Book the ultimate 3 centre golfing itinerary to The Far East including a short stay in Singapore, a week at The Sanchaya Resort on Bintan Island, in Indonesia and a week at the sensational Datai Resort on Langkawi Island in Malaysia
Check out our escorted golf tours across Japan including all the best golf and cultural venues, taking in Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima plus more!!
Check out our superb new addition to our Jamaica programme with the new inclusion of the exquisite Round Hill Hotel & Villas, near Montego Bay, with golf on the exceptional Tryall Golf Course.
Coming very soon the Island of Barbados and the wonderful Sandy Lane Hotel, arguably the best golf and beach property in the world.
Book now to the Ritz-Carlton, Abama for late summer to take advantage of unlimited golf offers – September is a wonderful month – the best month for sunshine in the entire year and still low season golf and hotel prices.
If you have never played much golf in Scotland why not try one of our exclusive multi centre itineraries, great tours including Aberdeenshire and the Highlands with venues like Castle Stuart, Cruden Bay, Nairn and the awesome Royal Dornoch. Or try the Best of the West with venues like Machrihanish, The Machrie, Ardfin and Turnberry!

Welcome to Island Golf Holidays Top 20 Hotels and Resorts in South Africa

Welcome to our exclusive rankings of the top 20 hotels and resorts in South Africa. Following a similar exercise we did in the month of May and June on our top 20 resorts in Island Venues, this has been a very rewarding and dynamic exercise and will assist in the planning of the ultimate multi – centre holiday, giving a fascinating insight into where to stay and play, with a guide also of which courses to play from each hotel venue. The selections are simply mouth-watering and give you the best of the best everywhere.

The rankings provide the opportunity to stay at all the best venues in the country and also to play all the best golf courses, some of which will be surprisingly unknown to those golfers who have been to South Africa before. We encourage adventurous customers to give Durban and Port Elizabeth a chance on the Indian Ocean, a stunning coastline, beautiful historic cities and wonderful golf courses like Zimbali, Humewood (very high ranking) and Durban Country Club. This region can be combined with the Garden Route and of course Cape Town.

Also, a short stay in Jo’Burg and Sun City will also allow you to play their remarkable courses, combine 3 nights at the exquisite boutique hotel The Fairlawn playing Royal Jo’Burg, Kensington East and Glendower with The Gary Player course at Sun City and the Palace of the Lost City at Sun City.

Discover the hotel and golfing gems of Cape Town and the Kruger National Park, such as Cape Grace and Sabi Sabi, but taking in the awesome courses like Royal Cape and the exceptional Leopard Creek, explore the very best of the boutique hotels and golf courses in The Winelands, such as the Grande Roche and Lanzerac and the superb courses like De Zalze, Erinvale and Pearl Valley.

Discover hidden gems at St Francis Links, Pezula and Oubaai with not just great golf, but also gorgeous small luxury boutique hotels.

I would also love to underline a couple of our top 20 venues, one being the boutique safari resort called Gondwana, which is sensational and close to Pinnacle Point (the Pebble Beach of South Africa) and the mobile boutique hotel, the Rovos Rail Experience, which is unique worldwide and offers exceptional service and top quality F&B and golfing stops on the Journey, together with exhilarating scenery on its exciting route.

Use this exclusive rankings exercise to plan an exceptional golfing holiday, whether it be for 7 days to 28 days!

Don’t forget the best time to travel for weather in South Africa is from November –  March with April and October nice should season months with the low season period being May to September.

Book your own Zoom session by clicking on the following link https://www.islandgolfholidays.com/zoom-meeting-request/ and we can assist you in planning a memorable trip up to March 2022 with Island Golf Holidays together with our golfing partners in South Africa Ascot Golf Tours.

I look forward to speaking to you.

David Sledmere
Managing Director
Island Golf Holidays

NO 20:  Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa, Herolds Bay, George

Playing: Oubaai, Pinnacle Point, George CC

Giraffe Tour

The hotel occupies an ideal position between the Indian Ocean and the majestic Outeniqua Mountains in Herolds Bay, George, on the Garden Route.

Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa is unique among South African hotels as it features the first Ernie Els signature golf course in South Africa, making the hotel resort a prime destination for golf holidays.

The award winning Freesia Spa offers seven treatment suites and uses locally produced African products to ensure that the Freesia experience is not only a sensory journey but an authentic African experience.

Guests and visitors at the resort have a choice of four restaurants, Cucina, Waterside Grill, The Clubhouse and the recently opened Harold’s Bistro & Bar – each offering a unique and personal dining experience.

