The Ultimate South African "Golfari": 17 Days of World-Class Fairways & Big 5 Safaris

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About the trip

Experience the best of both worlds: Play challenging golf courses set in breathtaking landscapes – and combine your game with unforgettable safari adventures.

In South Africa you will enjoy world-class fairways, relax in exclusive lodges, and then dive into the wild. On a “golfari” with Mbuyu Adventures, every green becomes a gateway to new adventures.

Our golfari combinations can be tailored entirely to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing golf holiday with occasional wildlife encounters or the perfect balance between safari and golf – we make sure every journey is truly unique.

Step off the beaten path and experience Southern Africa from an entirely new perspective. Golf and safari – a combination that creates unforgettable memories.

Days 1 & 2: Touchdown, The Palace of Dreams & Big 5 Greens

Days 1 & 2: Touchdown, The Palace of Dreams & Big 5 Greens image

Day 1: Arrival & The Journey Begins

11:00 AM – The Meet & Logistics Since travelers may arrive on varying international flight schedules, your ultimate adventure kicks off with a central rendezvous in Johannesburg. The group will officially convene at 11:00 AM at the InterContinental Hotel at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Pack your clubs and prepare for an ultimate blend of breathtaking African wildlife and championship greens.

The Drive: Johannesburg to Sun City Once everyone has arrived, we will collect the rental vehicles. You will then hit the road and embark on a scenic, roughly 2-hour drive out of the city toward the legendary Sun City Resort.

The Arrival: Unwinding & Evening Dining Upon arriving at the resort, you will check into your rooms, giving you ample time to unpack, refresh, and shake off any jet lag from the flight. In the evening, the group will gather for dinner. Sun City offers a vibrant array of exceptional restaurants, allowing you to choose the perfect spot to toast to the start of your "Golfari" (dinner tonight is at your own expense).

Overnight: Sun City Resort – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Day 2: Championship Greens & The Big 5 Safari

Morning Activity: The Gary Player Country Club After a restful first night, Day 2 brings your first major challenge: stepping onto the hallowed greens of the world-famous Gary Player Country Club. This legendary 18-hole championship layout is a proud host of the DP World Tour and demands both strategy and precision.

Afternoon Activity: Pilanesberg Game Reserve In the afternoon, you will trade your golf clubs and cart for a 4x4 as we head into the adjacent Pilanesberg Nature Reserve for a thrilling guided safari. Exploring in an open safari vehicle gives you the best chance to track down the Big 5 and spot the region's unique fauna and flora. Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready!

Evening: Post-Safari Dinner

After an adrenaline-filled afternoon in the bush, the group will head back to the resort. We will gather for dinner at one of Sun City's fantastic restaurants to recount the day's best shots on the fairways and the most exciting wildlife sightings from the reserve.

Overnight: Sun City Resort – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Setting the Expectation

  • Seamless Rendezvous: Meeting directly at the InterContinental at O.R. Tambo ensures a premium, easy-to-find starting point for clients arriving on various international flight schedules.

  • Tour-Level Golf: Teeing off on a DP World Tour course on your very first full day sets an incredibly high standard for the golfing legs of the trip.

  • Instant Safari Action: Pairing a world-class round of golf with an open-vehicle Big 5 safari on the exact same day delivers the ultimate South African "Golfari" experience immediately.

Days 3 & 4: High Altitude, High Drama: Dullstroom & Highland Gate

Days 3 & 4: High Altitude, High Drama: Dullstroom & Highland Gate image

Day 3: High Altitude & The Highveld Haven

The Drive: Climbing to Dullstroom After breakfast on Day 4, we hit the road and cruise east for roughly 400km. Today's journey takes you climbing 2,000 meters above sea level into the Mpumalanga highlands, arriving at the picturesque, tranquil town of Dullstroom.

The Arrival: A Laid-Back Afternoon & Local Trout Upon arrival, you will settle into your cozy accommodation. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at a laid-back pace in this charming highveld haven.

