| Golfing in Kenya From the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean by the Coast to the adventurous safari destinations of the Masai Mara to the thriving cosmopolitan city of Nairobi, Kenya is one of the world's most favored destinations. Its remarkable variety has something to offer everybody – adventure, relaxation, shopping, culture, and GOLF.
The capital, Nairobi, lies in the midst of green rolling hills, abundant forests and wide savannah plains. The hills and fertile lands of this city are home to a large variety of birds and expanse farmland.
The coast boasts soft white sand and calm blue waters, which makes it the ideal destination for the traveler seeking both action and relaxation. The beaches are perfect for water sports, diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.
The adventure seeker can find himself amongst the classic African “Big Five” (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant') on a single safari. Beyond these, Kenya's sanctuary encompasses a vast variety of unique and endemic wildlife species.
For the golf seeker, he has the choice of 39 courses to choose from, 12 of which are used for championship events. This ranges from golfing in the equatorial highlands to tropical beaches. Kenya also has a pleasant tropical climate ideal for playing all year round. Once in a while, you might need a sweater or jersey, but a polo shirt is often suitable. Golfers can be rest assured that they will face the most rigorous of challenges on brilliantly devised individual holes that feature all kinds of interesting hazards, from mighty bunkers to daunting lakes. A warm welcome is always expected at Kenya's golf and country clubs, which offer high quality facilities and services. All courses have caddies at very reasonable prices. Kenyan caddies will not only carry your bag and look for your ball, but they will also offer useful insider knowledge impending hazards, choice of club, where best to lay up, and speed of green.
The combination of exceptionally picturesque golf courses, earthly paradise of white sands, incredible safari expeditions and inimitable Kenyan hospitality, is what makes Kenya, the Golfer's perfect destination. The fanatic golfer can exert himself completely on the golf courses, whilst the ardent golfer can shape his safari to include wildlife, or a round by the coast.
Kenya has remained undiscovered as a golf destination, but more and more travelers are finding their way to its beautiful courses. We, at Ibis Tours and Travels, will make your golfing safari a fabulous experience with our meticulous planning and timely arrangements down to every little detail. So come and visit Kenya, the “Golfing Paradise of East Africa” where you will always be welcomed with a smile.
Kenyan Golf Courses Golf in Kenya dates back to 1905. Geographically, golf courses can be found in the city of Nairobi, the Highlands of the north, in the Great Rift Valley, around Lake Victoria and at sea level by the coast. Kenya's courses present international golfing principles and some of the world's finest design and landscaping. Most courses offer equipment for hire, pro-shops, driving ranges and services of a resident golfing pro.
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Golf in the City
Karen Country Club (6893 yards par 72)
Karen Golf and Country Club is located in the city suburb of Karen that is named after Karen Blixen, the famed author of Out of Africa whose old house is at the edge of the 18-hole golf course that hosted the Kenya Open in 2004. It is one of the most attractive courses in Kenya, because of its abundance of bougainvilleas, flowering bushes and jacaranda trees, notably a huge one that overlooks the green at the 377-yard, par four 11 th hole.
Limuru Country Club (6519 yards par 71)
The course at the Limuru Country Club is well manicured and kept. The 45 minutes drive to the course passes through miles of flourishing tea fields, making your drive indisputably fascinating. The course is elevated at approximately 7000 feet / 2130 metres with ample rainfall which provides a year-round lavish green carpet of turf. Most bunkers are deep and have very large mounds, and the newly laid greens make this course a delight to play on.
Muthaiga Golf Club (6676 yards par 72)
Muthaiga Golf Club has recently re-opened after extensive redesign work. The 6,676-yard, par 72 layout borders the Karura forest and features many indigenous trees such as incredible jacaranda and orange flame trees, which make it one of the most prettiest courses in Kenya. Golfers will find many deep and plentiful bunkers, and few water hazards that will make play challenging. A pleasant distraction on some points at the course is the presence of the local Sykes monkeys, who cavort amongst the trees and cast a derisive eye over your swing. Muthaiga's golf course provides fast, undulating greens, water features and carpet-like fairways, which make your golf experience very challenging and pleasurable to play.
