the Big 5 are frequent visitors to the property along with crocodile, hippo and many antelope species.

The lodge is a family owned and run business which focuses on guest comfort and relaxation paired with all the luxury you would expect. A fully licenced restaurant and bar is situated at the main building. Buhala Lodge is well known for fine cuisine and our exceptional wine list showcasing only the finest South African wines. Meals are served either al fresco on our veranda, or in our gracious dining room and the whole ambiance is one of casual elegance.

Our guests have the rare opportunity to play golf at the exclusive Leopard Creek Country Club. The golf course, usually reserved for members only, offers players a wildlife experience while challenging their golfing skills on South Africa’s number three golf course.

Safari’s into the Kruger National Park are arranged and done by our very experienced guide. Early morning walks and even night drives can also be arranged as well as any and all transfers that might be needed. Our open deck bush spa with sweeping views over the Kruger National Park and the Crocodile River, provide a variety of treatments for those who wish to relax after a long day. 

ABOUT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is larger than Israel. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometres (20 000 square kilometres) from north to south along the Mozambique border, is given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly it ranks with the best in Africa and is the flagship of the country’s national parks – rated as the ultimate safari experience.

One of the most celebrated luxury private concessions is Buhala Game Lodge situated on the banks of the Crocodile River where the familiar call of the Fish Eagle, gracefully thatched accommodation and breathtaking scenery are yours to enjoy.

GAME DRIVES

Game drives are what the Kruger National Park is all about. The highlight to any day is venturing out on the back of an off-road vehicle, binoculars clutched in one hand whilst the other hangs on for all you’re worth to the constantly rolling vehicle as it makes its way through the bush in hot pursuit of the latest pride of lions, sighted feeding on a kill just over the rise.

 

Day 9 – Leopard Creek Golf Course

Ranking: 3/500

Carts and lunch included 

Leopards Creek Country Club is an exclusive facility which opened in 1996.  Businessman Johan Rupert owns it and his company sponsors the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, in Scotland.

The front gate to the club is at the bridge leading over the Crodile River into the Melelane Gate of the Kruger National Park.  The entrance is strictly secured as that at Augusta national, Leopard Creek being reserved for members and their guests.  However by staying at Bahula Lodge we are entitled to play the course.  Course architect, Gary Player, commented as follows: ” Leopard Creek is surrounded by bushveld.  The fact that you could be playing while hearing a hippopotamus snort or seeing a lion near the fence is unique, as is the pitch shot you might hit over a lake full of crocodiles and hippos.  The clubhouse, an extraordinary piece of architecture with a thatch roof, is filled with golfing memorabilia.  Just three years after its completion in 1996, Leopard Creek hosted a “Shells Wonderful World of Golf” match between Ernie Els and Nick Price.” 

 

Day 10 – Full Day Safari in the Kruger Park (lunch included)

Day 11 – 5* Zimbali Resort Hotel, Durban

Check out and transfer 45 minutes to Nelspruit Airport.  Fly 1 hour to Durban then 15 minutes transfer to the Zimbali Resort Hotel.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort, situated inside the exclusive Zimbali Coastal Estate, is a tranquil retreat offering the utmost in stylish comfort and unrivalled service. Located 5 minutes from the bustling holiday town of Ballito, 20 minutes from Umhlanga and 30 minutes from Durban, this beachfront North Coast hotel provides easy access to the province’s attractions.

The hotel provides a variety of dining options in Ballito. You can indulge at OSA, an Indian Fusion restaurant serving local and international curry favourites or experience the vibrant Mexican atmosphere at Ayoba. Known for its international dinner buffets, Coral Tree, offers an indulgent experience for the most refined of palates. Savour afternoon tea in Dalchini or 31 Degrees, while enjoying an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort’s legendary hospitality and attention to detail create an atmosphere of pure paradise—a place where you can effortlessly immerse yourself in Africa’s unforgettable charm and allure.

Day 12 – Umhlali Country Club

Ranking: 73/500

Carts and caddies available

Once a large sugar cane plantation, the estate of Umhlali had a rudimentary 9 hole layout established on the property in 1961.  The course was then expanded to a full 18 holes by Peter Matkovich in 1979, then the architect returned to completely renovate the course 25 years later when he replaced all the greens and bunkers.

