Kenya Golfing Luxury safari Style- Kenya Fly in safaris

(Price from USD $4249 per person sharing)

Day 1 - Arrive Nairobi

Morning - We will collect you from Jomo Kenyatta Airport and transfer you immediately to your base in Nairobi - the Norfolk Hotel, built in colonial times (45 minutes drive). Passing through central town you have your first chance to lay eyes on Kenyaxs bustling capital and largest city. With over 3 million inhabitants it is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Once named the City in the Sunx Nairobi is a long march from its former self however its suburbs boast plenty of beautiful tree lined lanes coupled with colourful exotic shrubs. Once we have checked you in, you can unpack and enjoy a hot shower. We will have our lunch outside by the swimming pool.

Afternoon - You may like to play your first game of golf of the safari at Muthaiga Golf Club (5 minutes drive) or merely relax and soak up the atmosphere by the swimming pool. Dinner and overnight at the Norfolk Hotel .

Day 2 - Nairobi

Morning - After a good nights sleep and some breakfast we will transport you to the other side of Nairobi for a game of golf at Karen Country Club (45 minutes drive). With a perfect setting for lunch after our game in the gardens which have panoramic views of the beautiful course.

Afternoon - We offer you the option of visiting the Giraffe Centre (a nature education centre where you can hand feed giraffes and pat friendly warthogs), passing through Karen Blixen Museum (the original beautiful well proportioned house of the author of xOut Of Africax) or even have another 18 holes. By early evening you will be back at the Norfolk Hotel and ready for dinner. Overnight at the Norfolk Hotel

Day 3 - Nairobi/Maasai Mara

Morning - Leaving golf and Nairobi for a couple of days, we will transport you to our domestic airport to catch the 11 am Air Kenya flight to one of the most famous game reserves in the world: the Maasai Mara (1-hour flight). We will be staying at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment. Positioned on the edge of the Mara River the camp is set deep in some lovely trees with spectacular views of vast rolling plains and rounded hills. Although it is situated just outside the reserve wild animals are abundant in the area. It is only a short distance to the camp from the airstrip but do not rule out the chance of running into several animals on the way. Lunch at the camp.

Afternoon - We will take you on a game drive into the reserve for your first real chance to get close to the vast assemblages of plains game with their associated predators. A wide range of grazers and browsers can be observed from the tiny dik dik to the magnificent elephant. In every direction there are seemingly endless herds of wild animals. Returning to camp at dusk you will be able to witness one of the breath-taking sunsets of the Maasai Mara. Dinner and overnight at the camp.x

Day 4 - Maasai Mara

Morning - Arising before the sun and after some welcome tea or coffee, we will take you on an early morning game drive. Predators are usually at the height of activity at this time so it is not uncommon to watch them hunting. Of the big cats, lion are found in large prides and although masters of camouflage there is a good chance of spotting them. Harder to spot, cheetah and leopard are also frequently seen. Back to the camp for a late breakfast.

Afternoon - Game drive with picnic lunch. This is our last chance to complete our sighting of the Big Five. Driving along the edge of the Mara River you can watch hippo pods wallowing in the muddy waters or maybe a crocodile lying motionless on the bank waiting for itxs next meal. However, it is not only the animals that will catch your attention x there are over 500 bird species to be found and countless beautiful trees and wild flowers. We return before dark to the camp for our final dinner and night in the Maasai Mara.

Day 5 - Maasai Mara/Nairobi

Morning - After breakfast and a short game drive we will drop you at the airstrip to catch the 11 am flight back to Nairobi. You will be collected at the other end and transported to the Norfolk Hotel for lunch.

Afternoon - If you are interested we can take you to Vet Lab Golf Club (30 minutes drive) for a game of golf. Although, you may prefer to just relax by the swimming pool. We will transfer you back to the Norfolk Hotel for dinner. Overnight at the Norfolk Hotel.

Day 6 - Nairobi

Morning - We will transfer you to Limuru Country Club (30 minutes drive) for a game of golf. Lunch will follow at the Kentmere Club with its attractive garden setting only 5 minutes down the road.

