Since introducing South Africa to our annual tour line up over five years ago, it has become a personal favourite and, for many of our clients as well. Here’s why – golf and wildlife!
The golf courses and their settings are amazing! The backdrop for Gary Player’s Leopard Creek, our first course on tour, is the Kruger National Park and Crocodile River. Tee off to the sounds of hippos happily bathing in the crocodile-infested waters. We play two courses in the premier wine growing region of Stellenbosch – Jack Nicklaus’s Pearl Valley and the Steenberg GC.
Along the Garden Route with the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean as our backdrop are two Peter Matkovich masterpieces – Arabella and Pinnacle Point. Our final destination is the award winning Fancourt Golf Resort to take on the challenge of two courses there.
Experiencing the wildlife is like having your own private David Attenborough show. Sightings of South Africa’s Big Five – elephant, rhinoceros, lion, buffalo, and leopard is an everyday occurrence on tour – we spend three days in Kruger National Park with game drives daily at sunset and sunrise – the best time of day to see the animals. Last tour, we were lucky to see two cheetahs and a herd of over 30 elephants playing in the river below our lodge. We have encountered hyena, rare wild dogs, giraffe, zebra, hippos, crocodile, eagles, baboons, vultures, warthogs, kudu, wildebeest, mongoose and the ‘McDonalds of the Bush’ impala!
“Dr Livingstone I presume.” Yes, new in 2025 we introduce two nights at Victoria Falls staying at the 5-star Royal Livingstone Hotel with sightseeing to Victoria Falls and an
evening cruise on the Zambezi River. Optional activities at Livingstone include helicopter rides and swimming to Devil’s Pool.
Lay back and be pampered on the 5-star luxury Rovos Rail as we journey for four days between Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Pretoria. Sleep at night to the rhythmic railway sounds in deluxe suites with breakfast, lunch, dinner and an all-day drinks service included.
We then travel to Cape Town for four nights staying at the acclaimed 5-star Queen Victoria Hotel. We visit Robben Island infamous for the ‘hosting’ of Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Up Table Mountain we go in cable cars to view Cape Town 360° panorama and, then on to Fancourt.
Parting from tradition – this presentation looks to limit the written words – ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ they say. We follow a day-by-day programme in photos – all animal images have been taken on tour by the PaR nz team – many with a simple iPhone and some with an old-fashioned camera – but they are for real!
Enjoy the following pages and come join us next April/May in South Africa and Victoria Falls.
Many thanks Denise and Kim
To the Kruger!
We depart Johannesburg mid-morning for Kruger National Park and three nights at the 5-star Jock Safari Lodge – our stay is fully inclusive with sumptuous breakfasts, lunches, dinners and local beverages prepared by ‘bush chefs’, all part of the experience.
Jock Safari Lodge was the original private Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park - yes the very first private concession granted. Located in Kruger’s southern region, where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers meet to become one. Jock Lodge is a magical place to stay. The staff at Jock Lodge have made our PaR nz guests feel so special and pampered over the years, this is why we keep coming back – the people.
The concept of the Jock Safari Lodge was born by the descendants of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and the Niven families. They used the funds from the trust of Sir Percy, to build the lodge in the area close to where the history of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his dog Jock, took place. The Jock concession is the exact side profile of Jock the dog. In 1982 the Niven family built a fence around the camp that helped in preserving all the trees from destruction by visiting elephants. The conservation-conscious Niven family also planted indigenous trees within the fenced area and they have grown to create an ambience under a canopy of shade different to the exposed wilderness just outside of the lodge.
Evening game drive – straight into the hunt for the Big 5! Two safaris take place each day – in the morning and in the late afternoon (moving into the early evening). This is when the wildlife is most active, and the temperature moderate – this may coincide with a trip back and forth to golf.
Golf @ Leopard Creek
Designer: Gary Player
Est. 1996
We start our golf tour with a gentle warm up on the challenging par-3 course at Leopard Creek. Initially developed as a training centre it is an amazing, interesting and extremely well maintained 9-hole course –entirely made up of par 3s.
The short course sits inside the 33-hectare tract of land within an area that is made up of hitting, chipping and putting areas – one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the world.
Golf @ Leopard Creek – The Championship Course
Designer: Gary Player
Est. 1996
We return to Leopard Creek to play the Championship course. Working closely with the Kruger National Park and nature conservation authorities, the Leopard Creek Golf Course was specifically designed to blend in with the surroundings, providing sophisticated leisure amenities in an undisturbed natural environment. Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure that the golf course is in harmony with the environment, while lakes and small streams have been diverted through the development to create scenic vistas and interesting golf strategies.
Sightings of crocodile, hippo, antelope, buffalo and wild boar are commonplace, either on the course itself or in the river running alongside several holes. Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek, for much of the water is home to hippos and the creature for which the adjacent river is named – crocodile.
To single out a signature hole is brave as there are some memorable holes. Not for the faint-hearted, the par-5 18th, a great finishing hole, has an island green presenting a tricky closing shot over water.
