There are few sights on earth as amazing as Victoria Falls. “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders) is a spectacle of raw, natural power that leaves visitors humbled and exhilarated. Now, imagine pairing this iconic wonder with a uniquely African golfing experience. At Ascot Tours, we specialise in turning this incredible vision into a reality… creating unforgettable golf and adventure escapes centred around this majestic waterfall.
Victoria Falls, straddling the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, isn’t just a standalone attraction; it’s a gateway to a region brimming with adventure, wildlife, and surprisingly delightful golf. If you’re seeking a journey that combines iconic sightseeing with the thrill of the fairway and the magic of a safari, let me guide you through the possibilities.
The Main Event: Victoria Falls
The sheer scale of Victoria Falls is something that has to be experienced in order to be believed. The Zambezi River, over a mile wide, plunges into a chasm, sending plumes of mist soaring hundreds of feet into the air, visible for miles around. Whether you view it from the Zimbabwean or Zambian side, explore the surrounding rainforests (getting delightfully drenched in the spray!), or take a breathtaking helicopter flight for a “Flight of Angels”, the Falls will be a central, unforgettable part of your trip. But how does golf fit in? Surprisingly well!
Elephant Hills Resort & Golf Course
The premier golfing destination on the Zimbabwean side is the Elephant Hills Resort. Its 18-hole championship course, designed by the legendary Gary Player, is a gem. What makes it truly unique is its setting. Winding through natural bushland, it’s not uncommon to encounter wildlife such as impala, warthogs, waterbuck, and occasionally even elephants roaming the fairways or near the greens! This isn’t a gimmick; it’s an authentic African golfing experience where nature is your gallery.
The course itself is a good test, with undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that come into play on several holes. The views over the Zambezi River from certain points are spectacular. At Ascot Tours, we ensure our clients get preferential tee times and can arrange for experienced caddies to enhance their round. Staying at the Elephant Hills Resort itself offers access to the course and stunning views.
Beyond the Zimbabwean Side
While Elephant Hills is the primary course in the immediate Vic Falls area, our bespoke itineraries often look beyond:
Livingstone, Zambia: A short hop across the border, Livingstone offers its own charm and a few golfing options, like the Livingstone Royal Golf and Country Club. We can incorporate this for those wanting a cross-border experience.
Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe): Why not combine your Victoria Falls golf with a world-class safari? Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, is a relatively short drive or charter flight away. Imagine a few days of incredible game viewing (it’s famed for its huge elephant herds) bookending your time at the Falls.
Chobe National Park (Botswana): Even closer to Victoria Falls (just an hour or so drive to the border) is Botswana’s Chobe National Park, renowned for its massive elephant populations and incredible river safaris. A day trip or a multi-night stay in Chobe is a very popular and highly recommended add-on to a Victoria Falls golf itinerary. Ascot Tours can arrange these cross-border excursions, including all transfers and guided safari experiences.
Your Victoria Falls Golf & Adventure Itinerary
A trip to Victoria Falls is about more than just seeing the water and playing a round. It’s about the experience. We at Ascot Tours tailor every detail:
Duration & Pacing: A quick 3-4 day trip focused on the Falls and golf? Or a longer 7-10 day itinerary incorporating safaris in Hwange or Chobe? We pace it to your desires.
Accommodation: From grand hotels with Falls views like The Victoria Falls Hotel (a colonial icon) to luxurious lodges on the banks of the Zambezi, or comfortable resort options like Elephant Hills, we select based on your style and budget.
Activities: Beyond golf and Falls viewing, the region is an adventure hub. We can arrange:
- Sunset cruises on the Zambezi (a must-do!)
- White-water rafting (seasonal, for the adrenaline junkies)
- Bungee jumping or gorge swings
- Village tours
- High tea at The Victoria Falls Hotel
Logistics: We manage all airport transfers, border crossings (if applicable), and activity bookings, and ensure your golf clubs are where they need to be when they need to be there.
Imagine a morning spent marveling at the sheer power of Victoria Falls, an afternoon enjoying a challenging round at Elephant Hills with wildlife as your spectators, followed by a tranquil sunset cruise on the Zambezi, cocktail in hand. This is the kind of day Ascot Tours curates. Victoria Falls offers a truly unique opportunity to combine one of the world’s great natural wonders with your passion for golf, all wrapped up in an adventure that can be as relaxed or as thrilling as you wish. It’s a destination that delivers powerful memories. Ready to tee off near “The Smoke that Thunders”? Contact Ascot Tours at scott@ascottours.co.za to start planning your bespoke Victoria Falls golf and adventure escape.
By Scott Edkins, Ascot Tours