African Golf Itineraries and Specials - Rovos Rail (Luxury Train) has designed a delightful nine-day Golf Safari to entertain the most discerning player with optional excursions for non-playing guests at all venues.

2021 Rates:
Pullman Suite: R69 000
Deluxe Suite: R105 000
Royal Suite: R138 000

 

Single Supplement: +40% on all suites

 
2021 Departure dates are:
Accommodation on board Rovos Rail:
All the suites offer passengers the opportunity to travel in privacy, comfort and luxury, with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The wood-paneled rebuilt sleeper coaches, remodeled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort. In the en-suite bathrooms, original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. All are equipped with a writing surface and a personal safe for valuables. There is also a bar fridge filled with beverages of the passengers’ choice and room service is available 24 hours a day.

 

 

The Pullman Suites (±7 sq metres/±76 sq feet) are equipped with a comfortable sofa-seat during the day with a conversion to double or twin beds (bunk) for the evening, and also have an en-suite bathroom with shower. These are ideal for single travelers due to their size.

 

The Deluxe Suites (±10 sq metres/±118 sq feet) accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower.

 

The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant measuring ±16 sq metres in size. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The epitome of luxury with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of side-by-side twin or spacious double beds.

Includes
Rate is one way per person sharing and includes accommodation, meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, 24-hour full room service and limited laundry while on board the train, as well as excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide (where applicable) and government tax.
Golf activities: green fees, carts (where available), halfway house and beverages.

Please note that Gary Player is a walking course and the Lost City is carts only. Should you require a Golf Cart on all courses, kindly provide us with a medical certificate to prearrange this service at the aforementioned courses.

Day 1

Day 2
Breakfast is served from 6am.

Golfers: Morning tee off at Lost City or Gary Player Country Club with lunch at the club.
Non-golfers: 9am game drive in Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Explore the Lost City and enjoy lunch at the club with the golfers.
5.30pm - Return to the train.

7.30pm - Dinner on board train en route to Heidelberg.

Lost City Golf Course, Sun City (Carts Compulsory)
The course was carved out of undulating and rocky terrain. Situated over a hill from the Gary Player Country Club, the Lost City’s layout is different in character. With the wide fairways and receptive greens it is a fantastic golf experience for golfers of varying standards. The Lost City golf course covers more than 100 hectares and incorporates 28 000 square meters of water features - not surprisingly Golf Carts are compulsory.
The Lost City Golf Course is an 18-hole desert-style golf course with spectacular views across the bushveld. Unique to this 72 par course is the most hazardous 13th hole. Inhabiting the water hazard are 38 crocodiles some of them nearly two meters long. Golfers are discouraged from retrieving their wayward balls from the croc infested pool. This unusual water hazard is just one of the features that make the Lost City Golf Course exciting and interesting to play. No effort was spared to make the course a masterpiece.
The desert style design of the golf course has an exotic allure all of its own and designer, Gary Player has acknowledged it as one of his favorite courses. The Lost City Golf Course is flexible: playing off the forward tee a course length of 5 953 meters, extending to 6 983 meters off the back tee. The course provides spectacular views.
Playing the back nine at Lost City Golf Course is like going on a golf safari. It has often been noted that the game is more exciting when played downhill and this is certainly the case here.
In addition to the previously mentioned 13th, holes eleven, fourteen, fifteen and sixteen are all played from elevated tees offering thrill, excitement and challenge to the golfer with some of the most spectacular African views to be had on a golf course.

Gary Player Country Club, Sun City (no carts)
The Gary Player Country Club is perhaps South Africa’s most famous course thanks to the annual Nedbank “Million Dollar Golf Challenge” which has been hosted here since 1981. Naturally the “Black Knight” designed the course and it’s one of the longest courses in the country, stretching out beyond 7,000 metres from the tips.

Topographically the land is relatively flat but don’t let that lull you into thinking that this is a boring course. It is not. Routed through the bush, past lakes and strategically placed bunkers this is a serious test for any golfer. The greens here at Gary Player Country Club are simply stunning. Some are shaped like kidneys and others shaped like clover but all the greens are well protected by cunning bunkers, water hazards, swales or mounds.
The par fives at the Gary Player Country Club are especially exciting, but the 9th will stick in the memory for eternity. This is a genuine three-shot-hole for most golfers but if you are a long hitter you might be tempted to go for the island green in two.

Day 3
Day at leisure. All meals enjoyed on board en route to Ladysmith. Dinner Dress: “Africa” Theme or Smart Casual
The train climbs to Majuba Hill – site of the decisive battle that ended the First Anglo Boer War – then passes Newcastle, which has what is reputed to be the largest cella-dome Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere, and Glencoe, site of the first battle of the Anglo Boer War and now the centre of the province’s coalfields.