Royal Nairobi Club (7021 yards par 72)
The Royal Nairobi Golf course offers 7021 yards to play on. The par 72 – 18 holes hosts some of the country's most prominent events. It is very well maintained and attractive with its profusion of flowering bushes and a variety of tree species. The front nine is somewhat flat, while the back nine are hillier. A lovely view of Ngong Hills can be seen as you move along the course. The Royal Nairobi Golf course makes the golfer's round very pleasant and enjoyable.
Sigona Golf Club (6892 yards par 72)
This championship course has a reputation for maintaining superb fairways in Kenya. Due to more than average rainfall, the Sigona golf course remains lush green and verdant through out the year. Most of the eighteen tees and some of the greens are raised and putting often turns into a nerve-racking experience. Golfers will require good positioning and accuracy, as this is one of the most challenging and exciting courses in the country.
Windsor Golf and Country Club (6751 yards par 72)
The Windsor Golf and Country Club is located fifteen minutes from the bustling city. On a clear day, you can spot the snow-capped peaks of the third highest mountain in Africa – Mt. Kenya. It is the only African golf resort to be a member of “Great Golf Resorts of the World”. This 18-hole championship length golf course, threads its way through coffee farms and indigenous forest, and features lush fairways, fast greens and a number of testing water hazards. The golfer will find himself constantly in between rewards for a good shot, and penalties for a bad shot. The fifth, at 640 yards from the back tees is one of the longest par fives anywhere in the world. Not only does this course provide the golfer with extreme and unique challenges, but it also grants the impression of a magnificent environment. There is the added advantage of a 5-star residential hotel, which boasts rooms overlooking the golf course, specialty restaurants, conference rooms and other sporting facilities, such as a swimming pool and a fully fitted health center.
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Golf in the Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort (6,580 yards)
The Rift Valley has a fault line that stretches from the Dead Sea all the way down to Mozambique. Historic volcanic action created half submerged islands and giant calderas. A two hour drive from Nairobi, the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort is situated on the slopes of the Mau Escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. At 7,000 feet, it boasts one of the most spectacular views in all of Africa. The landscape stretches from the stunning waters of Lake Naivasha to the jagged volcanic crater of Mount Longonot. It has wide salt flats, dense rainforests and endless green plains and lakes that are framed by clouds of pink flamingos. The 6,580-yard golf course spreads out in different directions with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It is headed to earn major international status for its magnificent and challenging circuit. An attractive lodge, incorporating 30 cozy rooms, warm lounges and large dining rooms, accompanies the golf course. Other facilities include fully equipped conference rooms, lounge bars, sporting facilities and gift shops. Enjoy a delicious meal in the clubhouse that has a magnificent view of the valley.
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Golf at the Coast
Leisure Lodge Golf & Beach Resort (6,632 yards par 72)
The resort is known as the “Pearl of the Kenya coast”. The blend of beach and golf resort makes Leisure Lodge one of the few exclusive resort complexes in the whole of Africa. The challenging 18-hole championship course is home for top international tournaments. It's also one of the most beautiful courses as its fully irrigated fairways run through paths of palms, cashew nut and casuarina pine trees which are home to a wealth of bird life and several species of monkeys. The course provides an intense challenge with 85 bunkers and a large lake. Leisure Lodge is a world-class tourist resort that hosts comfortable and luxurious accommodation, sporting facilities, diving and dolphin safaris, souvenir shops, beauty parlour, a casino and a business center. It is a great place to stay, and has a unique course on which to test your skills.
Nyali Golf and Country Club
This 18-hole championship course is the only golf course on the North Coast. In 1956, the first nine holes were completed, and the second nine holes were finished in 1980. This is a very challenging course as the wind plays a big part in each golfer's game. The club has become the Grand finale of the Golfer of the Year tournaments. Also to note, is the club's II Duetto restaurant that specializes in Italian cuisine.
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