Golf

That some golf tour operators are also safari operators should hint at some of the course features. Adventure sportsmen and golfers don’t usually find common ground but the Kruger National Park’s course Skukuza balances the golf game with game of lions, rhinos, snakes, and leopards. At the country’s best course, Leopard Creek, wildlife such as giraffes and wildebeests grace the scenery. The most scenic, Cathedral Park, wraps around lush but rugged African landscape. While these are highlights for those that arrive, most choose to visit because of warm weather and cheap green fees.

Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban all have great courses with mountain or ocean scenery. Cape Town can mix golf vacations with other tourist attractions such as famous beaches, nightlife and nearby wine estates. A Jack Nicklaus signature course is playable nearby at Pearl Valley. From Johannesburg it is worth travelling to Sun City and staying in the spectacular palace like resort. Less travelled, but perhaps making for the best golf vacations, are the courses along the Garden Route. Here hometown hero Ernie Els has a course design to his name. Just make sure to be careful searching for a ball in the rough.