Dullstroom is famously known for its thriving trout industry, which began in 1912. In the evening, you have the freedom to explore the town's renowned culinary scene. We highly recommend booking a table at a beloved local institution like Mrs. Simpson's, where you can indulge in their famous deboned rainbow trout or creamy trout pasta. Alternatively, you can enjoy a sophisticated tapas menu and wine pairing at the Vine Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Overnight: Dullstroom Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Day 4: The Steenkampsberg Escarpment & Highland Gate

Morning Activity: Highland Gate Golf Estate On Day 5, prepare to be absolutely mesmerized by the Highland Gate Golf Estate. Nestled deep in the Steenkampsberg mountain range, this 18-hole championship masterpiece was designed by legendary South African golfer Ernie Els. Els himself noted that the epic scale and expansive views of the estate remind him of the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands.

Because of the dramatic elevation changes, ravines, and exposed mountain terrain, the course offers sweeping, breathtaking views over majestic valleys with every single swing you take. It provides a challenging but fair test that adds immense strategic and aesthetic value to your round.

Afternoon & Evening: Leisure in the Highlands

After conquering the high-altitude fairways, you can return to Dullstroom for a relaxed afternoon. You might choose to browse the local boutique shops or perhaps try your hand at fly fishing, which is highly popular in the estate's rare and tranquil setting.

We will gather in the evening for another fantastic local dinner, sharing stories of the day's most dramatic tee shots (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: Dullstroom Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Setting the Expectation

  • A Dramatic Geographical Shift: The 400km drive climbing 2,000 meters into the Steenkampsberg mountains provides a stunning geographical and climatic contrast to the lower-altitude routes of the previous days.

  • Ernie Els Signature Design: Playing a championship layout designed by one of South Africa's greatest golfing exports elevates the prestige of the Golfari's fairway lineup.

  • Culinary Freedom: Keeping the evenings open allows the group to dive into Dullstroom's fantastic local dining scene, particularly its world-class fresh trout.

Days 5 & 6: Into the Wild: Kruger National Park Safaris & Unfenced Fairways

Days 5 & 6: Into the Wild: Kruger National Park Safaris & Unfenced Fairways  image

Day 5: Into the Wild – The Journey to Kruger

The Drive: Descending to the Bushveld After leaving the highlands behind, we depart for a roughly 230km transit toward the world-renowned Kruger National Park. You will arrive at the park and make your way to the Skukuza area just in time for lunch.

The Arrival: Afternoon Game Drive & Camp Life The ultimate safari experience awaits! You will settle into your accommodation before heading out on an exciting afternoon game drive. We will venture deep into the untamed bushveld to see what majestic creatures we can track down. In the evening, relax at the camp, listen to the nocturnal sounds of the wild, and enjoy dinner at one of the local rest camp restaurants, such as the famous Cattle Baron or the historic Kruger Station (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: Kruger National Park Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Day 6: The Dawn Chorus & The Wildest Golf Course

Morning Activity: Safari at Sunrise Wake up with the dawn chorus on Day 6 for an unforgettable morning safari. This early hour is the prime time to spot predators on the move and witness the African bush coming alive.

Afternoon Activity: Skukuza Golf Club Following your morning in the bush, prepare for a truly unique golfing experience: a 9-hole round on the "Wildest Golf Course in the World". Situated right inside the park, this layout is completely unfenced. This means your gallery might include anything from curious monkeys to wandering elephants—provided the local wildlife actually allows you to tee off! It is a thrilling round where reading your surroundings is just as important as reading the greens.

Overnight: Kruger National Park Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Setting the Expectation

  • The Ultimate Contrast: Transitioning from the high-altitude mountains directly into the low-lying, untamed bushveld of Kruger National Park highlights the incredible geographical diversity of this tour.

  • Big 5 Golfing: Playing a 9-hole round on a completely unfenced course inside Kruger National Park is a global bucket-list experience that perfectly merges the "Golfari" concept.