Afternoon - We deliver you once again to your base where the swimming pool awaits you. Dinner and overnight at the Norfolk Hotel.

Day 7 - Aberdare Country Club/The Ark

Morningx An early start today to get you to town to catch the 8 am shuttle bus from the Norfolk hotel to the Aberdare Country Club (2 x hour drive). The road is tarmac but indifferent. Hopefully the views, of pineapple, sisal and coffee plantations and especially of Mount Kenya and its snowcapped glory, will keep your minds preoccupied. Arrive for lunch at the Aberdare Country Club. Once a social centre for cattle ranchers, coffee growers and wheat farmers it is a magnificent lodge with well situated cottages each with its own fireplace. A luxuriously rural spot.

Afternoon - You have the chance to fit in a quick nine holes or simply take a stroll around the sanctuary below the Club until mid afternoon when you make your journey by bus to the Ark. A novel lodge, resembling an actual ark with cabins and decks, situated within the boundaries of the Aberdare National Park. Built beside a water hole it allows for great game viewing. Each day salt is spread in front to attract animals, in particular elephant, rhino and large herbivores. Overnight at the Ark.

Day 8 - Aberdare Country Club/Great Rift Valley Lodge

Morning - Having returned to the Aberdare Country Club at 9 am we will collect you and transfer you across the Aberdare National Park (weather permitting otherwise we will have to take another scenic route around the edge of the area) to The Great Rift Valley Lodge (4-hour drive).

The Park is part of the central highlands of Kenya and has a huge variety of flora and fauna that you will not find elsewhere in the country (except Mount Kenya). Elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, serval and leopard are common. Melanistic varieties of the latter two are by no means rare. The Parkxs lower regions are covered with dense tropical forest providing excellent cover for the animals. Open moorland and thickets of giant heather are found at higher levels with hidden trout streams and huge waterfalls that offer stunning views. We arrive at the Great Rift Valley Lodge for lunch.

Afternoon - You can enjoy a game of golf on the course adjacent to the lodge. Set in the Eburru hills over-looking Lake Naivasha. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 9 -x Great Rift Valley Lodge/Nairobi

Morning - With a leisurely morning ahead you have the option of another game of golf or lounging by the swimming pool before travelling to Malu (45 minutes drive) for lunch. A lovely little retreat on the banks of the Malewa River, renowned for its superb Italian cuisine.

Afternoon - Heading back to Nairobi (1 x hour drive) we leave the Great Rift Valley. A continental fault system that runs six thousand kilometres clean across Africa from Lebanon to Mozambique. It is certainly one of the countryxs distinguishing marks, a human and natural divide. From the edge of the escarpment there are breath taking vistas, a panorama of lakes, savannah and volcanoes across the valley. We arrive at the Norfolk Hotel early evening for dinner. Overnight at the Norfolk Hotel.

Day 10 - Nairobi/Porini Camp

Morning - Leaving at 9 am we take the Mombasa road south of Nairobi towards Amboseli National Park located on the Tanzanian border. We are heading for Selengey Conservation Area, just on the boundaries of the Park, and the luxury tented Porini Camp (3-hour drive) which will be our base for 2 nights. Arrive for lunch.

Afternoon - We will take you on a game drive around the conservation area. The elusive Kudu and long necked Gerenuk are numerous. Elephant, cheetah, lion, and plenty of plains game are also found here. A short walk accompanied by some Maasai warriors through a dry riverbed will allow you to experience a brief insight into Maasai culture. Returning early evening, dinner will be served. The highlight of the day is yet to come - the night game drive. With a spotlight manoeuvred from the top of the vehicle you have the chance to witness many fascinating nocturnal African animals that may otherwise not be seen.

