Imagine wild animals looking on as you attempt a perfect chip shot, or walking from the golf course to the beach, where only sand and foam are standard footwear. These are just some of the experiences you can expect when you visit these 5-star golf lodges in South Africa.

Leriba Coastal Golf Lodge

If you’re looking for a golf course on a secluded, unspoilt stretch of coastline, then Leriba Coastal Golf Lodge is par for the course. Only 20km from the holiday mecca of Ballito, this self-catering lodge is situated on Prince’s Grant Golf Estate, one of South Africa’s top golf courses on the Indian Ocean coast. The Peter Matkovich designed golf course is a links/parkland layout with undulating fairways, large greens, natural bush, and magnificent sea views.

Leriba Coastal Golf Lodge_accommodation (TravelGround)

The exclusive self-catering lodge comprises 6 luxury en-suite rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, modern lounge and dining area. The recreation centre offers various sporting activities and there are plenty of secluded beaches and nature walks for non-golfers. Have a drink at The Mulligans Pub, the 19th hole at Prince’s Grant, or try the creative dishes at The Bunkers Restaurant. Find out more…

Golf courses nearby: Zimbali, Umhlali, and Mt Edgecombe.

Leriba Golf Lodge

Not to be confused with its coastal counterpart, the Leriba Golf Lodge is a self-catering accommodation tucked away in dense indigenous forest on the Hans Merensky Golf Estate in Phalaborwa. With the Kruger National Park forming the eastern boundary of the estate, you will literally be golfing alongside Big 5 territory. The lodge lies on the 5th fairway of the Hans Merensky Championship Golf Course, a Bob Grimsdell designed course that extends into the bush where warthog, giraffe, zebra, crocodile, hippo, and antelope add more than birdies to your golf game.

Hans Merensky golf course (TravelGround)

The lodge consists of 5 en-suite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, large living area, veranda with braai, and pool. The elegant Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa is also on the estate and guests are welcome to use their facilities, which include the Leadwood Restaurant, salon, curio shop, conference centre, pro shop, and Clubhouse. There is also a large swimming pool, sporting facilities, and a variety of tours and safaris on offer, so we suggest you find out more…

Golf courses nearby: The closest courses are in Tzaneen, roughly 90 minutes away. These include Tzaneen, Orangedene, and Letaba District Country Club.

Waterberg Lodge

Waterberg Lodge forms part of the Zebula Golf Estate, in the shadow of Limpopo’s Waterberg mountain range. Situated in an undisturbed corner of the reserve, the lodge provides a peaceful bushveld experience. Aside from golf, Zebula offers game drives and walks, the pampering Zebu Spa, and close encounters with elephants, wild cats, and reptiles.

Waterberg Lodge (TravelGround)

Each room has a private deck or balcony overlooking a waterhole where game come to drink. The Waterberg Mountains make a spectacular backdrop with the bushveld creeping up their rocky slopes. As the sun dips below the horizon, the boma fires are lit for a typical South African braai dinner, while the stylish restaurant prepares sumptuous meals that are paired with a superb selection of South African wines from the cellar. The lodge also features a conference venue, Jacuzzi, and rim-flow swimming pool where you can soak in the beauty of your surrounds. Find out more…

Golf courses nearby: Biosphere, Elements, and Koro Creek Golf Course.

Which 5-star golf lodge sounds like your ideal golfing getaway?