Golf and Safari South Africa
Ultimate Itinerary

Golf & Safari: The Ultimate 10-Day South African Adventure

Combine world-class golf with unforgettable Big 5 safari experiences. This carefully crafted 10-day itinerary takes you from Cape Town's championship courses through the Garden Route to Kruger National Park, featuring Leopard Creek and authentic African wildlife encounters.

10 Days
Total Duration
6 Rounds
Championship Golf
3 Safaris
Game Drives
Big 5
Wildlife

Why Golf & Safari?

South Africa is the only destination in the world where you can play championship golf courses bordering Big 5 game reserves. Imagine teeing off with elephants watching from the bush, or playing alongside the Kruger National Park fence at Leopard Creek, SA's #1 ranked course.

This itinerary maximizes both experiences: world-class golf at courses like Fancourt and Arabella, combined with authentic safari adventures in Kruger and private reserves. You'll experience the best of both worlds without feeling rushed.

The Complete 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Cape Town

Cape Town, Western Cape

Activities

  • Arrive at Cape Town International Airport
  • Transfer to hotel in Waterfront area
  • Afternoon: Table Mountain cable car (weather permitting)
  • Evening: Waterfront dinner and sunset
Accommodation
Cape Grace Hotel or similar (5-star)
Meals
Dinner
Notes
Rest and acclimate. Save energy for golf tomorrow.
Day 2

Pearl Valley Golf

Paarl, Cape Winelands

Golf
⛳ 18 Holes
Golf Course
Pearl Valley Golf Estate (Jack Nicklaus design)

Activities

  • Morning: 18 holes at Pearl Valley
  • Afternoon: Wine tasting at Fairview or Spice Route
  • Evening: Dinner in Franschhoek
Accommodation
Pearl Valley Hotel or Franschhoek boutique hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Notes
First round! Altitude is sea level. Enjoy mountain views.
Day 3

Arabella Golf & Hermanus

Kleinmond, Western Cape

Golf
⛳ 18 Holes
Golf Course
Arabella Golf Club

Activities

  • Morning: 18 holes at Arabella
  • Afternoon: Hermanus whale watching (Jun-Nov)
  • Evening: Seafood dinner in Hermanus
Accommodation
Arabella Hotel & Spa
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Notes
Stunning lagoon and mountain views. Watch for whales in season.
Day 4

Garden Route - Fancourt

George, Garden Route

Golf
⛳ 18 Holes
Golf Course
Fancourt - The Links

Activities

  • Morning: Drive to George (3.5 hours)
  • Afternoon: 18 holes at Fancourt Links
  • Evening: Dinner at Fancourt
Accommodation
Fancourt Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Notes
SA's only true links course. #2 ranked in the country.
Day 5

Pinnacle Point & Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay, Garden Route

Golf
⛳ 18 Holes
Golf Course
Pinnacle Point Golf Club

Activities

  • Morning: 18 holes at Pinnacle Point
  • Afternoon: Mossel Bay attractions or relax
  • Evening: Sunset at clifftop course
Accommodation
Pinnacle Point Beach & Golf Resort
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Notes
Most spectacular ocean views in SA golf. Bring your camera!
Day 6

Fly to Johannesburg

Johannesburg, Gauteng

Activities

  • Morning: Fly George to Johannesburg (1.5 hours)
  • Afternoon: Visit Apartheid Museum or Soweto
  • Evening: Dinner in Sandton
Accommodation
Sandton hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Notes
Travel day. Prepare for altitude golf tomorrow (+10-15% distance).
Day 7

Pecanwood Golf

Hartbeespoort, North West

Golf
⛳ 18 Holes
Golf Course
Pecanwood Golf & Country Club

Activities

  • Morning: 18 holes at Pecanwood
  • Afternoon: Drive to Kruger area (4 hours)
  • Evening: Arrive at safari lodge
Accommodation
Luxury safari lodge near Kruger
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Notes
Jack Nicklaus waterfront course. Long drive to Kruger after golf.
Day 8

