Africa is home to some of the world’s most amazing golf courses, and when combined with safari experiences during major tournaments, it becomes an unmissable travel opportunity. If your clients are avid golfers who also enjoy the atmosphere of elite international sporting events, Africa’s golf calendar offers a unique chance to witness championship golf while indulging in unforgettable safaris and luxury getaways.
South Africa, Kenya, and Mauritius are Africa’s leading players when it comes to prestigious golf tournaments, drawing travelers from around the world who want to experience top-level competition set against stunning and unique locations. As your trusted B2B partner, Ascot Tours is here to help you build tailored itineraries that bring together world-class golf, safari adventures, and exclusive leisure moments for your most discerning clients.
Major Golf Tournaments in Africa
Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa
- 📅 When: November
- 📍 Where: Gary Player Country Club, Sun City
- 🏷️ Type: Rolex Series Invitational – DP World Tour (Elite / High Prestige)
- 🌦️ Weather: Warm temperatures and occasional afternoon thunderstorms
Often dubbed “Africa’s Major,” this Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour attracts a world-class field. The atmosphere is electric, the hospitality unrivalled, and the setting, right on the edge of Pilanesberg National Park and perfect for combining golf with Big Five safari experiences. Travelers heading to the iconic Gary Player Country Club at Sun City typically fly into OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa’s main international gateway. From Johannesburg, it’s approximately a 2.5-hour scenic drive northwest to Sun City, a luxury resort nestled near the Pilanesberg National Park. For clients looking to extend their trip, Ascot Tours can craft tailored itineraries combining the tournament with top safari or leisure destinations.
For a safari experience, Kruger National Park is accessible via a 1-hour flight from Johannesburg to either Nelspruit or Hoedspruit, followed by a short transfer to the lodge. For those interested in exploring urban sophistication, Cape Town is a 2-hour flight from Johannesburg, offering world-class golf and travel experiences. Alternatively, clients can fly to Zimbabwe for a safari and the spectacular Victoria Falls, reachable by a 1.5-hour flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Airport, with seamless transfers to nearby luxury lodges. Ascot Tours expertly manages all logistics to create seamless, unforgettable journeys tailored to your clients’ preferences.
Magical Kenya Open in Kenya
- 📅 When: February or March
- 📍 Where: Varies (Muthaiga Golf Club / Karen Country Club)
- 🏷️ Type: DP World Tour Sanctioned Event (Full Field)
- 🌨️ Weather: Warm and humid, with increasing chances of afternoon showers
Part of the DP World Tour, this tournament blends old-world charm with contemporary golf excellence. Nairobi’s vibrant culture and easy access to safaris in the Maasai Mara or Laikipia Plateau make it a top choice for a diverse African golf and wildlife itinerary. Travelers visiting Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Kenya typically arrive via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with the golf club located just 30 minutes by road from the airport or central Nairobi hotels. For clients wanting to extend their stay, Ascot Tours can design custom itineraries that include Kenya’s top wildlife or coastal destinations.
A luxury safari in the Maasai Mara is easily accessible via a 45-minute scheduled flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, landing directly on an airstrip in the heart of the reserve. Amboseli National Park, famous for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro, is also a short 45-minute flight away or 4.5 hours by road for a scenic journey. For a relaxing beach escape, Diani Beach can be reached in 1.5 hours by flight to Ukunda Airport, with quick transfers to beachfront resorts. For clients seeking island luxury, we can also arrange onward travel to Zanzibar or Seychelles, both just a 2–3 hour regional flight from Nairobi. Ascot Tours handles every detail, ensuring a seamless combination of championship golf, safari, and coastal bliss.
AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open in Mauritius
- 📅 When: December
- 📍 Where: Varies (Heritage Golf Club / Mont Choisy Le Golf)
- 🏷️ Type: Tri-Sanctioned Tournament – DP World Tour, Sunshine Tour, Asian Tour
- 🌤️ Weather: Hot, humid, and marks the beginning of the cyclone season, with occasional heavy showers
A tri-sanctioned event (DP World Tour, Sunshine Tour, and Asian Tour), this is one of the most glamorous tournaments in the Indian Ocean. Combine this with beachside luxury, fine dining, and rounds on several award-winning courses across the island. Travelers heading to Mauritius typically fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, followed by a 45-minute scenic drive to the golf resorts. For clients looking to expand their journey beyond the island, Ascot Tours can create bespoke itineraries that pair Mauritius with top Southern African or Indian Ocean destinations.
