Southern Africa - April 2025
/Southern Africa Like You’ve Never Seen It: Golf, Safaris and Spectacle
When people think of a trip to Africa, they often picture lions in the long grass or mist rising from Victoria Falls. And while this tour delivered those iconic moments in spades, it was so much more — a journey of golf on world-ranked courses, luxurious lodges, fine food, wine estates and wild encounters that we’ll be talking about for years to come.
Cape Town: Cape Town: The Start of an Unforgettable Journey
Our South African adventure began in Cape Town, where we checked into an elegant 5-star hotel, perfectly situated in the heart of the city’s historic quarter. Wasting no time, we set off on a full-day tour, culminating in a visit to Table Mountain on a gloriously clear day. From the summit, the panoramic views served as a perfect introduction to one of the world's most spectacular cities. Evenings came alive with the flavors, colours, and rhythms of Africa, highlighted by a standout drumming-filled dinner experience—an unforgettable evening of bold local dishes, infectious beats, and warm South African hospitality.
Between these highlights, there was ample time for optional adventures:
A scenic round of golf at Atlantic Beach Golf Club
A breathtaking Cape Peninsula Tour
A moving visit to Robben Island
And for the brave, an adrenaline-pumping shark cage dive!
Golfing Nirvana on the Garden Route
From Cape Town, we arrived at Fancourt Resort, our base for five nights and the perfect launchpad for tackling four of South Africa’s finest courses.
Outeniqua delivered exactly what we were looking for—playable yet challenging in all the right ways. Lush fairways and fast, true greens made for a rewarding round. Generous landing areas allowed confidence off the tee, while well-placed water hazards and bunkers ensured we stayed focused. After the round, we gathered on the clubhouse terrace, drinks in hand, soaking in the sunset and enjoying the easy camaraderie that naturally formed within the group.
Montagu was a pleasure to play. Consistently ranked among South Africa’s top parkland layouts, the course offered beautifully framed holes, mature trees, and water features, all set against the majestic Outeniqua Mountains. Each hole brought its own character and challenge, with the par-5 18th delivering a memorable finish back to the clubhouse. The natural beauty and thoughtful design made every shot a joy, and while the course tested our games, it never felt punishing—so good, in fact, we played it again a couple of days later.
Our round at Pinnacle Point was nothing short of spectacular. Perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, this course is one of the most visually striking anywhere in the world. Towering sea views, dramatic coastal holes, and tee shots played over yawning chasms made for a thrilling, unforgettable round. The layout was as demanding as it was breathtaking, with swirling sea breezes and bold shot-making opportunities keeping us on our toes all day. It’s a course that perfectly balances challenge with pure golfing theatre — a must-play and a definite highlight of the trip.
For those craving an extra challenge, The Links at Fancourt, ranked #2 in South Africa, offered a thrilling test of skill. Designed by Gary Player, this dramatic, links-style layout delivered a completely different experience to Montagu and Outeniqua. Rugged, undulating fairways, vast bunkers, and slick, contoured greens demanded precision, imagination, and nerve from start to finish. Every hole felt like a signature moment, making for a challenging yet unforgettable round — made all the more memorable by Fancourt’s flawless service. Definitely one for the golfing memory bank.
Franschhoek: A Corner of Provence in Africa
After five superb days on the fairways, we traded greens for vineyards, heading to the picturesque valley of Franschhoek. Exceptional wines, grand estates showcasing magnificent art, and tastings at opulent properties awaited us. Memorable meals in the culinary heartland of Africa, paired with an impressive collection of vintage cars, added extra sparkle to our time in this charming French corner of South Africa.
Safari Magic in Sabi Sands
Next up, we arrived in the legendary Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where our all-inclusive, exclusive-use lodge combined old-school safari charm with relaxed luxury. Nestled within a private concession, it gave us the freedom to venture off-road in open-top vehicles, accompanied by expert trackers and guides, leading to unforgettable up-close wildlife encounters.
Over four exhilarating days of game drives, we experienced the bush in all its raw beauty—a leopard tearing into its kill, another draped lazily along the branches of a tree, completely indifferent to our presence. A curious cub took its first lessons in survival, elephants cooled off in muddy wallows, and a baby rhino perfected its mock charge with endearing determination. Cape buffalo and elephant herds roamed across the landscape, their presence adding to the spectacle.
The entire experience was seamless—every detail thoughtfully handled, from sundowners in the bush to gourmet dinners beneath a canopy of stars, even the laundry discreetly taken care of while we were out exploring. It was safari living at its most effortless and unforgettable—everything you dream an African safari will be, and then some.
From Sabi Sands to the Southern Kruger
After an incredible time in Sabi Sands, we journeyed to the southern edge of Kruger National Park—settling into Buhala Lodge, a beautiful retreat on the banks of the Crocodile River, offering easy access to the legendary Leopard Creek and the scenic Panorama Route.
We even squeezed in a round at Skukuza Golf Club, where checking for hippos was part of the pre-shot routine! Warthogs trotted nonchalantly across the fairways and birdsong filled the air. It was golf, Kruger-style—wild, unpredictable, and unlike anywhere else.
Afternoons faded into relaxed evenings on the veranda, glasses raised as hippos bobbed in the river and elephants strolled along the far shore.
A day exploring the Panorama Route took us to God’s Window, The Three Rondavels, and Blyde River Canyon, each stop revealing another postcard-perfect view—deep gorges, mist-shrouded cliffs, and endless landscapes that made us fall in love with South Africa all over again.
The Finale at Leopard Creek
No visit to this part of the world would be complete without a round at the legendary Leopard Creek Country Club. It’s one of the most spectacular courses you’ll ever play—manicured fairways, lightning-fast greens, and stunning views across the Crocodile River, where hippos and crocodiles laze in the shallows. Adding to its character, each hole features a striking leopard sculpture, honoring the majestic cats that give the course its name and often roam nearby.
To top it all off, we had the privilege of meeting Ernie Els himself. The Big Easy was every bit as gracious as you'd expect, happily posing for a photo with us. Now, we can’t promise you’ll meet a legend on every On The Tee Tour—but you can bet we’ll do everything we can to make it just as special.
The Victoria Falls Extension: Africa’s Grand Finale
The perfect finale was a stay at the elegant Royal Livingstone, where zebras and giraffes grazed on the lawns and sundowners came with uninterrupted views of the majestic Zambezi River. The bold among us took a dip in Angel’s Pool, peering over the very lip of the falls—equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.
Our river safari in Chobe National Park was classic Africa—crocs feasting on a buffalo, hippos surfacing nearby, and birdlife filling the air. It was nature at its most theatrical, and we had front-row seats from the comfort of our raft. Wild, thrilling, and everything a safari escape should be.
Final Word
This was more than a golf trip—it was a celebration of surreal landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and world-class golf, woven together with unforgettable people, stories, and the warmth of African hospitality. If you’ve ever dreamed of teeing off beside the ocean, tracking a leopard at dawn, or dining under a sky ablaze with stars, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Want to relive the adventure? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see reels of our experience.
Ready to join the next journey?
We offer private tours as well as exclusive escorted experiences curated by Ria Livanas, who designs each South African itinerary with firsthand expertise, regularly scouting new adventures and hidden gems. In 2026, we have two escorted tours—one in late March and the other in late October. Spaces are extremely limited, with a maximum of 16 guests per tour. To secure early access before bookings open to all, complete the expression of interest .
Southern Africa is calling—you won’t want to miss the adventure.
