As a dedicated Destination Management Company (DMC) operating exclusively B2B, Ascot Tours is your specialist partner for arranging high-yield luxury itineraries in South Africa. We understand that your clients demand world-class quality and a flawless experience. By partnering with us, you gain access to insider knowledge, preferential tee times, and expertly managed logistics, allowing you to confidently sell the ultimate combination: championship golf and iconic Big Five safari. We handle all the intricate details, from securing coveted slots at private clubs to arranging private air transfers between destinations, giving you peace of mind and your clients an unforgettable journey.
Selling South Africa’s Most Popular Golf Courses
South Africa presents a wide array of golf experiences, from stunning oceanside courses to bushveld layouts where wildlife sightings are part of the round. Guide your clients through these essential regions:
Cape Town & Winelands
This region is ideal for clients who appreciate a mix of culture, fine wine, and exceptional golf.
Cape Town: Recommend Steenberg Golf Club in the historic Constantia Valley, a picturesque parkland course with immaculate greens.
Winelands: The Pearl Valley Golf Estate (Jack Nicklaus Signature course) in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley is known for its stunning mountain backdrops and is consistently cited for having the best-conditioned fairways in the Western Cape. Another must-play is the Gary Player-designed Erinvale Golf Estate in Stellenbosch, which has hosted the World Cup of Golf. This region perfectly combines golf with wine tasting and gourmet dining.
Garden Route (The Ultimate Golfing Mecca)
This stretch of oceanfront offers a concentration of high-ranking courses, perfect for a dedicated golf tour.
Fancourt: Home to three championship courses. The legendary The Links at Fancourt is often ranked as the No. 1 golf course in South Africa. This Gary Player masterpiece, which hosted the 2003 Presidents Cup, is a bucket-list destination. The Montagu and Outeniqua courses provide equally superb parkland play.
Pinnacle Point Beach & Golf Resort: Positioned dramatically on cliffs near Mossel Bay, this course offers breathtaking ocean views on seven holes over deep ravines. It’s a visually spectacular and highly memorable experience for adventurous golfers.
Bushveld Golf: Kruger, Sun City & Johannesburg
For the client seeking a true “Golf & Safari” itinerary, these locations integrate the sport with the wild.
Kruger National Park: The exclusive Leopard Creek Country Club (often ranked Top 5 globally) sits adjacent to the Kruger National Park, with views over the Crocodile River. It offers the unparalleled experience of playing a championship course where guests routinely spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Securing access here is one of Ascot Tours’ specialities.
Sun City: The Gary Player Country Club (GPCC) is an iconic championship course, famous for hosting the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge. Its lengthy and challenging design makes it a top-tier test of golf, adjacent to Pilanesberg National Park.
Johannesburg: For a convenient city stop, the historic Royal Johannesburg & Kensington East Course is a popular choice, as is the vast Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate, another challenging Gary Player design.
Iconic Safari Destinations
Ascot Tours combines the golf experience with Africa’s finest wildlife encounters, offering both classic and malaria-free options for your international clientele.
Kruger National Park is the primary destination for superb Big Five sightings. For a truly luxurious, exclusive, and less-crowded experience, we recommend booking lodges in the Kruger Private Reserves like Sabi Sand. These private areas offer off-road driving and night drives, leading to higher-quality leopard and Big Five sightings than in the main national park.
Malaria-Free Safari Destinations
For families or clients who prefer to avoid malaria prophylaxis, South Africa offers outstanding, accessible malaria-free alternatives:
Shamwari Private Game Reserve: Located in the Eastern Cape, Shamwari is a multi-award-winning conservation reserve that is easily combined with a Garden Route or Eastern Cape golf itinerary. It is a premier Big Five reserve known for its ethical wildlife experiences and accessible lodges.
Pilanesberg National Park: Conveniently located near Sun City (North West Province), this Big Five reserve sits in an ancient volcanic crater and is perfect for a shorter safari add-on to a golf trip.
Madikwe Game Reserve: Situated near the Botswana border, Madikwe is one of the largest private reserves, offering a luxurious and intimate Big Five experience, notably excellent for viewing African Wild Dogs.
Other African Safari Destinations
While South Africa is the core focus, we can easily extend itineraries to other prime African safari destinations for the seasoned traveller:
Botswana: For high-end luxury, particularly the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.
Zimbabwe & Zambia: To put a Big Five safari together with the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Your B2B Advantage with Ascot Tours
As your specialist DMC, we provide net rates and bespoke itinerary design for all these locations. You sell the dream; we deliver the flawless execution. Leverage our expertise to capture the lucrative luxury Golf & Safari market.