Experience The Best Undiscovered Golf Destination in the World!

Golfers' imaginations often conjure idyllic places: Scotland's windswept links, Portugal's golden coast, or the tropical greens of Thailand. But there's another nation where fairways share space with giraffes, tee shots soar against snow-capped peaks, and your post-game cocktail might be savored while watching elephants roam in the distance.

This is Kenya — a destination that the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) recently honored as The World’s Best Undiscovered Golf Destination. As a tourist-centric, English-speaking country with excellent infrastructure and high-quality accommodations throughout, Kenya has long been golf travel's best-kept secret. Now that the word is out, it's time to experience it for yourself through tailored packages.

A Destination Like No Other

Kenya elevates golf not through gimmicks, but through its raw natural splendor. Rounds unfold under cobalt-blue skies, cooled by highland breezes or the gentle whisper of the Indian Ocean. Instead of suburban settings, you'll navigate landscapes of dense forests, ancient volcanic craters, and the endless golden plains of the savannah.

What sets Kenya apart is how golf seamlessly integrates into a broader adventure. In one unforgettable trip, you can conquer championship courses in Nairobi, tee off in the dramatic Rift Valley, embark on thrilling Big Five safaris across iconic national parks and reserves, and unwind with beachside rounds overlooking vibrant coral reefs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, Kenya's blend of sport, wildlife, culture, and relaxation makes it an unparalleled golf holiday.

Nairobi: Where It All Begins

The vibrant capital of Nairobi serves as the gateway to Kenyan golf. This cosmopolitan city blends urban energy with lush greenery, featuring leafy suburbs and tree-shaded boulevards that lead to some of Africa's finest fairways. For an added thrill, Nairobi is home to the unique Nairobi National Park — the world's only national park within a major city. Just a short drive from your hotel, you can spot lions, rhinos, and zebras roaming freely, offering a quick urban safari to complement your golf itinerary.

Karen Country Club

As the host of the DP World Tour's Kenya Open, Karen Country Club is as beautiful as it is challenging. Built on the former coffee farm of Danish writer Karen Blixen (famous for "Out of Africa"), the course exudes history, elegance, and athletic rigor. Well-manicured fairways are framed by mature trees and bursts of colorful bougainvillea. The greens are true and responsive, with water hazards and undulating terrain testing even low handicappers. Between holes, listen for the haunting call of an African fish eagle echoing from nearby wetlands — a reminder that nature is always close at hand.

Windsor Golf & Country Club

If heritage defines Karen, grandeur is Windsor's hallmark. Nestled within a 200-acre estate of coffee plantations and indigenous forest, the course feels like a cinematic escape. Expect rolling par-5s for powerful drives, precision-demanding short par-4s, and greens bordered by shimmering water features. At dawn, a gentle mist hugs the fairways, with the only sounds being birdsong and the satisfying crack of your tee shot. The clubhouse, resembling a grand castle, offers balconies overlooking the 18th green — ideal for post-round drinks and sunset views.

Great Rift Valley: Golf at Altitude

Descending from Nairobi into the Great Rift Valley is like entering a geologic masterpiece, with sleeping volcanoes, acacia-dotted plains, and vast freshwater lakes setting the stage. This region adds a theatrical flair to your game, and it's perfectly positioned near some of Kenya's premier wildlife spots, like Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha.

At Lake Nakuru, famous for its massive flocks of pink flamingos and thriving rhino population, you can enjoy boat safaris or game drives spotting leopards and buffalo. Nearby Lake Naivasha offers serene boat rides amid hippos and over 400 bird species, with opportunities for guided walks or cycling safaris. These reserves provide a refreshing interlude between rounds, blending high-altitude golf with intimate wildlife encounters.

Great Rift Valley Golf Club, perched at 7,000 feet above sea level, delivers that extra carry to your drives thanks to the thin air — a boon on wind-swept par-5s along the lakeshore. The crisp atmosphere, golden sunlight, and panoramic views from elevated tees invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and soak in the unspoiled beauty. It's golf that feels elevated in every sense.

The Wild Interlude: Safaris in Kenya's Iconic National Parks and Reserves

One of Kenya's greatest appeals for golf holidays is the effortless fusion of fairways and wilderness. You don't have to choose between golf and safari — you can immerse yourself in both, creating memories that extend far beyond the scorecard.

Start with the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, often a highlight of any itinerary. This vast savannah is world-renowned for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the plains from July to October. Early morning game drives bring you face-to-face with the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo), while hot-air balloon rides offer aerial views of the drama below. Luxury tented camps provide campfire evenings under starlit skies, where you can swap golf tales as hyenas call in the distance.