NO 19:  Rovos Rail Golf Safari, Pretoria Return Trip via Sun City, KwaZulu Natal, and the Kruger Region

Playing: Various

Step back in time in to the luxury of a bygone era aboard the Pride of Africa. Soak in the most stunning and sensational sights of plains, desert, hills, and vineyards in this unique country. Ultimate luxury accommodation is afforded by the wood panelled coaches, epitomising a fine blend of old-world opulent charm and subtle modern innovations. Inside, sophisticated fine dining beckons, while some of the most varied scenery unfurls beyond the windows.

The Golf Safari offers a golfer and non-golfer program, ensuring that non-golfing companions are not bored during this once-in-a-lifetime voyage. Golfers will play Sun City’s Lost City or Gary Player Course, Champagne Sports Resort, Durban Country Club or Zimbali Golf Course, the Royal Swazi Golf Course, and Leopard Creek Country Club or White River Country Club.

NO 18:  Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Hazyview, Kruger Region

Playing: Leopard Creek & Highlands Gate

Giraffe Tour

Sculpted into a slope of the earth, Earth Lodge’s organic architecture awakens the senses with a masterful use of texture, space and light. Everywhere there is evidence of nature at work, with almost every facet of the lodge inspired by the surrounding environment.

Home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites, the lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of elegance, futuristic style and luxury. Each suite features a private pool, butler and specially commissioned furnishings.

The dining area overlooks a waterhole and unending bush, and the lodge has a library, underground wine cellar, Zen garden and Amani Spa.

NO 17:  Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

Playing: Leopard Creek & Highlands Gate

The Leopard Tour

The Jock Safari Lodge rests at the confluence of the shimmering Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers at the south-western corner of the famous Kruger National Park, in the breathtaking, unadulterated bushveld of Africa. The Main Jock, Fitzpatrick’s at Jock and Explorer Camp are all elegantly decorated with sprawling African interiors which are combined with modern living and comfort for the ideal stay. Besides en-suite baths and outdoor showers, the rooms also boast of a Sala or outdoor beds, which offer amazing views of the confluence.

NO 16:  Oliver’s Lodge, White River, Kruger Region

Playing: Leopard Creek & Highlands Gate

Located amidst the enchanting greenery of the Mpumalanga province, Olivers Restaurant & Lodge commands an excellent view of the links which are in close proximity for an excellent day out in the championship White River Golf Course.

Set in the malaria free White River estate, each of the rooms in the hotel is tastefully decorated with Austrian elegance and subtle African simplicity. Rooms offer en-suite bathrooms with separate showers, balconies that open to a garden or a link view, heated towel-rails, bathrobes, and a wide array of toiletries.

Gourmet extravagance, prepared by a world acclaimed chef duo, is to be enjoyed at the hotel’s restaurant in country style dining setup, while the finest wine is served from private cellar. Unwinding facilities are offered at the Wellness and Beauty Clinic with both therapeutic and beauty treatments.

NO 15:  Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg

Playing: Royal Johannesburg & Kensington East Course, Glendower

The Leopard Tour

Even though it’s superbly positioned in the beating heart of Sandton, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel is still a world away from the hustle and bustle. This grand boutique hotel enjoys the tranquillity of its park-like estate, amidst mature trees, emerald lawns and prolific birdlife, where a stately yet welcoming ambiance meets beauty, style and superb service.

Expect royal treatment and a full range of services to satisfy every need, from the concierge service, welcome refreshments, complimentary pressing and shoe shine, to personalised wake up calls, private dining, gym, transfers and more. Pamper yourself at the Balinese-inspired spa and garden salas, and enjoy fine dining at either the terrace restaurant, Amuse-Bouche, with its distinctive Italian inspired décor, or at the Manor House Bistro. The private dining room, Into the Woods, is perfect for those special, intimate celebrations. All rooms and suites are individually and sumptuously decorated.

NO 14:  The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City

Playing: Gary Player & Lost City

The Leopard Tour

Inspired by the fantasy of a lost African tribe, the magnificent Palace of the Lost City exudes opulence and regal lifestyle through its intricately decorated towers, elephant tusk embellishments, mosaics and hand-painted frescoes on the dome of the reception area.

The Palace has a total of 338 spacious rooms decorated with a distinctly African feel, and come with private bar, digital safe and 24-hour in-room dining. All feature en suite bathrooms with baths and showers, and have choice of king or twin beds.