Over time the country club has enhanced it sporting facilities while the residential elemant on the site has also been extended, but unfortunately in doing so the wild zebras that used to roam the fairways have had to be removed, resulting in Umhlali losing just a little of its unique charm.

Nevertheless Umhlali does present golfers with a fine collection of generously proportioned, tree lined fairways which are laid out in two returning nines.  Some regard the long par three water protected 4th as the signature hole whilst others prefer the short par 4 a4th because of its risk/reward opportunities.

 

Day 13 – Zimbali Country Club

Ranking: 22/500

Carts included

Non golfers: Day at leisure at Zimbali

Offering irresistible ocean and forest views, exceptional water and wetland features and an inspiring natural setting, Zimbali Country Club has developed the reputation of a memorable course with charisma and challenge.

With the agenda of “conservation takes precedence,” international golf course designer and former British and South African PGA champion, Tom Weiskopf, had to integrate a “cart only” course into a property with dramatic elevation changes, varying eco-systems and substantial residential sections. This was no easy task, but the end result is a prestigious South Africa golf course that is ecologically sound, yet it maximizes the natural landscape. Having been described as “an enthralling journey through 18 holes,” the changing terrain stretches the skill yet captivates its golfers. With the Weiskopf philosophy of “presenting a fair challenge to any level of play,” the essence of this course is that it will reward the good shot and punish the bad.

The remains of a ruined farmhouse framed around an ageing wild fig tree dominates the entrance to the clubhouse. Again construction had to take place around nature and this feature not only marks the entrance of the modern, colonial-styled clubhouse, it also bears testimony to the preservation ethos of the developers of Zimbali Country Club. The clubhouse has been designed and decorated in an African Classical theme, with extensive use of hand crafted décor, fittings and furnishings. Raised decks provide unparalleled elevated course and sea views, trees grow through decking leading down to the 18th green and parking for the course was carefully planned to minimize impact on the forest surrounds. Impeccable service, superb catering, a well appointed Golf Shop and plush cloakrooms enhance the venue even further.

The Zimbali Country Club provides full amenities for golf, including golf carts (required), a halfway house, putting greens, a driving range, tennis courts and a bar and lounge facility which is of the highest order.

Day 14 – Durban Country Club

Ranking: 2/500

Carts and caddies available

Non golfers: Tour of Ballito and visit Crocodile Creek

Durban Country Club comprises of two golfing estates separated by the Umgeni River in Durban. Lying just south of the river, in fact bordered by both the river and the sparkling waters of the warm Indian Ocean lies the premiere course, the Durban Country Club. Established in 1922 the club enjoys a wealth of fascinating history and was constructed shortly after the conclusion of the First World War.

Today the Country Club stands as a shining star among South African golf courses and was recently voted into the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses by Golf Magazine, USA. The beautiful Cape Dutch Architecture of the clubhouse is now complemented by the modern design of the Moses Madiba Sports Stadium, built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, to its right and those fortunate enough to play here enjoy stunning views out over the Indian Ocean after a testing round of golf.

The course itself is a combination of beauty and brains and will test the skills of the most talented players, as a testament to how much the top players enjoy this course the DCC has been selected to host the South African Open an incredible 17 times and saw, in 2010, Ernie Els take his 5th title there. Visitors will be pleased to know that play here is open to the public. However, it is highly recommended that you book your accommodation in Durban and your tee-off times ahead to avoid disappointment.

This semi-links has been sculpted marvellously into the dunes and is covered in an array of tropical trees. The third hole is rated the best in the world and is without the doubt the signature hole. DCC provides a truly wonderful golfing experience and should definitely be added to your list of must-plays.

Day 15 – Tour Ends

Check out after breakfast and transfer back to Durban Airport.  Tour ends (boo hoo !).  Those wishing to extend their stay in South Africa can continue on their onward journey from Durban Airport.  Those returning home can book their international flights to return from Durban via Johannesburg.

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