We depart Kruger and Jock Lodge, boarding a plane at nearby Mpumalanga International Airport to Livingstone. Located in southwestern Zambia, only a few kilometres from the Zambezi River and the border with Zimbabwe, Livingstone is a hub for visitors to the Victoria Falls. The adjoining Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park surrounds the Zambian side of the falls. Make sure you check out the Livingstone Museum which traces the life of the Scottish explorer and missionary, Dr David Livingstone, after whom the town was named.
Planned is an afternoon tour of Victoria Falls and check into the Royal Livingstone Hotel – breakfast included daily; deluxe rooms booked.
David Livingstone was the first European to set eye on Victoria Falls when he discovered them in 1855 – he named them after Queen Victoria citing their rare beauty. The Falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world, with over five million cubic metres of water falling every minute! During the wet season the water cascades into a gorge over 100 metres deep. The opposing cliffs that comprise the gorge are made from basalt and rise to the same height – the falls sit on the very border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Make sure you have a wander at night as the falls are home to a ‘Moonbow’ which is a rainbow at night.
While known as the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls is neither the highest (Angel Falls) nor the widest (Khone Falls). However, it is the largest curtain of falling water on the planet. At 1,708 metres wide and 108 metres high, it is one and a half times wider than Niagara Falls and twice as high.
Time for more exploring and an evening cruise on the Zambezi River with refreshments and canapes included, or maybe just time out on the banks of the mighty Zambezi
Four nights of bliss on the world’s most luxurious train – Rovos Rail.
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experience. Stepping aboard – marvel at the wood-panelled coaches – classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition – and enjoy fine cuisine in 5-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
On the route we see and experience Hwange National Park with a game drive included, we by-pass Bulawayo, second city of Zimbabwe and the capital of Matabelaland – this section is the longest stretch of straight railway at 114km. After visiting Matobo National Park, we cross the Limpopo River back into South Africa, at the same latitude as the Tropic of Capricorn.
All meals on board Rovos Rail and an all-day bar are included.
Disembark from the Rovos Rail in Pretoria for the short 45-minute trip to Johannesburg airport before we board a domestic flight to Cape Town.
Check into the 5-star Queen Victoria Hotel for three nights in deluxe rooms with breakfast included; a classic distinguished boutique hotel on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Golf @ Steenberg
Designer: Peter Matkovich
Est. 1998
Steenberg Golf Course nestles under the Constantia mountains in the Constantia valley and meanders through the vineyards of South Africa’s oldest wine farm dating back to the late 1600s in the days of its progressive Governor Simon van der Stel.
The course has a well-deserved reputation for having the best greens in Cape Town. The setting adds to the attractiveness of the course; providing glorious views of vineyards, bush and mountain flora.
Post golf we enjoy some wine tasting at the Steenberg Wine Estate.
Day 12 – 3 May 2025
Sightseeing – Table Mountain and Robben Island Museum.
Cape Town is known as the ‘Mother City’ – being the site of the first European settlement. Mother Nature surpassed herself when crafting the region. Perched between the ocean and the mountain, with a national park at its heart, there is nowhere like Cape Town.
Cape Town with its 4.6 million population is the second largest and oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. It is in Cape Town that the Rainbow Nation really covers the spectrum.
Cape Town boasts the top tourism attractions in South Africa, all of which should appear on every visitor’s itinerary, namely Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Robben Island, along with the penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Point and the infamous maritime landmark, The Cape of Good Hope.
Day 13 – 4 May 2025
Golf @ Pearl Valley
Designer: Jack NicklausEst. 2003
The Pearl Valley Golf Estate is surrounded by the Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountains and bordered by vineyards with the Berg River water hazard running through it.
Pearl Valley is the spectacular South African addition to Jack Nicklaus’s repertoire of signature-designed courses worldwide. Nicklaus has stayed true to his design principles by working closely with nature and has provided a golf course that fits in with the environment.
Earlier that day we have checked out of the Queen Victoria Hotel and post golf we travel on to Arabella for two nights at the Arabella Hotel, breakfast included / deluxe premium rooms.
Day 14 – 5 May 2025
Golf @ Arabella
Designer: Peter Matkovich Est. 1999
Surrounded by the magnificent Kogelberg mountain range and Bot River Lagoon, and edged by wild fynbos, the picturesque Arabella Golf Course offers an ideal place to enjoy an idyllic golf holiday. The fabled 18-hole, par-72 Championship course has consistently been ranked in the top 10 courses in South Africa. The 8th hole has been described as one of the most beautiful par 5s in South Africa and the 18th hole was rated one of the finest finishing holes in the country. The course was designed and built by the highly acclaimed South African golf course architect Peter Matkovich in 1999. Since then, many professionals and celebrities have enjoyed the Arabella Golf experience, including Jack Nicklaus, Samuel L. Jackson, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Ronan Keating, Lee Westwood, Tim Clark and Gary Player.