Day 11 - Amboseli National Park

x Morning - After breakfast we will make the 1 hour drive to Amboseli National Park. Famous for its backdrop of the glistening, majestic snowcap of Mount Kilimanjaro you have the chance to capture some superb photographs of a wide variety of wildlife. Large herds of elephant are common in the vicinity of the swamps as well as an abundance of bird life. Plains game and the big cats are also equally well represented.
Afternoon - Having spent the whole day in the park, with a picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree, we return to Porini Camp early evening for a welcome hot shower followed by dinner. If you feel up to it we can take you on another night game drive.

Day 12 - Porini Camp/Nairobi

Morning - We head back to Nairobi arriving at the Norfolk Hotel for lunch.

Afternoon - This afternoon we head out of Nairobi to enjoy a game of golf at Sigona Golf Club (45 minutes drive). After relaxing you will be driven to the Carnivore for a complimentary dinner. An outdoor restaurant where you can enjoy a wide selection of specially prepared game meat. Overnight at the Norfolk Hotel.

Day 13 - Nairobi/Depart

x Morning - Today you are at your own leisure. You have the option of playing golf at Muthaiga Golf Club, soaking up your last day of sunshine by the swimming pool or perhaps some last minute shopping.

Afternoon - Having checked out of your rooms and following a light dinner we transfer you to the airport for your return home after what we feel sure has been a most memorable visit to this fantastic country.

Includes
Full Board Accommodation at all hotels/lodges outside Nairobi
Beverages in Porini Camp
Service charge and taxes
All park entry fees
All game viewing activities (including walks and night game drives)
All transfers whether by road or air
Flying Doctor 14 day tourist cover
Dinner at the Carnivore restaurant
Green fees at all courses
professional safari guide
Specially converted 4WD safari vehicle (Toyota Landcruiser)

Excludes
International flights
Accommodation in Nairobi
Meals in Nairobi and Malu
Insurance - medical, travel, cancellation are all recommended
Beverages in Nairobi, Aberdare Country Club, the Great Rift Valley Lodge, Kichwa Tembo and The Ark
Entrance to the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum
Caddy Fees at all courses
Gratuities
Laundry
Any other activities not mentioned in the itinerary

THE GOLF COURSES OF KENYA

xWe have chosen 10 of the best golf courses in Kenya and given you a brief description on all of them.

(in alphabetical order)

Aberdare Country Club

Located just to the east of the Aberdare National Park, this is a very quaint 9-hole course. Set in a private fenced sanctuary with views to the west of the Aberdare Mountain Range and views to the east of Mount Kenya, a round is recommended. Although professionally designed by Fergus McCartney in the 1980xs it is not in the best of condition. However, it is a tight and fun course with obstacles such as giraffe, warthog, zebra and duiker. The bunkers are filled with sawdust making it more difficult than you would think. All these factors will make it a very memorable round.
Yardage: 2112 xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: 6000 ft x Par: 33 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 9

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Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort

This championship course, designed by Kenyaxs most accomplished golf course creator x Thomas Fjastad, is a must visit. Set in the Eburru hills on the north side of Lake Naivasha, the spectacular views across the lake to the inactive Longonot volcano rising up in the middle of the Rift Valley are next to no other course in the country. Interestingly there are not many bunkers, but with plenty of water, rocky flowerbeds and several doglegs scattered around it is certainly a challenge. Even telephone wires become an obstacle on a couple of holes, however if you do hit one you are permitted to replay your shot without incurring a penalty. You need to stay clear of the rough as it is punishing but if you stay on the fairway you are guaranteed a good lie. This is also the only course in the country where you are able to choose either a female or male caddy!