Leopard Creek Golf

Malelane, Mpumalanga

Golf
⛳ 18 Holes
Golf Course
Leopard Creek Country Club

Activities

  • Early morning: Sunrise game drive
  • Late morning: 18 holes at Leopard Creek (#1 in SA!)
  • Afternoon: Relax at lodge
  • Evening: Sunset game drive
Accommodation
Leopard Creek Lodge or nearby safari lodge
Meals
All meals included
Notes
THE highlight! Golf with wildlife. Book 3-6 months ahead.
Day 9

Full Safari Day

Kruger National Park

Activities

  • Early morning: Game drive in Kruger
  • Mid-morning: Bush breakfast
  • Afternoon: Rest at lodge or spa
  • Late afternoon: Sunset game drive
  • Evening: Boma dinner under stars
Accommodation
Safari lodge
Meals
All meals included
Notes
No golf today - focus on Big 5 safari experience.
Day 10

Depart Johannesburg

Johannesburg

Activities

  • Morning: Final game drive and breakfast
  • Transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport
  • Fly to Johannesburg (1 hour)
  • Connect to international flight home
Accommodation
N/A
Meals
Breakfast
Notes
Depart with unforgettable memories of golf and safari!

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Costs (USD)

Golf (6 rounds + carts) $1,200 - $1,800
Accommodation (9 nights) $2,500 - $4,000
Safari activities (3 days) $800 - $1,200
Internal flights (2) $400 - $600
Car rental (7 days) $400 - $600
Meals & activities $600 - $1,000
Total Budget $5,900 - $9,200

Money-Saving Tips

  • 💰 Travel off-peak: Apr-May or Sep saves 20-30% on accommodation
  • 💰 Golf packages: Fancourt multi-round deals save 15-20%
  • 💰 Safari lodges: All-inclusive packages better value than à la carte
  • 💰 Self-drive: Rent car vs private transfers saves $500+
  • 💰 Book direct: Contact courses directly for better rates

Essential Planning Information

Best Time to Go

April - May: Perfect weather, low crowds, good wildlife viewing
September - October: Spring weather, wildflowers, excellent game viewing
Avoid December - January: Peak prices, crowds, very hot

Booking Timeline

6 months: Book Leopard Creek tee time
4-5 months: Reserve safari lodge and flights
2-3 months: Book other golf courses and hotels
1 month: Confirm all bookings and arrange car rental

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to combine golf and safari in South Africa?

Absolutely! This is a popular combination. Golf courses and safari lodges have excellent security. Follow standard precautions in cities (don't display valuables, use hotel safes). Safari areas and golf estates are very safe.

Do I need malaria prophylaxis?

Yes, for Kruger area (Days 7-10). Cape Town and Garden Route are malaria-free. Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. Low-risk season is May-September (winter).

Can I see the Big 5 at Leopard Creek?

Yes! Leopard Creek borders Kruger National Park. You'll regularly see hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope on the course. Elephants, buffalo, and occasionally leopards visit. It's a unique golf experience.

Should I rent clubs or bring my own?

Bring your own if possible - you'll play better with familiar clubs. If renting, premium courses offer quality sets (R600-R800/day). Airlines typically allow golf bags as checked luggage.

How much should I tip caddies and safari guides?

Caddies: R300-R500 plus R100-R200 tip for good service. Safari guides: $10-15 USD per person per game drive. Trackers: $5-10 USD. Budget ~$150-200 total for tips.

Can this itinerary be shortened to 7 days?

Yes! Skip Garden Route (Days 4-5) and fly directly Cape Town to Johannesburg on Day 4. You'll play 4 rounds instead of 6 but still get the full safari experience. Budget $4,500-7,000.

Ready to Book Your Golf & Safari Adventure?

Start planning your dream trip combining championship golf with authentic African safari experiences. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.