Ba-Phalaborwa Golf Resort

Ba-Phalaborwa Golf Resort sits along the central western boundary of the Kruger National Park, close to the Phalaborwa Gate.

Formerly the Hans Merensky Golf Estate, this “golf in the wild” course has drawn golfers to Phalaborwa in Limpopo since 1967. And its 18-hole, par-72 championship layout lives up to that claim: it runs through open bushveld, where giraffe, hippo, crocodiles and other wildlife share the fairways and water hazards.

Facilities include golf cart hire, a driving range and a putting range, a fully stocked pro shop and a restaurant whose deck looks out over the course. It is open daily from 07h00 to 21h00 and serves real, unpretentious food: a menu featuring local flavours and favourite dishes, made well and served generously.

For longer visits, the club currently offers catered and self-catering houses for groups of two to 10, including the adjacent House 310 (sleeps eight) and House 425 (sleeps 10). This makes it suited to golf tours, family getaways and weekend stay-and-play breaks.

But Ba-Phalaborwa isn’t only about golf. It’s also an excellent conferencing and events venue, offering space for up to 170 people, a separate executive boardroom and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.

The property is currently undergoing long-term rejuvenation, which will in the future include opening a luxury spa and reintroducing accommodation.