Yardage: 6580 xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: 6500 ft x Par: 72 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 18

Karen Country Club

Located in the Nairobi suburb of Karen, named after Baroness Karen von Blixen, this course is in fact built within her old coffee estate. With plenty of exotic and indigenous trees and an array of beautiful flowering shrubs fringing the fairways, this is one of the loveliest courses in Kenya. It makes up for the lack of water hazards with bunkers strewn tactfully around the greens. Wild animals such as duiker and bushpig inhabit the scrub on the course, even leopard have been known to visit occasionally. A wetland project has been set up in the centre of the course attracting a host of birdlife including a resident fish eagle. You cannot fail to enjoy your round of golf here.
Yardage: 6950 xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: 5800 ft x Par: 72 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 18

x

Leisure Lodge

Set in Diani on the Kenyan coast, this is one of the newest courses in Kenya. The course fits in perfectly with the surrounding palm trees that feed several species of monkey. Although not a links course the wind plays a major factor. As for bunkers there are 85 strategically positioned around the course and with a large water feature on two holes this is not an easy course by any means. The grass for the fairways, greens and tees was imported from the US creating some superb turf making it home to the Diani Beach Masters that attracts numerous foreign and domestic players. It is worth noting that due to the humidity it is advisable to play either early morning or evening to really get the most from your game.
Yardage: 6457xxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: Sea Level xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Par: 72 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 18

x

Limuru Country Club

Set in the outskirts of Nairobi, the course has a very attractive layout with views extending beyond the city. At this height the morning dew ensures that the course is always lush but the many undulating fairways require accurate and controlled strokeplay. Water comes into play on the Par 5 3rd hole and local knowledge indicates that on most greens the putting line tends towards the lake. The racecourse that once ran through the centre of the course is out of bounds. Tea plantations and horticultural development surround the course providing a very rural setting to your round of golf.
Yardage: 6519 xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: 7000 ft x Par: 71 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 18

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Mount Kenya Safari Club

Located on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, this course is a little gem. A pitch and putt course that offers everything in adventure x trout dams, mountain streams, harsh bunkers, picturesque views, superb flowers, beautiful trees, colourful shrubs and, of course, lots of fun. There is also certainly no shortage of birdlife. Accuracy is the key to this course. If you wander slightly the repercussions are severe. The main challenge is to try and end your game with the same number of balls in your bag that you started with!
Yardage: 1680 xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: 7500 ft x Par: 27 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 9

Muthaiga Golf Club

Situated in Nairobi in the suburb of Muthaiga, this course was built and opened in 1914. Substantial recent development provides a great challenge. Over the years it has hosted the Kenya Open Golf Championship and as part of the European PGA has attracted many well-known golfers including Severiano Ballesteros, Vijay Singh and more recently Trevor Immelman. The fairways are tight and lined on both sides with enormous trees catching any wayward shots. Water does come into play on numerous holes, your teeshot on the 9th being especially daunting. Undoubtedly a golf course of the highest standard.
Yardage: 6676 xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: 5600 ft x Par: 71 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 18

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Sigona Golf Club

Constructed out of a wattle plantation, belts of trees divide the fairways from one another. Considered by many to be one of the most difficult courses in Kenya. Immaculately maintained many famous golfers such as Walter Hagen and Dai Rees have played the course. The long hitter will benefit as the lush fairways allow minimal run. Although slightly tiring you will finish saying it was worth it, even more so if you have a good score!
Yardage: 6519 xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: 6600 ft x Par: 71 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 18

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Vet Lab Golf Club

Adjacent to the Veterinary Research Station on the outskirts of Nairobi, this attractive 9-hole golf course is surrounded by coffee plantations. There are also many indigenous and exotic flowering trees such as the beautiful Nandi Flame and the Jacaranda. A quiet setting with narrow fairways and several doglegs to contend with. A worthwhile visit.

Yardage:x 3200 xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: 6000 ft x Par:x 36 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 9

Windsor Golf and Country Club

Situated just outside Nairobi, this really is a difficult course. An introduction to Kenyaxs prime Arabica coffee growing area. Water plays a big role on this course; there is a river that runs by the northern boundary and there are several island greens requiring a lot of precision. It also lays claim to one of the longest holes in Africa x the Par 5 5th measuring 640 yards. A par here would be a great achievement. The course plays home to several troops of monkeys who have been known to pick up playersx golf balls x rules of golf would apply! The Windsor golf course is demanding but interesting.
Yardage: 6751 xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Altitude: 6000 ft x Par: 72 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Holes: 18