Day 4

Golfers		Non-Golfers
6am	Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer (±60 min) to Champagne Sports Resort for tee off and lunch. Shortly after Chieveley, on the right of the track, stands a memorial to Winston Churchill who was captured here in November 1899 while trying to free an armoured train trapped by a Boer ambush.	6am	Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
		9am	Transfer (±30 min) to Spionkop Lodge to hear the historic tale of the Battle of Spionkop and walk in the footsteps of Churchill and Gandhi. Enjoy lunch at the lodge.
		2pm	Afternoon game drive in the 11 000-acre reserve OR relax at the lodge. Return to the train at 16:00.
5pm	Return to the train.	4.30pm	Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
7.30pm	Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal	7.30pm	Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

 

This golf course, located in the beautiful Central Drakensberg area, has to be rated as one of the most scenically memorable golf layouts in South Africa. The scenery of the dramatic Drakensberg Mountain range that surrounds this golf course will surely take your breath away. In fact the golf course, the resort and the facilities are bound to have the collective effect of ensuring the whole experience, in this sensational area of South Africa, will forever be imprinted on the visitor’s mind.
The golf course undulates, sometimes severely and sometimes gently, up and around the natural contours of a valley that nestles under the dominant peaks of Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peaks Mountains. Hugh Baiocchi and Kevin Curren have in recent years upgraded the original 18-hole course, designed by Hugh Baiocchi. Their completed design has received deserved accolades for successfully blending the natural attributes of the terrain and the surrounding beauty with the modern demands of a quality golf course.
The course at 7 400 meters is a long par 72, with the first three holes being particularly hard work when walking the course. Those not so fit are recommended to make use of a golf cart.
The golf course incorporates several holes with blind tee shots and it is on second playing that the charm and challenge is best appreciated. The weather patterns of the area have a marked effect on the experience to be encountered here. In summer everything is lush green, while in winter, due to the winter frosts, the mood changes to a rusty brown as (except for the greens) the grasses die. Apart from the visual differences this has little effect on the playing of the golf course (though there is more roll on the brown fairways in winter), especially as the quality of the greens remain constant throughout the year. Indeed the consistency and quality of the greens at Champagne Sports deserve special mention and much credit for these goes to Trevor Livesey, the resident golf professional who has been responsible for their construction and subsequent maintenance. His passion for ‘his’ greens is worthy of mention and remains unabated after his many years at Champagne Sports Resort.
The first impression of the golf course is from the balcony of the charming thatch roofed clubhouse that sits high above the course. From there, there is a panoramic overview of the challenge to come, with the 1st, 9th, 10th and 18th holes as the forefront of a splendid canvas backed by the formidable mountain peaks of the Drakensberg Mountain range. Though the drama of the mighty mountains dominates the eye, the course also enjoys gentle vistas where the lower hills create a kaleidoscope of color and where the layout is blessed with trees, rivers and dams to add challenge to the visual aspects.

Day 5

Golfers		Non-Golfers
5am	Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer to Durban (±15 min) OR Beachwood (±15 min) OR Zimbali (±45 min) for tee off and lunch.	5am	Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
3.30pm	Return to the train.	9am	Enjoy a Durban city tour, a visit to the botanical gardens and lunch at Umhlanga’s beachfront with an afternoon at leisure. Durban is the third largest city in South Africa and enjoys great importance due to its industry and very large port.
4.30pm	Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.	4.30pm	Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
7.30pm	Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Hluhluwe. Dress: Formal	7.30pm	Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Hluhluwe. Dress: Formal

DURBAN COUNTRY CLUB
Durban • Semi-links • 6 157m • Carts available • www.dcclub.co.za
Built by George Waterman and fellow professional golfer Laurie Waters, the Durban Country Club was established in 1922 and has a proud history. The difficulties these men faced were immense as all earth-moving had to be done manually, giant sand dunes were flattened and dense bush and trees chopped down and carted away. Renowned for its classic Cape Dutch architecture, lush vegetation, undulating fairways, sand dunes and beautiful setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, the club has been the venue of choice for many an important celebration in its rich history.
Signature Hole: 3rd - par 5 - 468m A tee shot from the highest point on the course into a valley below, completely exposing the drive to the ocean gusts. Trees on the right of the straightaway hole need to be avoided as well as the large fairway bunker on the landing area to the left.

 

DURBAN BEACHWOOD
Durban • Semi-links • 6 016m • Carts available • www.dcclub.co.za
The seaside layout of Beachwood has deservedly received accolades for its immaculate conditioning. Originally designed by Sid & Jack Brews in 1930, it has always been famed for its narrow fairways and indigenous trees. When Beachwood amalgamated with Durban Country Club in the late 1990s, Gary Player’s design team was asked to upgrade and redesign some of the holes while introducing additional hazards. The results are to be savoured as one plays a course with clever bunkering and water features with superb greens. The land follows rolling and undulating contours allowing fairways to follow natural valleys between high grassy banks, requiring precision shots and lay-ups.
Signature Hole: 6th - par 4 - 410m One of the most demanding holes, the 6th is set high in the dunes and doglegs left with a stream, bush and water hazard to be negotiated en route to the green.

