8 Day Golfing KwaZulu-Natal

On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you are welcomed by your African Sky guide and begin the journey south toward KwaZulu-Natal. The N3 crosses the open grasslands and agricultural country of the Free State before turning toward the Drakensberg foothills. The drive is a substantial one, with stops for refreshments along the way. As you approach the Central Drakensberg, the broad agricultural landscapes give way to increasingly dramatic mountain scenery.

Champagne Sports Resort is your base for the next two nights, with the peaks of Champagne Castle and Cathkin forming a remarkable backdrop. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the mountain surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity for a short walk around the resort before dinner. Tomorrow's golf takes place here, so there is no need for another road transfer before the first round.

Breakfast is followed by your first round at Champagne Sports Resort Golf Course. Designed by Hugh Baiocchi, this 18-hole course is known for the remarkable mountain scenery that surrounds its fairways. The elevation and setting make it a memorable opening round, with the Drakensberg escarpment dominating the skyline. Unlike the coastal courses later in the tour, golf here takes place in the cooler mountain environment of the Central Drakensberg.

The afternoon is free to explore the resort and its surroundings. Walking trails offer opportunities to appreciate the mountain landscape, while other recreational activities may be available by prior arrangement. Guests preferring a quiet afternoon can relax at the property after the morning's golf. The second night is spent at Champagne Sports Resort, leaving time to enjoy the mountains before the journey to the South Coast tomorrow.

Leave the Drakensberg after an early breakfast and travel toward the Indian Ocean. The route takes you through the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and past Durban before following the N2 south through a succession of coastal towns. The vegetation becomes increasingly subtropical as the road approaches San Lameer, situated near Marina Beach. The change from mountain scenery to a warm coastal landscape is one of the most noticeable contrasts of the journey.

After arriving at San Lameer, prepare for a round on its championship golf course. Designed by Peter Matkovich, the layout winds through the estate's indigenous vegetation, with water hazards and established trees contributing to the challenge. The timing of this round depends on the road journey and a suitable tee time, so an early departure is advisable. Your accommodation for the next three nights is within the San Lameer estate.

Today's golf is at Southbroom Golf Club, a short drive from San Lameer. The course occupies an attractive position close to the Indian Ocean, with subtropical vegetation surrounding many of the fairways. Coastal winds can influence club selection, adding another dimension to a round that differs considerably from the mountain golf of the opening days. Several holes offer glimpses of the sea, and the mature trees give the course an established, intimate character.

Return to San Lameer after golf, with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. The estate provides access to the coast, and guests may choose to spend time on the beach or enjoy its recreational facilities. Spa treatments can be arranged separately if desired. With no change of accommodation today, there is an opportunity to enjoy the South Coast without additional travel before dinner.

A drive south brings you to Wild Coast Sun Country Club, near the boundary between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the course makes striking use of the area's rolling terrain, river valleys and coastal vegetation. The changes in elevation and exposure to ocean winds create a different golfing challenge from the courses played earlier in the week. Some holes offer expansive views toward the Indian Ocean.

After the round, there is time for lunch at the resort before returning north to San Lameer. Guests may explore additional resort facilities if the day's arrangements permit, although these should be confirmed separately where applicable. The afternoon drive takes you back along the South Coast for your final night at San Lameer. Tomorrow the tour continues toward Ballito, the last overnight destination of the journey.

After breakfast, depart San Lameer and travel north along KwaZulu-Natal's coast. The route passes through the South Coast's seaside towns before approaching Durban, one of South Africa's major port cities. Continuing beyond Durban, the journey follows the coast toward Ballito, a popular seaside destination on the Dolphin Coast. The surrounding landscape remains green and subtropical, with sugarcane fields and coastal development appearing along sections of the route.

Arrive in Ballito and check in at The Boathouse, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The afternoon is available for a walk along the beachfront, relaxation at the accommodation or independent exploration of the town. This less demanding day provides a useful break after three consecutive rounds of golf on the South Coast. The final round of the tour is scheduled for tomorrow at Zimbali, a short distance from Ballito.

Your final round takes place at Zimbali Golf Course, set within a coastal estate south of Ballito. The course moves through an attractive landscape of indigenous forest and rolling terrain, with changes in elevation creating a distinctive challenge. Its coastal setting differs from the open Drakensberg landscape and the subtropical parkland courses played earlier in the journey. The surrounding forest also provides opportunities to see birds and occasional small wildlife around the fairways.

Following the round, return to Ballito for a free afternoon. There is time to enjoy the beach, visit local shops or simply relax at The Boathouse. As no further golf is scheduled, the remainder of the day can be spent at an unhurried pace. Dinner is included this evening, marking the end of the golfing programme before tomorrow's transfer to King Shaka International Airport.

Enjoy breakfast at The Boathouse before departing Ballito for King Shaka International Airport, situated north of Durban. The journey is relatively short, allowing the departure arrangements to be planned around your confirmed domestic flight. Your African Sky guide will assist with the transfer and the practical arrangements at the airport before you continue to Johannesburg.

The included flight takes you from Durban to O.R. Tambo International Airport, where the eight-day golf tour concludes. Guests connecting to international services should allow adequate time between flights, particularly when traveling on separately issued tickets. The itinerary can also be adapted for guests who prefer to remain in KwaZulu-Natal or continue to another destination in South Africa.