East Africa, its very name conjures images of vast savannahs teeming with wildlife, iconic snow-capped peaks, and rich, vibrant cultures. For discerning travelers looking to combine this quintessential African experience with their passion for golf, Kenya and Tanzania stand out as prime destinations. But which one is right for your dream golf safari? As a specialist in crafting bespoke African golf adventures for Ascot Tours, I’m often asked to compare these two magnificent countries. While they share a border and many natural wonders (including the great Serengeti-Mara ecosystem), they offer distinct flavors both on and off the golf course. Allow me to offer my expert breakdown to help you decide.
The Case for Kenya
Kenya boasts a surprisingly long and rich golfing history, with some clubs dating back to the colonial era. This legacy translates into a wonderful array of mature, characterful courses, often found in stunningly scenic locations.
Nairobi’s Golfing Hub: The capital, Nairobi, is home to several excellent clubs like Muthaiga Golf Club (host of the Kenya Open), Karen Country Club, and Royal Nairobi Golf Club. These offer classic parkland layouts, often with a vibrant local membership and a tangible sense of history. Playing here feels like stepping back into a gracious era of the game.
The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort: This is a true showstopper. Perched on the Eburru Escarpment with breathtaking views over Lake Naivasha and the Rift Valley, this course is a visual masterpiece and a joy to play. The high altitude means your ball flies further, adding another fun dimension.
Coastal Charms: Courses like Vipingo Ridge near Mombasa offer a different experience, with PGA-standard layouts and views of the Indian Ocean.
Safari Synergy: Kenya is, of course, home to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, famed for the Great Wildebeest Migration (typically July-October). Combining rounds in Nairobi or the Rift Valley with an unforgettable Mara safari is a classic and highly rewarding itinerary. Other incredible parks like Amboseli (with views of Kilimanjaro) and Laikipia offer diverse wildlife experiences.
We often design Kenyan itineraries that blend Nairobi’s historic courses with the scenic splendor of the Rift Valley, culminating in a Maasai Mara safari. We focus on boutique lodges and ensure seamless transfers between these diverse locations.
The Case for Tanzania
Tanzania is perhaps best known for its truly epic wilderness – the endless plains of the Serengeti, the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro. While its golfing scene is more nascent than Kenya’s, it offers some exceptional, high-quality experiences, often in very exclusive settings.
Kilimanjaro Golf & Wildlife Estate (Kiligolf): This is Tanzania’s flagship golf development. Located between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, this championship 18-hole course is simply spectacular. Designed to international standards, it winds through a wildlife estate, meaning you might share your round with zebra, wildebeest, and various antelope. The conditioning is superb, and the views are breathtaking.
Gymkhana Clubs: Like Kenya, Tanzania has older “Gymkhana” clubs in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam, offering more local, historic golfing experiences.
Safari: Tanzania’s Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara) is arguably one of the greatest wildlife destinations on earth. The Great Migration spends most of its year in the Serengeti, with the dramatic river crossings in the north (July-September) and the calving season in the south (January-March) being major highlights. The less-visited Southern and Western parks (Selous, Ruaha, Katavi) offer truly wild and remote safari experiences.
A Tanzanian golf safari often centres around the magnificent Kiligolf, perfectly paired with an extensive safari itinerary through the Northern Circuit. We leverage our partnerships with top-tier safari lodges and camps to create a seamless blend of luxury golf and immersive wildlife encounters.
Making Your Choice
So, Kenya or Tanzania? Here are some factors I advise clients to consider:
Variety vs. Flagship Focus
- Kenya: Offers a greater variety of established courses, particularly around Nairobi and the Rift Valley.
- Tanzania: Kiligolf is the undeniable star, offering a world-class, modern golfing experience in a stunning wildlife setting.
Safari Priorities:
- Kenya (Maasai Mara): Excellent for the Great Migration river crossings during a specific window (July-Oct). Diverse parks offer different experiences.
- Tanzania (Serengeti): The migration is present for a longer period. Ngorongoro Crater is unique. Offers vast, iconic landscapes.
Historical vs. Modern Golf Feel:
- Kenya: Provides a stronger sense of golfing history and tradition, especially in Nairobi.
- Tanzania: Kiligolf represents the cutting edge of African golf development.
Both can be combined with beach extensions (e.g., Zanzibar from Tanzania or Kenya’s coast). Logistically, combining both Kenya and Tanzania into one grand East African golf safari is certainly achievable with expert planning by Ascot Tours, allowing you to experience the best of both.
Your Perfect East African Blend
Ultimately, there’s no “better” choice – only the one that’s better for you. At Ascot Tours, our expertise lies in understanding your individual preferences, your golfing desires, your safari dreams, and your preferred travel style.
We can:
- Design a purely Kenyan itinerary focusing on its historic courses and the Mara.
- Create a Tanzanian adventure centred on Kiligolf and the Serengeti.
- Or, for the ultimate East African golf safari, create a blended itinerary that showcases the highlights of both countries, managing all cross-border logistics and internal and ensuring a consistently high level of service and accommodation.
Both Kenya and Tanzania offer the promise of an unforgettable journey where the thrill of a well-played round is matched only by the wonder of Africa’s natural majesty. The key is finding the right balance and the right partner to bring your vision to life. Ready to explore the fairways and savannahs of East Africa? Contact Ascot Tours at scott@ascottours.co.za and let’s discuss whether Kenya, Tanzania, or a combination of both is your perfect match.
By Scott Edkins, Ascot Tours