  • Double Safari Action: With both an afternoon game drive on Day 5 and a dawn safari on Day 6, you have exceptional opportunities to track down Africa's most iconic wildlife from the comfort of a safari vehicle.

Day 7: A Morning Safari & The African Augusta

Day 7: A Morning Safari & The African Augusta image

Day 7: The Crown Jewel – Leopard Creek

The Drive: A Final Morning Safari Enjoy one last magical morning game drive as we meander roughly 70km toward the Kruger Park exit gates. This gentle transit allows you to soak in the final sights and sounds of the untamed bushveld before swapping your binoculars for your golf clubs.

The Activity: Leopard Creek Just outside lies one of the most exclusive and spectacular golfing destinations on the planet: Leopard Creek in Malelane. You will step onto the first tee to play an unforgettable 18 holes where lush, manicured fairways meet the wild Crocodile River, offering spectacular views right into the national park. After conquering your round, you will retreat to our nearby accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight: Malelane Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Setting the Expectation

  • The African Augusta: Leopard Creek is widely considered South Africa's most exclusive golf course, featuring an impeccable Gary Player design that hosts the DP World Tour's Alfred Dunhill Championship.

  • Views into the Park: The Crocodile River boundary offers dramatic, sweeping views directly into Kruger National Park, allowing for spectacular wildlife spotting right from the fairways.

  • A Seamless Transition: Starting the day tracking the Big 5 on a game drive and finishing it on one of the world's finest courses perfectly encapsulates the core essence of the entire "Golfari".

Day 8: Between Bush and Coast: A Day of Rest in the Lowveld

Day 8: Between Bush and Coast: A Day of Rest in the Lowveld image

Day 8: Sunset Views & Safari Goodbyes

The Drive: The Road to White River Take it easy this morning with a short, scenic 81km drive from the Malelane area to our lodge in White River. Nestled in the rolling Lowveld hills, this peaceful town is perfectly situated near the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), setting us up seamlessly for the journey ahead.

The Activity & Leisure: Poolside Relaxation & Preparation After several demanding days of early-morning safaris and championship golf, today offers a well-deserved, slower pace. Spend a lazy afternoon lounging by the pool with a refreshing cocktail in hand, soaking in the sweeping views on the horizon. You will have ample time to unpack, unwind, and pack your golf bags and luggage to prepare for the coastal leg of our adventure.

In the evening, gather for a relaxed dinner at the lodge or explore one of White River’s boutique local eateries (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: White River Lodge – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Setting the Expectation

  • Strategic Staging: Basing ourselves in White River places the group within easy reach of Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, eliminating early-morning transit stress ahead of tomorrow's domestic connection.

  • A Dedicated Reset: Balancing back-to-back rounds and dawn game drives with a languid poolside afternoon gives you the space to recharge before tackling the Garden Route.

  • Bushveld Farewell: Savoring sunset drinks over the Mpumalanga landscape provides a tranquil, memorable send-off to the northern safari chapter of the Golfari.

Days 9 & 10: The Glorious Garden Route & Fancourt Estate

Days 9 & 10: The Glorious Garden Route & Fancourt Estate    image

Day 9: Bush to Beach – Flying to the Garden Route

The Logistics: Connecting to George Today, we swap the rugged bushveld for the lush landscapes and coastal air of the Western Cape. After breakfast, we head to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) to catch an early scheduled flight back to Johannesburg, connecting seamlessly straight to George—the premier gateway to South Africa's legendary Garden Route. Upon landing in George, we collect our new vehicles for this coastal leg and make a short, roughly 10km drive to our accommodation.