The Villa del Palazzo and Crystal Court Restaurant serve gourmet cuisine, while light meals can be enjoyed at the Pool Deck and Crocodile Lounge.

NO 13:  Gondwana Game Reserve, Mossel Bay

Playing: Oubaai, Pinnacle Point, George CC

The Lion Tour

Set on 11,000-hectares of undulating valleys and indigenous Fynbos, the Gondwana Game Reserve is the first authentic free-roaming Big Five reserve in the Western Cape, and home to several endangered wild species including Cape Mountain Zebra, Black Rhinoceros, and Black Harrier.

Accommodation at Gondwana ranges from open-plan suites in Kwena Lodge, a clever twist on traditional Khoi-San dwelling; to spacious Afro chic Fynbos and Bush Villas with choices of 2, 3 and 4 en-suite bedrooms. Guests are treated to surprise bush breakfasts, afternoon romantic picnics, evening barbecues and sundowners at scenic spots.

The Kwena and Lehele Restaurants serve authentic South African cuisine in outdoor or boma style, while the spa offers natural pen-air treatments with Africology products.

NO 12:  Cape St Francis Resort, Cape St Francis

Playing: Cape St. Francis Links & Humewood

Giraffe Tour

Bordering the beach at Cape St Francis and just 90 minutes from Port Elizabeth airport, Cape St Francis Resort ticks all the boxes as a perfect beach holiday destination.

Cape St Francis is renowned as a water sport paradise with surfing, kite-surfing, surf ski and canoe paddling on the beautiful waters off both Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay’s as well as on the nearby Kromme River. For golfers, the top ten rated St Francis Links offers the keen golfer an excellent challenge of links golf with the nearby St Francis Bay Golf Club offering an easier but still challenging round of golf.

With the mildest temperatures and the longest sunshine hours on the coast, Cape St Francis is a unique and exclusive paradise on the South African southern coast which draws holidaymakers from all over the world to enjoy the glorious beaches, excellent water-sport facilities, leisurely lifestyle and the magical beauty of the unspoilt surroundings.

NO 11:  Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban

Playing: Durban CC & Zimbali

Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Beverly Hills. Set in Umhlanga, this clifftop hotel overlooks the Indian Ocean from its waterfront terrace and guest rooms.

A gym and heated outdoor swimming pool are available on site. Including an ocean-facing balcony, all air-conditioned rooms at Beverly Hills Hotel are fitted with modern furniture.

The Sugar Club Restaurant offers views of the unspoilt beaches along the Indian Ocean. The Elements café bar serves a selection of salads, seafood and pastas in chic surroundings with white furniture.

NO 10: Fairmont Zimbali Lodge & Resort Ballito, Durban

Playing: Durban CC & Zimbali

Giraffe Tour

Tucked away in the calm enclosures of a coastal forest reserve, the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge stands as the highest expression of exclusive hospitality. The hotel’s central location provides comfortable access to major attractions within the province.

The 76 rooms have been tastefully decorated with warm wood and autumn tones to complement the natural surrounding forest. Each room is tailored to provide the utmost comfort in an elegant setting.

At the Restaurant and Fountain Court, guests can experience fine indoor and outdoor Zimbali dining in a lavish ambience. The Lounge is ideal for a quiet nightcap by the warm, inviting fireplace. Or you could simply indulge in light snacks at the Pool Bar.

NO 9: Pezula Resort, Hotel & Spa, Knysna

Playing: Pezula & Simola

The Elephant Tour

Located on the Eastern Head of Knysna, surrounded by a lush paradise of indigenous forests, mountains, lakes and pristine beaches, Pezula hotel offers unsurpassed luxury on South Africa’s iconic Garden Route. With a Championship Golf Course on your doorstep and luxurious suites, an award-winning spa and a restaurant focused on locally sourced dining to enjoy, it’s easy to see why Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa should be the hotel of choice.

NO 8:  Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl

Playing: Pearl Valley, De Zalze & Erinvale

The Elephant Tour

Set in immaculately manicured gardens against the famous Drakenstein Mountains, in the Cape Winelands, the Grande Roche Hotel is a luxury boutique property to mesmerize the most discerning travellers.

28 luxury suites have been converted from an old manor house in the original Cape colonial style, with thatched roofs, shutters and trailing vines over the private outdoor terrace, to offer breathtaking views of the surroundings. Each retains the old world charm but also features contemporary amenities essential for modern travellers, including wireless internet and underfloor heating.