A 4.5-hour direct flight connects Mauritius to Johannesburg, from where clients can catch a 1-hour flight to Kruger National Park for a Big Five safari experience. Alternatively, a direct flight from Mauritius to Cape Town takes approximately 6 hours, offering access to world-class wine estates, coastal drives, and historic golf courses. For a more off-the-beaten-path escape, we can arrange a 2-hour flight to Madagascar, followed by private transfers to exclusive rainforest lodges or island retreats. Ascot Tours coordinates every leg of the journey, ensuring your clients enjoy a luxurious and well-paced multi-country golf and travel experience.
South African Open Championship in South Africa
- 📅 When: December
- 📍 Where: Varies (typically Blair Atholl / Randpark Golf Course)
- 🏷️ Type: National Open – Co-Sanctioned by DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour
- ☀️ Weather: Warm and sunny with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, typical of the summer rainy season
Johannesburg is South Africa’s main international gateway, with OR Tambo International Airport offering direct flights from major cities across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Once in Johannesburg, Ascot Tours can craft tailored itineraries that combine urban sophistication with Africa’s most iconic experiences.
For a luxury safari, Kruger National Park is just a 1-hour flight to Nelspruit or Hoedspruit, followed by a short transfer to a private game lodge. Cape Town, with its breathtaking scenery, wine estates, and coastal charm, is easily reached via a 2-hour domestic flight. For clients seeking an island extension, Mauritius is a 4-hour direct flight from Johannesburg, offering tropical beaches and championship golf. Ascot Tours handles all logistics, ensuring seamless transitions between destinations and unforgettable journeys for your clients.
Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa
- 📅 When: December
- 📍 Where: Leopard Creek Country Club, bordering Kruger National Park
- 🏷️ Type: DP World Tour & Sunshine Tour Co-Sanctioned Event
- ☀️ Weather: Hot, humid weather with frequent afternoon thunderstorms
Possibly the most scenic tournament in the world, with views of roaming wildlife just beyond the fairways. Clients can enjoy front-row tournament action and then head off for a luxurious private safari, no transfers required. Travelers heading to the prestigious Leopard Creek Country Club in Mpumalanga, South Africa, typically fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, followed by a 1-hour flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and a 45-minute road transfer to the golf course, located along the southern border of Kruger National Park.
For clients looking to extend their journey, Ascot Tours can design luxury itineraries that include some of Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations. A visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is easily arranged via a 1.5-hour direct flight from either MQP or Johannesburg, offering dramatic scenery and safari experiences along the Zambezi River. Alternatively, a tropical escape to Mauritius can be added with a 4-hour direct flight, where clients can relax at beachside resorts and play world-class island courses. Ascot Tours ensures every transition is seamless, delivering a complete and elevated travel experience.
Why Clients Will Travel for This
Travelers today are looking for depth, exclusivity, and stories worth telling. By attending a live golf tournament in Africa, your clients don’t just watch a game, they become part of something rare. Whether it’s brushing shoulders with international pros in Mauritius or hearing lions roar from the greens of Leopard Creek, these are moments that can’t be replicated elsewhere. And the best part? These trips aren’t just for golfers. Couples, families, and small groups all find magic in combining world-class sport with luxury safari lodges, gourmet cuisine, and iconic landscapes.
How Ascot Tours Makes It Effortless for You
As a dedicated B2B tour operator working exclusively with international travel agents, Ascot Tours provides comprehensive white-label support, offering all content and itineraries ready for you to brand and resell. We create tailor-made packages that seamlessly combine golf tournament access, tee times at top African courses, private guides, luxury safari stays, flights, and transfers. With our on-the-ground expertise, being based in Africa and personally familiar with the courses, lodges, and logistics, we ensure every detail is expertly managed. Additionally, Ascot Tours grants exclusive access to VIP tournament hospitality, Pro-Am opportunities, and private game drive experiences, making it effortless for you to sell truly exceptional African golf and safari journeys.