The Arrival: Unwinding on the Coast After a morning of domestic air travel, the afternoon is yours to decompress. Settle into your new coastal base, take in the fresh ocean and mountain breezes beneath the Outeniqua range, or take a relaxed stroll through the surrounding greenery. In the evening, the group can reconvene to explore George’s welcoming restaurant scene or enjoy dinner on-site at the estate, resting up ahead of tomorrow's championship test (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: George Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Day 10: Fairway Prestige at Fancourt Golf Estate

The Activity: 18 Holes at Fancourt Wake up to the fresh coastal morning and prepare to conquer the manicured fairways of the prestigious Fancourt Golf Estate for a spectacular 18-hole championship round. Fancourt stands as South Africa’s premier golf resort, featuring world-class parkland layouts designed by Gary Player against the dramatic backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains.

The estate's rolling fairways, fast-paced bentgrass greens, and strategically placed water hazards reward precision, ball-striking consistency, and thoughtful course management. Whether navigating the tree-lined avenues of the Montagu course or the flowing terrain of Outeniqua, Fancourt delivers an uncompromising, tour-grade golf experience.

Afternoon & Evening: Leisure & Local Dining

Following the round, celebrate your 18th-hole finish with drinks at the clubhouse terrace overlooking the greens. The remainder of the afternoon is open for leisure—whether you choose to visit the estate's wellness spa, relax by the pool, or explore nearby coastal viewpoints. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the estate's signature dining rooms or head into town for fresh seafood and Western Cape wines (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: George Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Setting the Expectation

  • Effortless Region Hop: Connecting by air from the Lowveld directly to George eliminates over 1,400km of exhausting driving, seamlessly transitioning you from big-game country to South Africa’s golf capital in a single morning.

  • Resort Grandeur: Playing Fancourt places you on one of the continent's most decorated golf estates, celebrated globally for its conditioning, Gary Player pedigree, and dramatic mountain backdrops.

  • Balanced Pacing: Dedicating the afternoon of Day 9 entirely to rest ensures everyone is fully recharged and ready to deliver their best game on Day 10.

Day 11: Breaching Whales & Cliffside Greens at Pinnacle Point

Day 11: Breaching Whales & Cliffside Greens at Pinnacle Point    image

Day 11: Cliffs & Ocean Breezes at Pinnacle Point

The Drive: Coastal Transit to Mossel Bay After breakfast, take a short, breathtaking 60km drive southwest along the coast to Mossel Bay. The route winds past rolling coastal hills and ocean outlooks, making for an easy, scenic morning commute before arriving at one of the most visually dramatic golf settings in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Activity: 18 Dramatic Holes at Pinnacle Point Prepare for 18 unforgettable holes at Pinnacle Point Golf Course, perched on the rugged cliffs high above the roaring Indian Ocean. Co-designed by Peter Matkovich, the course is an architectural marvel where multiple tees and greens cling directly to the precipice of rocky sea cliffs. Several holes require bold carries across deep ocean chasms, with crashing surf far below.

The views throughout the round are simply unbelievable—keep one eye on your ball flight and the other on the water, as players frequently spot pods of playful dolphins surfing the waves or breaching whales just offshore. It is a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled round that tests your precision while delivering some of the most breathtaking panoramas in world golf.

Afternoon & Evening: Oceanfront Relaxation

Following the 18th hole, gather for a celebratory drink on the clubhouse deck, perched high above the cliffs with uninterrupted views across the water. The late afternoon is open for leisure—stroll along the nearby coastal boardwalks, explore the historic seaside town of Mossel Bay, or simply unwind at your accommodation. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local oceanfront restaurant specializing in fresh catch of the day and regional wines (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: Mossel Bay Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Setting the Expectation

  • Cliffside Drama: Pinnacle Point offers one of the most exhilarating rounds on the continent, with fairways and greens carved directly along rugged sea cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean.

  • Marine Safari on the Greens: The elevated ocean views offer prime vantage points to witness breaching whales and pods of dolphins directly from the fairways during play.

  • Easy Pacing: At just 60km, the short transit ensures maximum time is spent on the course and enjoying the coastal setting rather than behind the wheel.