ZIMBALI
North Coast KwaZulu-Natal • Links Coastal & Parklands • 6 524m • Carts compulsory • www.zimbalicc.co.za
A truly spectacular golf estate offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding hills, forest and ocean. Former South African PGA and British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf has remained true to his style and designed a course that caters to players of all abilities. Opened in 1998 it has firmly cemented itself as one of the area’s favourites. Being an ecoconscious estate, the tee boxes are often situated in slightly tricky positions to avoid environmental disturbances. The first 11 holes take you over rolling hills with ideal vantage points from which to enjoy the magnificent views. Holes 12 to 18 explore the Zimbali indigenous forest.

Day 6
5am - Continental breakfast is served until departure.
6am - Transfer (±30 min) to Hluhluwe for a game drive. As the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe consists 960km² of hilly topography in central Zululand and is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts. It is the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal with all the Big Five game animals and is also a prime birding destination.
10.30am - Return to the train.
12pm - Lunch is served in the dining cars. The train travels towards eSwatini. Border formalities take place.
4.30pm - Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
7.30pm - Dinner is served in the dining cars en route to Mpaka. Dress: Formal

Day 7

Golfers		Non-Golfers
6am	Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer (±90 min) to Royal Swazi Sun for tee off and lunch.	6am	Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
		7am	Transfer (±60 min) to Mkhaya Reserve. Board game vehicles for a game drive.
		10am	Transfer (±90 min) to Swazi Candles for a visit with lunch and an opportunity for curio shopping. Transfer (±15 min) to Royal Swazi to join the golfers AND/OR return to the train (±90 min).
4pm	Return to the train.
4.30pm	Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars.
6pm	Depart for Komatipoort, South Africa. Border formalities take place.
7.30pm	Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: Formal

The tiny Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) covers only 17 000km2, most of which is mountainous. For such a small country, it is surprising that it sustains two capital cities: Mbabane is the administrative capital and Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital. In April 2018, Swaziland changed its name to the Kingdom of eSwatini (meaning “place of the Swazi”) and is an absolute monarchy. It is landlocked and borders South Africa and Mozambique. At Swazi Candles, guests are invited to interact with the artisans as they make a variety of candles. Woodcarvings, colourful textiles and superb basketwork are also on display. Mantenga Lodge is nestled in the mountains overlooking ‘Execution Rock’.

Royal Sun Swazi Sun Golf Course, Swaziland (Carts Available)
The scenic beauty of the mountain vistas surrounding the Royal Swazi golf course is matched by the beautiful complexity of the lie of the trees, fairways and greens. The sweeping par 72 is usually played to a length of 6 166 meters off the men's tee.
One of its dominant characteristics is that at the back of the greens slopes away, punishing those who do not pitch with pinpoint accuracy. An overrun often takes the ball down into thick rough or bush.
The first hole carries promise of what is to come. A drive to the left of the fairway opens up the dogleg. An over strong second shot can result in a difficult chip back to an elevated pin. The fourth is the most difficult hole on the front nine. It is a long uphill par 4 with a narrow fairway, requiring an accurate drive. A second accurate shot to a split-level green is essential for good scoring on this hole. Hole number six, a 163-metre par three, is also one of the most difficult. A wayward shot to the right is out of bounds, while one to the left is often a lost ball. On the second nine, hole number thirteen is often the make or break hole of the round. It is an uphill par 4, which requires a good second to a very small green protected in front by a large number of small bunkers, which make it difficult to pitch and run onto the green. The short fourteenth and eighteenth holes are typical of this course, where anything but an accurate shot is severely punished by thick rough water or bunkers.
The not so serious golfer should take time out (without delaying the field, of course) during the round to admire the views, bird life and the spectacular flora. The hibiscus, banana palms, acacias and flamboyant trees are magnificent in the right season.

Day 8

Golfers		Non-Golfers
5.30am	Breakfast is served in the dining cars until departure. Transfer to Leopard Creek (±15 min) OR White River Country Club (±75 min) OR Nelspruit (±60 min) for tee off and lunch.	5.30am	Breakfast is served in the dining cars.
		6.30am	Game drive in the Kruger National Park with tea, lunch and an opportunity for curio shopping.
3pm	Return to the train.
4.30pm	Tea is served in the lounge and observation cars. The train travels west across the Drakensberg Mountains and climbs the spectacular escarpment.
7.30pm	Dinner is served in the dining cars. Dress: “1920s” Theme or Smart Casual

Day 9
7am - Enjoy breakfast as the train departs for Pretoria.
10am - Arrive at journey’s end at Rovos Rail Station.

Please note:
We cannot be held liable for any delays due to trains not running to schedule. Off-train excursions cannot be guaranteed and will only be undertaken if time and circumstances permit. Departure and arrival times are approximate and cannot be guaranteed. We reserve the right to alter our routing at any time between departure and arrival points.

 

Golf Course Information kindly supplied by Larry Gould author of “Larry Gould’s Guide to Golf “ (Where to play and where to stay in South Africa)

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