South Africa is the region's golfing powerhouse, but its neighbours offer intriguing golf too: desert courses in Namibia, colonial-era clubs in Zimbabwe and Zambia, and mountain kingdoms with quiet courses. Golf here is usually an add-on to a safari or a road trip rather than the main event, and that's part of the charm.
Namibia
- Windhoek: golf in the capital's highland setting.
- The coast: desert-meets-ocean golf near Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, often cool and misty.
Botswana
Courses near Gaborone and safari towns, combined with wildlife in the Okavango Delta and national parks.
Zimbabwe and Zambia
- Harare and Bulawayo: established parkland clubs.
- Victoria Falls and Livingstone: golf near one of the world's great waterfalls, with wildlife nearby.
Eswatini and Lesotho
Mountain kingdoms with a handful of scenic courses, often combined with South Africa trips.
When to go
| Season | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry winter | May to October | Best for golf and safari |
| Wet summer | November to April | Hot, humid, lush; storms |
Practical tips
- Combine with South Africa: read golf in South Africa.
- Club hire may be limited; consider bringing clubs or check ahead. Read how to rent golf clubs.
- Caddies are common at some clubs; tipping customary. Read tipping in golf.
- Altitude in some highland cities. Read golf at altitude.
- Wildlife: read golf courses and wildlife.
- Health and travel requirements: check before travelling. Read golf travel insurance.
Golf and safari
The great appeal of the region is pairing golf with wildlife. Most visitors play golf in or near the cities and resort towns, then spend several days in game reserves or national parks.
- Namibia: golf around Windhoek and the coast at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, combined with desert landscapes and wildlife parks.
- Botswana: golf in Gaborone and a few other towns, with world-class safaris in the Okavango Delta and northern parks.
- Zimbabwe and Zambia: golf in Harare, Bulawayo and Lusaka, and near Victoria Falls, where the falls and river activities are the main draw.
- Eswatini and Lesotho: small countries with mountain scenery, easily combined with a South Africa trip.
Read golf in South Africa and golf in Kenya and East Africa.
Sample itineraries
| Trip | Length | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| Falls and fairways | 6–7 days | Golf near Victoria Falls and in a nearby city, plus river and wildlife activities |
| Namibia road trip | 10–12 days | Windhoek, the desert and the coast, with golf in towns along the route |
| South Africa plus | 12–14 days | Golf in South Africa, then a safari in Botswana or Zimbabwe |
Playing conditions
- Altitude: much of the region is high, so the ball flies further. Read golf at altitude.
- Heat and dry air: drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. Read sun protection for golfers.
- Firm, dry fairways in the dry season give plenty of roll.
- Lightning: storms in the rainy season can be severe. Leave the course immediately when warned.
- Wildlife: some courses have local rules about animals. Follow them and keep your distance.
Costs and practicalities
Green fees are often modest. Many clubs welcome visitors, but it helps to contact them ahead, carry a handicap certificate and check the dress code. Caddies are common in some countries; ask the club about fees and tipping customs. Travel insurance, vaccinations and malaria advice should be checked well before departure. Read golf travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is there golf in Namibia?
Yes, including courses in Windhoek and on the coast.
Can I play golf near Victoria Falls?
Yes, there are courses on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides.
When is the best time for golf in southern Africa?
The dry winter months, roughly May to October.
Should I combine golf with a safari?
Many visitors do; it's one of the region's great attractions.
Do I need to bring my own clubs?
Hire sets are limited in some places, so many golfers bring their own or hire in South Africa before travelling on.
Are caddies common in southern Africa?
At many clubs, yes. Ask the club about fees and local tipping customs.
The bottom line
Golf in southern Africa beyond South Africa is about adventure: desert courses, historic clubs and golf near the wildlife. Plan around the dry season and combine it with safari. For East Africa, read golf in Kenya and East Africa.