Golfing in the Heart of Wild Africa

Experience the perfect combination of world-class golf and unforgettable wildlife encounters during this unique 7-day Golf & Safari Experience in South Africa.

This carefully designed journey takes you through the beautiful Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, where you'll play three distinctive golf courses, explore the world-famous Kruger National Park and conclude your adventure in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve, renowned for some of the finest safari experiences in Africa.

From the lush fairways of White River to golfing alongside the wilderness of the Kruger and tracking the Big Five with experienced rangers, this tour offers the perfect blend of sport, relaxation, luxury, and adventure.

 

Day 1 – Arrival in the Lowveld

Upon arrival at Johannesburg or Nelspruit Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in the charming town of White River, the perfect gateway to South Africa's renowned golf courses and the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Nestled in the heart of the Lowveld, White River is known for its pleasant climate, lush surroundings, and relaxed atmosphere. Surrounded by forests, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes, it provides the ideal setting to begin your South African adventure.

The remainder of the day is yours to unwind after your journey. Relax at the lodge, take a refreshing swim, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings while looking ahead to a week that combines championship golf with unforgettable safari experiences.

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Day 2 – Golf at White River Country Club

After breakfast, we head to White River Country Club for the first round of golf of the tour. Set against the backdrop of the Lowveld, this renowned parkland course is considered one of Mpumalanga's finest golfing destinations.

Its tree-lined fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and well-maintained greens provide an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities. As you make your way around the course, keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife and resident wildlife that regularly add to the unique golfing experience.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to relax at the lodge, take a refreshing swim, or simply soak up the peaceful surroundings. For those who can't wait to experience the African bush, there is also the opportunity to enjoy an optional afternoon game drive in the world-famous Kruger National Park, where your safari adventure begins with the chance of encountering the Big Five and a remarkable variety of wildlife.

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Day 3 – Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari

Today, we swap golf clubs for cameras as we venture into the legendary Kruger National Park for a full day of safari.

Departing early in the morning, we enter the park's wildlife-rich southern region, renowned for its exceptional game viewing and diverse landscapes. Throughout the day, we explore winding rivers, open savannahs, and dense bushveld in search of the Big Five, while keeping an eye out for giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, countless antelope species, and the park's remarkable birdlife, as golf is all about birdies.

Travelling at a relaxed pace allows us to make the most of every sighting. Whether watching elephants at a waterhole, following a pride of lions, or waiting patiently for a leopard to emerge from the bush, every game drive offers new and unforgettable moments.

In the late afternoon, we leave the park and continue to Malelane, where we spend the next two nights in accommodation overlooking the scenic Crocodile River, the natural southern boundary of Kruger National Park. As the sun begins to set, the river often comes alive with hippos, elephants, and other wildlife, providing the perfect ending to an unforgettable day on safari.

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Day 4 – Golf at Malelane Golf Club

Following breakfast, we head to the spectacular Malelane Golf Club for another memorable round of golf. Bordering the Crocodile River, the course enjoys an unrivalled setting with panoramic views into Kruger National Park, making it one of South Africa's most unique golfing destinations.

As you make your way around the fairways, keep an eye on the opposite riverbank, where elephants, buffalo, hippos, and a variety of antelope are regularly seen. Combined with its excellent course conditions and relaxed atmosphere, Malelane offers a truly unforgettable golfing experience.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax at the lodge overlooking the Crocodile River, or, for those eager to spend more time in the bush, join an optional afternoon safari in Kruger National Park in search of even more unforgettable wildlife encounters.

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Day 5 – Golfing in the Wild at Skukuza

After an early breakfast, we make our way to the iconic Skukuza Golf Course for the final round of golf of the tour.

Regularly ranked among the world's most unique golf courses, Skukuza offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Kruger National Park. With no perimeter fencing, the surrounding wilderness remains completely open, allowing wildlife to roam freely. As you play your round, sightings of impala, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, and an impressive variety of birdlife are all part of the experience, making every hole unlike any other golf course in the world.

Following our round, we continue to the exclusive Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, a private wilderness area renowned for its luxurious lodges, exceptional guiding, and some of the finest wildlife viewing in Africa. Sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand is particularly famous for its remarkable leopard sightings and intimate safari experiences.

After settling into your lodge, it's time for your first afternoon game drive. As the golden light begins to soften, we head into the bush in search of the Big Five and the incredible wildlife that has made Sabi Sand one of Africa's most celebrated safari destinations.

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Day 6 – Safari in Sabi Sand

Today is devoted entirely to experiencing the exceptional wildlife of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.

Before sunrise, we set out on an early morning game drive as the bush begins to awaken. Accompanied by experienced guides and expert trackers, we explore this world-renowned private reserve in search of the Big Five and its famous leopard population. Thanks to off-road driving and exclusive traversing rights, we are often able to enjoy close and prolonged wildlife encounters that are simply not possible in most national parks.

After returning to the lodge for a well-earned breakfast, the remainder of the day is yours to relax. Unwind by the pool, enjoy the lodge's excellent facilities, or simply take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding wilderness from the comfort of your private veranda.

As the afternoon cools, we head out once more for another unforgettable game drive. With the golden light of sunset transforming the landscape and many predators becoming active again, the evening safari offers the perfect conclusion to another extraordinary day in the African bush.

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Day 7 – Final Safari and Departure

Our final morning begins with one last game drive through the spectacular Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. As always, we set out with a sense of anticipation, knowing that some of the most memorable wildlife encounters often happen when you least expect them.

After returning to the lodge for breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to the African bush as we begin our transfer to Nelspruit or Johannesburg for your onward journey.

Although your adventure comes to an end, the memories of championship golf, unforgettable safari experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and the extraordinary wildlife of South Africa will remain with you long after you return home.

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Tailor-Made to Your Wishes

This itinerary serves as an example of what is possible with Sugarbird Safaris. Every journey can be fully tailored to your interests, travel style and available time. Destinations, activities and accommodations can all be adjusted to create your ideal safari experience.

Please note that the itinerary is a guideline and may occasionally need to be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions, road closures, wildlife movements or other circumstances beyond our control. We always aim to make the best possible use of the available time while keeping the experience enjoyable and safe.

Whether you would like to spend extra time at a favourite destination, include additional activities or extend your adventure by a few days, we'll be happy to design a safari that perfectly matches your wishes.