For a different flavor, head to Amboseli National Park in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, massive elephant herds roam dusty plains against the backdrop of Africa's highest peak, creating postcard-perfect scenes. The park's swamps and observation hills are ideal for spotting cheetahs and over 400 bird species. It's easily accessible from Nairobi or the Rift Valley, making it a seamless add-on to your golf schedule.

Don't miss Tsavo National Park, divided into East and West sections, which together form one of Africa's largest wildlife sanctuaries. Tsavo East's red-dust elephants and maneless lions offer a rugged, less-crowded safari experience, with highlights like the Yatta Plateau — the world's longest lava flow. Tsavo West adds volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear Mzima Springs (home to hippos and crocodiles), and the dramatic Shetani Lava Flows. These parks are conveniently located en route to the coast, allowing for multi-day safaris with game drives, bush walks, and even night safaris.

Further north, Samburu National Reserve introduces the "Samburu Special Five" — unique species like the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and beisa oryx — not commonly seen elsewhere. The Ewaso Ng'iro River draws diverse wildlife, and cultural visits to Samburu villages add depth. For a more exclusive feel, explore conservancies like Ol Pejeta, a leader in rhino conservation with chimpanzee sanctuaries and horseback safaris.

Kenya's national parks and reserves cater to all preferences, from high-end lodges with spa facilities to eco-friendly camps. Whether it's a short game drive or a full safari extension, these experiences recharge you for the next round, leaving lasting impressions long after you return home.

The Coast: Ocean Breezes, World-Class Greens, and Endless Adventures

A short flight from the savannah brings you to Kenya's enchanting coast — a paradise of powdery white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palms. This stretch along the Indian Ocean isn't just about golf; it's a hub for marine adventures, cultural explorations, and laid-back luxury, making it the perfect finale to your trip.

In Mombasa, the coastal epicenter, Nyali Golf & Country Club captures colonial charm with fairways lined by casuarina and palm trees. The warm ocean breeze influences every shot, adding strategy to your game. Post-round, stroll to Mombasa's Old Town, where narrow streets reveal spice-scented markets, intricate Swahili architecture, and a melting pot of African, Arab, and Indian influences. Don't miss Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress turned museum, or Haller Park — a reclaimed quarry now teeming with giraffes, hippos, and giant tortoises.

Heading north, Vipingo Ridge stands out as East Africa’s only PGA-accredited course. Designed to championship standards, it boasts immaculate greens, sculpted bunkers, and breathtaking ocean vistas. The signature par-3 tee overlooks waves crashing on coral reefs below, creating a dramatic challenge. The resort's infinity pools, fine dining, and luxury villas make it a haven for relaxation.

09/02/2022. Ladies European Tour 2022. Magical Kenya Ladies Open, Vipingo Ridge PGA Boabab Course, Vipingo Ridge Mombassa, Kenya. February 10-13 2022. Zebra grazing on the 10th hole. Credit: Tristan Jones/LET

Beyond the greens, the coast explodes with activities. Diani Beach, south of Mombasa, is a tropical idyll with kite surfing, deep-sea fishing, and dolphin-spotting excursions to Wasini Island. Snorkel in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, where vibrant coral gardens host sea turtles and colorful fish. Tiwi Beach offers quieter sands for beachcombing, while nearby Shimoni Slave Caves provide a poignant historical tour.Further north, Watamu and Malindi blend adventure and serenity.

Watamu National Marine Park is a snorkeling and diving mecca, with pristine reefs and the chance to swim alongside whale sharks (seasonally). Explore Mida Creek's mangroves by canoe for birdwatching, or hike through Arabuko Sokoke Forest — Africa's largest coastal forest, home to rare butterflies and endemic birds. In Malindi, visit the ancient Gede Ruins, a mysterious Swahili settlement overgrown with baobabs, or enjoy windsurfing on golden beaches. Dhow cruises at sunset, complete with fresh seafood feasts, capture the coast's romantic essence.

From bustling Mombasa to serene Watamu, Kenya's coast offers endless ways to unwind: yoga on the beach, spa treatments with ocean views, or vibrant nightlife in beachside bars. It's the ultimate reward after days of golf and safaris.

Kenya: The Next Golf Bucket-List Destination

Kenya transcends mere sport; it's a holistic experience. Start your day on a championship course, transition to a thrilling safari in world-class national parks, and end with a gin and tonic as the sun dips over the Indian Ocean. It's the contrast of crisp highland mornings, wild savannah afternoons, and sultry coastal evenings. Above all, it's the joy of discovering a destination that's elite yet welcoming, adventurous yet accessible.

For those seeking a golf holiday that weaves together sport, wildlife, culture, and nature, Kenya is no longer a secret — but it remains one of the world's greatest surprises. Plan your epic journey today and unlock Africa's undiscovered golf paradise.