The Best Golf Courses To See Wild Animals In Africa

Fore! Whether you’re an avid golfer or a first-timer, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity of doing an extraordinary golfing adventure. Imagine teeing off with a wild rhinoceros in the backdrop and hippos bubbling up to the surface of the river to inspect as you play a round of golf. Seems unreal right? In these several unique spots, that scenario is reality. So book that plane ticket, reserve your spot, shine your clubs and say hello the zebras. Here are the the top golf spots to see wild animals in Africa.

Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa

Stay in this lavish hotel right on the border of Kruger National Park where you’ll not only get pampered like royalty, but also play a game of golf on a course fit for a king. The Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa has a variety of visitors that come to the course but its most famous residents are the giraffes that can’t get enough of the golf course. The course is designed by Bob Grimsdell who wanted a top notch course to satisfy the most professional golfers while admiring the nearby animals like hippos and crocodiles. After working up an appetite, dine at the hotel’s own Leadwood Restaurant for wood fired pizzas. And of course, you’ll want to expand your fun by staying a night or two at the hotel.

Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort

Even Kenya knows its smart to have a golf course in the midst of gorgeous nature and its year-round residents of zebras that are known to graze nearby. The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort is owned by Heritage Hotels and offers everything you could want in a hotel. Activities includes safari game drives, horeseback riding tours, excursions to Lake Nakuru Park and of course, golfing among exotic animals. The golf course is located on a hill overlooking Lake Naivasha and has won multiple awards for being the country’s most prestigious golf course.

Prince’s Grant

This South African resort in KwaZulu-Natal is known for its incredible view of the ocean, lush forests and of course, the monkeys. At Prince’s Grant, it’s common for golfers to make a birdie as monkeys in nearby trees watch with curiosity (and perhaps root for you). Guests staying at the hotel will have access to the breathtaking golf course as well as the beach, where they can partake in a variety of activities offered by the hotel like fishing, tennis, canoeing and more. And not to mention, when golfing at Prince’s Grant, you don’t have to just look in the trees for wildlife, you’ll want to look at the ocean (called the Dolphin coast) for dolphins and whales passing by, too.

Skukuza Golf Club

Nestled in the heart of Kruger National Park, Skukuza Golf Club allows wildlife enthusiasts to play a round of golf or two while admiring nearby animals (sometimes even scampering across the course).  The course was built in 1972 and is known to have been visited by the Big Five along with other animals like antelopes, baboons and a variety of birds. The golf course is designed to cater to people of all skill levels so first timers, this is the perfect place to start.

Elephant Hills Resort

Monkeying around isn’t against the rules on the greens at Elephant Hills Resort in Zimbabwe. Located on a hill facing the famous Zambezi River, the golf course is the only one of its kind in the Victoria Falls area. The safari hotel is an excellent destination for golf lovers to combine their love of the sport with safari rides throughout the park. Because of the hotel’s location being so close to the river, it’s common to spot animals passing through the golf course, some of them taking their sweet time to make their way to the river. And you won’t mind them getting in the way of the game every now and then, because let’s be honest, you’re really here for them.