For years, South Africa tourism followed the guard rails of a catchy phrase. “A world in one country” was the country’s bold proclamation. It still fits. The words have changed through time, but the majestic experience of South Africa never has.
Sure, it’s fine to build a quality global adventure around golf, but for a trip to be truly memorable—dare we say, potentially life-changing—an excursion of meaning needs to transcend birdies and bogeys. This is South Africa, sun-splashed and radiant in its long summer days, which fall conveniently during our winter months. The country’s rugged beauty can be breathtaking, but it won’t steal one’s breath, fill one’s heart or generate memories for a lifetime in the bold fashion of witnessing Africa’s iconic Big 5 up close while on safari.
Golf options across South Africa can be strong and are reputable, but they cannot match the powerful essence that being on an early-morning or evening game hunt can deliver. Beneath the stars, to safely watch animals roaming wildly in their natural element in a setting such as Kruger State Park can do wonders toward impacting one’s view of personal standing in the world’s pecking order. An encounter with any of the Big 5—lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, rhinos or leopards—will boost chances that a South Africa trip will quickly ascend one’s own personal ranking for trips that are most memorable.
Golf safari is a popular way to sample the very best of South Africa, a destination that has never been easier to access from the U.S., with flights now booked direct into Cape Town, tucked away along the southwestern coast of the continent. A trip to South Africa can be one for a lifetime, complete with stunning views, great culture and the awe-inspiring scenes of nature at its absolute finest.
The U.S. dollar is performing nicely against the South African rand, making this an affordable time for Americans to plan such a trip, one sure to provide indelible memories. There is so much to do and see, in fact, so much to explore, that 10-14 days is the standard window to see it all.
Travel the spectacular Garden Route stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Play golf at world-renowned Fancourt, home to three Gary Player courses and site of the famed Ernie Els-Tiger Woods playoff at the 2003 Presidents Cup (which, like the cup itself, ended in a tie). The country’s golf is understated yet exquisite, featuring gems such as Leopard Creek, St. Francis Links, Arabella and Pearl Valley, several of which are sprinkled along the coastal Garden Route. Do some wine tasting in the centuries-old Cape Winelands area that features the grapes of Stellenbosch and Paarl, and ride the cable car that transports visitors to the vistas at the apex of Table Mountain, with all of splendor of Cape Town laid out below. It is sure to stir the senses.
South Africa is a place to see and sample with an impressively full lineup as its menu and attention to service that is off the charts. It truly is a big world that fits very naturally into one big country. Take the leap to explore new horizons in a faraway land. Try to find each of the Big 5. After all, how many opportunities might you get to take the singular trip of a lifetime?
To explore a trip to South Africa, visit Premier Golf here.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