The tour travels to Fancourt with some time at the quaint seaside village of Hermanus. The popular resort town of Hermanus, situated between mountain and sea, has gained world-wide recognition as the world’s foremost land-based whale watching destination. Hermanus is a popular destination for tourists, being a mere 140km from the city centre.
Check into Fancourt – a golfer’s oasis for four nights accommodation in luxury rooms, breakfast included with dinner included tonight, Pizza evening.
Fancourt, South Africa’s premier leisure and golf resort, is situated in the heart of the Garden Route.
Ideally located just seven kilometres from both George Airport and the historic town of George, Fancourt is superbly landscaped on 613 hectares of lush countryside with the majestic Outeniqua Mountains as the perfect backdrop.
Day 16 – 7 May 2025
Golf @ Pinnacle Point
Designer: Peter Matkovich Est,2006
The Pinnacle Point Golf Course is something truly unique for the discerning golfer. This 18-hole championship golf course was designed by well-known South African golf course architect Peter Matkovich who opened the course together with top Irish Tour Professional Darren Clarke in November 2006. Clarke is on record as saying that Pinnacle Point is “... the best golf course on the planet”.
The par-72 course is characterised by seven majestic holes that line the Indian Ocean rock cliffs, four of which are played over ocean ravines.
Day 17 – 8 May 2025
Golf @ Montagu Fancourt
Designer: Gary Player
Est. 1991
The owners of Fancourt are the German millionaires Dr Hasso & Sabine Plattner – founders of software giant SAP.
Fancourt was recently ranked in the top 10 golf resorts in the world and is the only golf resort in South Africa with three breathtaking golf courses, all originally designed by Gary Player.
The Montagu course is a much-celebrated parkland course and has been previously ranked as the #1 golf course in South Africa. Play is restricted to members, their guests and hotel guests, so we are in! Fancourt also boasts a world class Golf Academy, with outstanding practise and warm-up facilities – check it out.
18 – 9 May
Golf @ Outeniqua
Designer: Gary Player
Est. 1997
Our second Fancourt course, Outeniqua, will be our finishing course for 2025. The course name means ‘land of milk and honey’ and it is a sweet challenge to finish. Possibly slightly easier than Montagu – you be the judge – the course is parkland, where stylish bunkers await as do fast undulating greens.
Dinner and South African wine awaits!
Thank you and good bye!
Transfers to nearby George airport to connect back to Cape Town or Johannesburg can be arranged and included.
Kruger National Park
• 3 nights Jocks Safari Lodge experience including game drives, all meals with beverages
• Conservation and game park fees
• Golf @ Leopard Creek in carts
~ 1 x round par 3 Executive Course
~ 1 x round Leopard Creek 18 Hole Championship course, lunch included
Victoria Falls
• Flight from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Livingstone (flight costs estimated and will be confirmed when 2025 prices released)
• 2 nights at Royal Livingstone Hotel, Zambia: Deluxe rooms
• Tour of the Victoria Falls and surrounds from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian side
• Sundowner cruise on the Lady Livingstone
• Optional extra golf @ Livingstone Golf Club
Rovos Rail
• 4 Nights onboard the Rovos Rail from Victoria Falls to Pretoria: Deluxe Suites
• Three meals daily and all alcoholic and other beverages
• Excursions accompanied by a qualified tour guide
• Entrance fees to places of interest includes:
~ Game drive in Hwange National Park
~ Visit to Matobo National Park
• 24-hour full room service and bar facilities
• Transfer from Pretoria to Johannesburg domestic terminal (flight costs estimated and will be confirmed when 2025 prices released)
Cape Town
• Domestic flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town
• 3 Nights at Queen Victoria Hotel: Deluxe Rooms
• Breakfast included
• PaR nz Cape Town drinks hour
• Wine tasting at Steenberg Wine Estate
• Visit to Table Mountain including return cable car ride
• Robben Island Museum Tour and ferry
• Golf @ Steenberg in carts
• Golf @ Pearl Valley Golf Club in carts
Arabella
• 2 Nights at Arabella Hotel: Deluxe Premium Rooms
• Breakfast included
• Golf @ Arabella Golf Club in carts
Fancourt
• Transfer from Arabella to Fancourt Golf Resort
• Side excursion to Hermanus Village on route
• 4 Nights at Fancourt Golf Resort: Luxury Rooms
• Breakfast included
• Welcome PaR nz Pizza night
• PaR nz Fancourt hosted drinks hour
• Golf @ Montagu, Fancourt in carts
• Golf @ Outeniqua, Fancourt in carts
• Golf @ Pinnacle Point in carts
• Farewell dinner – Fancourt style – with refreshments
• Transfers to George airport for onward connections
PaR nz Extras
• Guide services of Kim and Denise, from PaR nz
• Travel App, sightseeing notes
• Extensive South Africa Players pack
• All local taxes for services as included
• Porterage, where available
Excluded
• International flights
• Domestic flights from George
• Insurance – highly recommended
• Meals, other than what is listed
• Driver, porters and other service tips
• All Visa Fees