Days 12 & 13: Vines, Vistas & Stellenbosch Wine Country

Days 12 & 13: Vines, Vistas & Stellenbosch Wine Country image

Day 12: Coastal Splendor, African Penguins & The Winelands

The Drive: The Scenic Journey West Hit the road after breakfast for a roughly 400km journey along one of the most spectacular coastal driving routes in Africa, making our way toward the world-famous Cape Winelands. As you wind along the shoreline, the route delivers dramatic contrasts of crashing ocean waves on one side and towering mountain cliffs on the other.

The En-Route Stop: African Penguin Colony Along the way, we make a special stop along the shore to visit a charming colony of African Penguins. You will have the opportunity to walk along the boardwalks and watch these charismatic, endangered seabirds waddling along the boulders, nesting along the fynbos, and riding the surf into the cove (entrance fee at own expense).

The Arrival: Historic Stellenbosch By late afternoon, we leave the coast behind and wind into the emerald valleys of Stellenbosch, our base for this wine country chapter. Known for its Cape Dutch architecture, oak-lined avenues, and deep viticultural heritage dating back to 1679, Stellenbosch is the cultural and culinary heart of the Cape Winelands. Check into your accommodation and spend the evening exploring the town's vibrant streets or dining at one of its award-winning restaurants (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: Stellenbosch Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Day 13: Vines & Vistas – Championship Golf in Wine Country

Morning Activity: 18 Holes Amid the Vineyards Wake up in the tranquility of the Winelands and prepare to tee off for an unforgettable 18-hole championship round surrounded by rolling vineyards and dramatic mountain peaks. Playing in Stellenbosch delivers the absolute perfect pairing of world-class golf and wine country elegance.

The layout winds between manicured fairways, water features, and borders of mature vines, framed by the towering Simonsberg and Helderberg ranges. The crisp morning air, exceptional turf conditioning, and mountain amphitheater make every tee shot a memorable visual spectacle.

Afternoon & Evening: Cellar Doors & Fine Dining Following the round, relax on the clubhouse terrace overlooking the fairways with a glass of crisp local Chenin Blanc or Pinotage. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—wander Stellenbosch’s historic Dorp Street, browse boutique art galleries, or book a private cellar tour and wine tasting at one of the region’s premier wine estates (wine tastings at own expense).

In the evening, gather for a celebratory dinner at one of the area's acclaimed vineyard restaurants, pairing fresh regional fare with world-renowned estate vintages (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: Stellenbosch Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Setting the Expectation

  • An Epic Coastal Transit: The 400km drive along the southern coast offers sweeping ocean panoramas and a scenic, wildlife-rich journey toward the Cape Winelands.

  • Penguins on the Rocks: Breaking the drive with an up-close visit to an African Penguin colony provides a delightful coastal safari moment before transitioning inland.

  • Golf & Wine Synergy: Pairing a championship 18-hole round with the backdrop of vineyards and mountain peaks captures the refined elegance of the Western Cape.

  • Gastronomic Freedom: Staying in Stellenbosch gives guests access to South Africa's undisputed culinary capital, allowing for independent fine dining and boutique wine tastings each evening.

Days 14, 15 & 16: The Mother City Finale: Table Mountain, Royal Cape & Homeward Departure

Days 14, 15 & 16: The Mother City Finale: Table Mountain, Royal Cape & Homeward Departure    image

Day 14: The Mother City & Table Mountain

The Drive: Stellenbosch to Cape Town After breakfast, leave the winelands behind for a short, scenic 55km drive west into the vibrant heart of Cape Town. As you approach the Atlantic seaboard, the unmistakable flat silhouette of Table Mountain rises to greet you, marking the beginning of the final chapter of your South African journey.

The Activity: City Exploration & Table Mountain Check into your Cape Town accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant streets of the city. The afternoon culminates in a trip up the iconic Table Mountain (weather permitting). Whether you ascend via the revolving aerial cableway or enjoy viewpoints from the base, you will be rewarded with sweeping, 360-degree panoramic views across the City Bowl, Table Bay, and the dramatic Atlantic coastline of the Cape Peninsula (cable car ticket at own expense).

