As a travel agent focused on delivering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, you know that the secret to a memorable trip often lies in the art of the add-on. For clients attending the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, the perfect complement to the world-class golf is an unparalleled wildlife adventure. Combining “Africa’s Major” with a Big Five safari in the Kruger National Park creates a truly iconic South Africa golf tours itinerary that is both lucrative for your business and transformative for your clients.
This article is designed to give you, the tour operator and travel agent, the insights you need to confidently sell this powerful “golf and safari” combination. We’ll show you how to seamlessly transition from the manicured fairways of the Gary Player Country Club to the untamed wilderness of the African bush, all while highlighting the immense value of partnering with an expert DMC like Ascot Tours to manage the complex logistics.
View the perfect 7-Day Itinerary here.
From Golf Greens to the Wild
The magic of this itinerary lies in its dramatic contrast. One moment, your clients are watching the world’s top golfers in the electric atmosphere of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City. The next, they are in a 4×4, tracking a leopard in the heart of the bush. This isn’t just a holiday; it’s a dual-experience that caters to a client’s desire for both refined sport and raw adventure.
The journey from Sun City to the Kruger area is a well-trodden path for those in the know. While a long drive is an option, the most luxurious and efficient way is to arrange a charter flight or a combination of road and air travel. This ensures a swift and comfortable transition, getting your clients from their resort accommodation to a private safari lodge in just a few hours.
Why this combination is a must-sell for your clients:
Exclusivity: A private safari experience complements the VIP feel of the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Both are high-end, curated experiences that can’t be replicated by standard travel.
Ultimate Value: Your client gets to experience two of South Africa’s most famous attractions in one seamless trip. This is a high-yield booking that demonstrates your ability to build a truly unique and diverse itinerary.
Appeal to Non-Golfers: The safari component is a huge draw for non-golfing partners or family members. It broadens the appeal of the trip, making it a viable and exciting option for a broader range of clients and securing a larger group booking.
Kruger National Park
Once your clients arrive at their safari destination, the experience shifts entirely. The Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves (like Sabi Sand or Timbavati) are the most sought-after safari destinations in Africa. The private reserves are particularly well-suited for your luxury clients as they offer:
- Exceptional Game Viewing: Fewer vehicles and expertly-trained guides and trackers mean unparalleled wildlife encounters.
- Off-Road Access: Vehicles are allowed to go off-road to follow animal sightings, which is not permitted in the public park.
- Luxury Accommodation: The lodges here are known for their opulence—think private plunge pools, gourmet meals, and impeccable service.
- Flexibility: Itineraries are tailored to the guest, with options for night drives and walking safaris.
For your clients, the transition from spectator to participant is thrilling. Mornings start with a coffee and a game drive at sunrise, tracking lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Afternoons are for relaxing by the pool or enjoying a spa treatment, followed by an evening game drive with sundowners in the bush. The nights are punctuated by the sounds of the African wilderness, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of Sun City.
Leopard Creek Golf Course
A unique selling point for clients is the opportunity to play at the exclusive Leopard Creek Golf Course, a masterpiece designed by Gary Player himself. While access is limited, staying at one of these preferred lodges can secure a coveted tee time for your client, allowing them to combine a world-class safari with a round on one of Africa’s most prestigious and sought-after courses.
How Ascot Tours Becomes Your Secret Weapon
The challenge for any travel agent planning this itinerary is the logistical puzzle. Managing multiple vendors, securing tickets, arranging charter flights, and ensuring a seamless experience across diverse locations is a tall order. This is precisely the kind of complexity that an expert DMC like Ascot Tours is built to handle. We are your B2B travel partner, dedicated to making your job easier and more profitable.
- One Point of Contact: Instead of liaising with a golf ticket broker, a resort, a safari lodge, and a private air charter company, you only need to work with us. We manage every detail, providing you with a single, clear quote and a comprehensive, fully-vetted itinerary.
- Guaranteed Quality: We have long-standing relationships with the best luxury safari lodges and transport providers. This means your client is guaranteed a premium experience, and you don’t have to worry about a vendor failing to deliver.
- Insider Knowledge: We can advise you on the best lodge for your client’s specific needs, whether they want an intimate, romantic getaway or a family-friendly safari with a focus on conservation. Our knowledge extends beyond the Kruger to other incredible destinations like Fancourt for more golf or even a trip to Victoria Falls for a grand finale.
- Full Support: We provide 24/7 on-the-ground support for your clients. If a flight is delayed or a transfer needs to be rearranged, we handle it discreetly and efficiently, so your client never has to worry, and you can rest easy knowing they are in expert hands.
We have cultivated close relationships with some of the most exclusive and highly-regarded properties in the Kruger region, ensuring your clients receive a truly privileged stay. We particularly recommend lodges like Lukimbi Safari Lodge, Buhala Lodge, and Jock Safari Lodge. Each offers a distinct brand of luxury, from Lukimbi’s prime location within the national park itself to Buhala’s elegant colonial charm on the Crocodile River and Jock’s rich history and exclusive traversing rights.
For you, this partnership means you can sell these complex, high-value packages with complete confidence. You get the credit for creating an incredible trip, without the stress of managing the intricate details. It’s a win-win scenario that establishes you as an authority in luxury golf travel for travel agents. Combining the adrenaline of the Nedbank Golf Challenge with the serenity of a Kruger safari is the ultimate client offering. It’s the kind of itinerary that earns glowing testimonials, repeat business, and substantial commission. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your client’s South Africa trip from great to legendary.