The hotel offers multiple options in a journey of sensory paradise, ranging from fine dining at the award winning Bosmans Restaurant, to the more relaxed Bistro Allegro that opens out on the pool or the intimate sophistication of the WA de Klerk private dining room.

NO 7: Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, Stellenbosch

Playing: Pearl Valley, De Zalze & Erinvale

The Lion Tour

Steeped in a history dating back to 1692 and nestled in the foothills of the idyllic Jonkershoek Valley of Stellenbosch, the 300 year old Lanzerac Wine Estate is synonymous with old-world charm and rich Cape heritage. A mere five minutes from the historic town of Stellenbosch, the Estate boasts dramatic mountain ranges, endless rows of lush vineyards and hectares of award-winning landscaped gardens shaded by giant Oak trees.

Experience the finest hospitality the Cape Winelands has to offer, indulging guests with warm and passionate service, the finest wine and cuisine and exquisitely styled rooms and suites. Lanzerac Hotel & Spa invites complete relaxation amid welcoming interiors which blend both period grandeur and contemporary style. The 5* hotel is limited to forty-eight en-suite bedrooms and suites, with all rooms leading onto patios, overlooking manicured lush gardens and the stunning backdrop of grandiose mountains and vineyards.

NO 6:  Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis, Franschhoek

Playing: Pearl Valley, De Zalze & Erinvale

The Leopard Tour

The Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis is a luxury establishment situated on Pearl Valley, forming part of the award-winning Val de Vie Estate. Set in the picturesque Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis is an approximate 45-minute drive from both Cape Town and Cape Town International Airport. The hotel is located only a short drive away from many of South Africa’s most renowned wine estates and restaurants. The hotel is ideally located for business and leisure, and the environment invites all guests to truly live, play and relax.

The majestic Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to one of Val de Vie Estate’s most notable features: the acclaimed Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, which was shaped by the golf legend himself. Nicklaus’ unique touch is evident throughout the course and as such, it was recognised as one of the top 10 courses in South Africa for 10 consecutive years by Golf Digest magazine.

NO 5: African Pride Arabella Country Estate & Spa, Hermanus

Playing: Arabella, Hermanus East

The Elephant Tour

Located in the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere, African Pride Arabella Hotel & Spa affords the unique opportunity to experience a perfect blend of luxury and rare natural beauty. Inspired by the distinctive fynbos exclusive to this area, every moment at the hotel is a pleasure to the senses. Indulge in an array of dining options, relax at the luxurious spa, lounge beside sparkling swimming pools, and listen to the soothing hum of honeybees. This privileged location in the Kogelberg Biosphere allows for convenient access to world-famous whale watching destinations and exhilarating outdoor activities – all just a 90-minute drive from Cape Town. Tee off at the signature golf course ranked in the top 10 in South Africa. Experience pure luxury and natural beauty in full bloom at the hotel.

NO 4:  Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront

Playing: Royal Cape, Steenberg & Clovelly

The Leopard Tour

Nestled on a private quay between the working harbour of Cape Town’s bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the serenity of an international yacht marina, Cape Grace is a welcoming and gracious sanctuary of tradition, sophistication and contemporary comfort. The refashioned look juxtaposes modern with period, rare with everyday and a sense of spontaneity with the handcrafted, personal care.

Interiors combine engaging artifacts and original antiques with a rich tapestry of local history, infused with artistic renditions of the exceptional botanical kingdom. Signal, the restaurant at Cape Grace, provides fusion of culinary indulgence influenced by the classics and unmistakable hints of South African flavour, bringing you cuisine that’s fresh and creative. Set in a sophisticated yet unhurried atmosphere, service is warm and intuitive while innovative menus are complemented by premium local wine selections.

NO 3: The Table Bay, Cape Town’s V&A, Waterfront

Playing: Royal Cape, Steenberg & Clovelly

The Elephant Tour

Inaugurated by Nelson Mandela in May 1997, the Table Bay Hotel straddles the historic Alfred Harbor and effortlessly combines Victorian elegance with contemporary modernity. Each of its guestrooms overlook the Robben Island or the Table Mountain and features spacious walk-in closets, marble finishes, writing desks and twice daily turn down service. Bathrooms have vanity make-up mirrors. The Atlantic Grill Restaurant spoil guests with unlimited choices, while the Union Bar’s wine cellar stocks over 6000 varieties, including the signature Table Bay Rose cocktail and Oscar Lager brewed exclusively for the hotel.