Evening: Waterfront Dining Spend the evening at your leisure exploring the historic V&A Waterfront or the trendy restaurants of Kloof and Bree Streets. Toast to your arrival in the Mother City with world-class local seafood and regional wines (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: Cape Town Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Day 15: The Grand Finale – Africa's Oldest Championship Fairways

The Activity: 18 Holes at Royal Cape Golf Club Celebrate the grand finale of your Golfari by stepping back in time for your final 18-hole championship round at the prestigious Royal Cape Golf Course. Established in 1885, Royal Cape proudly holds the title of being Africa's oldest championship golf club.

A multiple-time host of the South African Open, this historic parkland layout features narrow, tree-lined fairways, beautifully conditioned bentgrass greens, and classic bunkering framed by sweeping vistas of the Table Mountain range. It is an exceptionally fitting and historic stage on which to play your final shots of the tour.

Evening: Farewell Celebrations Following your round, return to the hotel to refresh before gathering for your final evening in the Mother City. The group will meet for a celebratory farewell dinner at a premier Cape Town restaurant to recount the highlights of the journey—from tracking the Big 5 at dawn in Kruger to sinking final putts in the shadow of Table Mountain (dinner at own expense).

Overnight: Cape Town Accommodation – Meals: Dinner at own expense.

Day 16: Farewell South Africa & Homeward Journey

The Logistics: Airport Transfer & Departure Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Cape Town soaking up the coastal atmosphere. After packing your clubs and luggage, make the short, easy 25km drive to Cape Town International Airport to return your rental vehicle.

Depart for your flight home with a camera full of wildlife photos, unforgettable memories of world-class championship fairways, and a heart full of African adventure.

Meals: Breakfast (if included by accommodation); lunch and dinner at own expense.

Setting the Expectation

  • Africa's Golf Heritage: Finishing the golf tour at Royal Cape Golf Club—Africa’s oldest championship club (founded in 1885)—provides a prestigious, historic conclusion to the fairway itinerary.

  • Iconic Wonders: Pairing world-class golf with a trip up Table Mountain ensures travelers experience Cape Town’s natural global landmark alongside its sporting heritage.

  • Stress-Free Farewell: The short 25km highway transit to Cape Town International Airport provides an easy, low-stress departure day to catch homeward-bound flights.

What's Included

What's Included image

What's included

All green fees

Golf carts

Where Possible

Domestic flight

Kruger National Park to George via Johannesburg

Rental car

All accommodation

Hotels, Luxury Lodges and Guesthouses

Entrance fees

Kruger National Park

Afternoon game drive

Guided game drive in an open game drive vehicle in Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Professional Guide

For the tour to take care of teh driving and all your individual needs and all logistcal matters during the trip

What's not included

International flights

To and from South Arica

Meals

Where the meals are not included in the accommodation

African Penguin colony

Entrance fees

Table Mountain

Cable car up and down Table Mountain

Entrance fees

Where the entarnces are not in the itinerary

Wine Tasting

In Franschoek and Stelllenbosch

Golf Accessories

All personla golf accessories during the trip

Pricing

Pricing image

About your organizer

Experience Southern Africa in its most authentic form – on a safari designed entirely around your wishes. Personal, genuine, and far from mass tourism.

Southern Africa offers countless unforgettable experiences – but everyone has their own unique wishes, expectations, and budget. With a tailor-made safari, you have the freedom to shape your journey exactly the way you want – from luxurious lodges to camping adventures in the heart of the wilderness. This way, you can explore breathtaking highlights at your own pace while also keeping costs in cheUnlike traditional group tours that often follow fixed routes, a custom-planned safari offers you maximum flexibility – and moments that are truly your own. So why not design your dream journey yourself? Let our sample itineraries inspire you and spark your wanderlust – we’re here to help make your safari dreams come true.

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