NO 2: Steenberg Hotel & Spa, Cape Town & Surrounds

Playing: Royal Cape, Steenberg & Clovelly

Giraffe Tour
The Lion Tour

The Cape’s first farm, established in 1682, has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Roughly 30 minutes from the bustling heart of Cape Town, Steenberg is a destination steeped in heritage.

Steenberg Hotel & Spa offers exquisite hospitality with spectacular views and plenty of history, all wrapped in understated luxury and discreet, personalised service. Exceptional cuisine at two signature restaurants caters for all tastes, from refined dining in a relaxed setting at Tryn, to bistro-style fare and tapas at Bistro Sixteen82.

An outstanding winery, producing some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc and Méthode Cap Classique in South Africa, along with other celebrated wines, and an 18-hole championship golf course, make Steenberg a complete leisure destination in idyllic Constantia.

NO 1: Fancourt Hotel, George

Playing: Fancourt Links, Montague & Outeniqua

The Lion Tour

The Fancourt Hotel & Country Club Estate George enjoys a prime location on South Africa’s magnificent Garden Route in the small town of George. Fancourt Hotel is voted as one of the World’s top-10 Best Golf Resorts and is a member hotel of “The Leading Hotels of the World”.

With its excellent variety of private facilities such as golf courses, health and beauty spa, restaurants, bars, conference venues and children entertainment venues, this George hotel provides leisure and corporate guests with an unforgettable stay. Extensive leisure facilities and activities including golfing, walking and jogging paths, swimming, spa treatments, tennis, gym and children events make for a fun-filled stay.

Fancourt is located in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route and provides guests with an ideal basis from where the fascinating sights and attractions can be explored. Half and full-day trips offer travellers the opportunity to visit the beautiful towns of Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay as well as Oudtshoorn.

Recommended Tours

We have 4 recommended tours which are themed appropriately by four animals from the African Bush.

The LION TOUR includes 4 boutique hotels starting from Cape Town across to George on the Garden Route. It combines Steenberg in Constantia, Lanzerac in the Winelands, Gondwana Game Reserve near Pinnacle Point and the no 1 rated Fancourt Estate. (4 stops, 2 golf resorts, a game lodge and a wine lodge boutique hotel).

The ELEPHANT TOUR starts in Cape Town on the Water Front at the elegant Table Bay Hotel, moving east to the Western Cape at Arabella, up to the Winelands to Grande Roche boutique hotel, followed by another superb boutique property and resort at the Pezula Resort in Kynsna. (4 stops, 2 golf resort venues, a city hotel and a wine lodge boutique hotel).

The LEOPARD TOUR starts in Jo’Burg in the north west of SA heads across to Sun City and then down to the Kruger National Park taking in the high ranked Leopard Creek, followed by a stop in the Winelands at Peal Valley, climaxing at Cape Grace in Cape Town. The itinerary takes in Fairlawns Palace, The Palace at Lost City, Jock Safari Game Lodge, Pearl Valley Estate and Cape Grace Hotel. (5 stops, including 2 golf resort venues and 1 game lodge and 2 city hotels.)

The GIRAFFE TOUR starts in Durban at stunning Zimbali heading west to the Kruger National Park to renowned Sabi Sabi Game Lodge and the marvellous Leopard Rock Resort. The itinerary heads south east to the incredible St Francis Links Estate, west to Oubaai Resort on the ocean at Kynsna and then back west to Cape Town’s Constantia to the elegant boutique resort of Steenberg. (5 stops, including 4 golf resort venues and 1 game lodge).

THE LION TOUR

From Cape Town to George

Steenberg Hotel

Lanzerac Hotel

Gondwana Game Reserve

Fancourt Estate

THE ELEPHANT TOUR

From Cape Town to Knysna

Table Bay Hotel

African Price Arabella Country Estate & Spa

Grande Roche Hotel

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa

THE LEOPARD TOUR

From Jo’Burg to Cape Town

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

The Palace of the Lost City

Jock Safari Lodge Kruger

Pearl Valley Hotel

Cape Grace Hotel

THE GIRAFFE TOUR

From Durban to Cape Town

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge & Resort

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge Kruger

Cape St Francis Resort

Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa

Steenberg Hotel

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Island Golf Holidays
Average rating:  
 1 reviews
 by David 

Golf Tour of South Africa:
A big thank you for organising a great trip to South Africa.
We thoroughly enjoyed every moment. All the 5 star accommodation was spot on.
Excellent final destination, Arabella, the view over the golf course and estuary got a wow from us both.
Loads and loads of great moments.

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