GolfA royAl exPerience

F eaturing four of the country’s most exclusive hotels,

three of the leading golf courses and endless activity

options, there’s something to delight every member

of your family. Just like VIp goodie bags at exclusive

award ceremonies and red carpet events, there’s a

little special something included in the Royal experience to make your

time away even more pleasurable. Travellers choosing this experience

will enjoy a complimentary 30-minute back and neck massage at the

Spa at Royal malewane, one free night’s accommodation included

at either la Residence or Birkenhead house and complimentary

transfers to and from arabella and pearl Valley golf courses

unDer the GreAt AfricAn Sky

Your sojourn begins with four relaxing days at Royal malewane, deep

in the african bush, on a private reserve within the greater kruger.

life moves more slowly here and you find yourself mesmerised by the

arresting natural beauty of the surrounding bushveld.

here you’ll experience the thrill of an intimate, private game-viewing

experience and up-close sightings of the Big five all under the watchful

eye of some of africa’s most experienced guides and trackers. many

of the guides and trackers are also highly-skilled and awarded nature

photographers. Why not take advantage of their expertise to brush up

African Fairways’ Royal Experience is the pinnacle of luxury golfing vacation experiences on offer in South Africa. This ultimate Experience plays out over

twelve days of untamed bushveld splendour, picturesque seaside villages, rolling vineyards and glittering white-sand beaches.

on your own skills and create stunning mementoes of your time here.

This colonial-inspired, thatched bush lodge is the perfect respite to

restore your mind, body and soul. You are encouraged to relax and

unwind here and as part of your Royal experience you will enjoy a

complimentary 30-minute back and neck massage at the world-class

Spa at Royal malewane.

meals are a treat at the lodge. The dining room and lounge overlook

the resident watering hole and many a meal is complemented by

wonderful sightings of local wildlife. dining under the stars is a

magical experience you’ll not soon forget. gourmet dishes and exotic

treats will satiate even the most jaded palate. Your luxury Suite is

private and spacious, with muted bushveld tones, complemented

by dark-wood furnishings and the vibrant jewelled tones of persian

rugs. a restful night’s slumber is assured in the romantic four poster

beds made up in crisp white cotton. Snuggle up by the fireplace on

a cold winter’s night or lay alongside your personal rim-flow pool

under a thatched gazebo. The luxuriously indulgent and extravagant

bathrooms with Victorian-style baths also feature indoor and outdoor

showers.

There are many wildlife centres to visit in the area, which can be

arranged as an optional extra during your stay at Royal malewane.

Some of these include; moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation centre, Pho

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hoedspruit endangered Species centre or deWildt cheetah

Sanctuary. for those seeking a little adventure, there are helicopter

flights and hot air balloon rides as well. Your stay at Royal malewane

will leave an indelible impression on your memory and a yearning to

return in your heart.

Perfection, thy nAme iS leoPArD creek

a player in the 2011 dunhill pro-am remarked, “If there is a golf course

in heaven, then it looks and plays just like leopard creek.”

Set under the great african sky, on the southern border of the kruger

national park, lies leopard creek – the result of Johann Rupert and

gary player’s shared vision for the perfect golf course. The course is

a worthwhile three-hour road trip from Royal malewane (or you can

charter a private helicopter to shorten the journey.)

This exclusive course is eminently playable – perfect for enjoying

a round with three of your closest friends and is challenging and

stimulating enough for the world’s top golfers. currently ranked as

the number one course in South africa by golf digest, it has held this

position for six consecutive years, with the exception of 2011 where

it held the number two spot. It is ranked 80th on the 2011 World Top

100 ranking list. leopard creek’s signature hole is undoubtedly the

505 metre, par-5 13th hole. here the green rises 32 meters above the

crocodile River offering breathtaking views up the river and into the

kruger national park. course designer gary player is especially proud

of the par-5 18th with its island green and the par-four 9th with its

peninsula green jutting out of the same body of water.

The course and thatched clubhouse blend into the surrounding

bushveld, complementing and enhancing the area’s natural beauty.

one of the major draw-cards to the course is the chance sightings of

crocodile, hippos, antelope, buffalo and wild boar, either on the course

or next to the crocodile River which runs alongside several holes on

the course. for bird-watchers there are more than 200 bird species to

tick off in your Robertson’s Field Guide.

When the score cards are signed off, and the 19th hole is calling, enjoy

sundowners on the terrace and take in the spectacular sunset over the

crocodile River.

PictureSque SeASiDe villAGeS

after a final morning game drive, it’s time to board your scheduled

flight from hoedspruit airport and move on to the fairest cape and all

she has to offer her visitors.

upon landing, a private road-transfer takes you on a scenic journey

from cape Town International airport to the picturesque seaside

village of hermanus. This quaint village is known as the whale capital

of South africa, and in-season visitors to the area are enchanted

by the many whale and dolphin sightings. here you will enjoy

three splendid nights at Birkenhead house, a magnificent Victorian

recreation perched high upon the cliffs of hermanus. There is an air

of elegant extravagance at Birkenhead house, from its palatial suites,

to the liberal use of silks, antique furnishings and ornaments and the

quirky use of vibrant colours throughout.

What better way to start your day than slowly sipping a cup of your

favourite, freshly-brewed tea or coffee as you gaze out at the splendid

ocean views from the privacy of your balcony.

a stay in hermanus is not just about stunning ocean vistas and a

breathtaking golf course; the area has much to offer during your stay.

arabella’s sublime spa is sure to lure you for a few hours relaxation.

for the more adventurous and inquisitive amongst you, there is quad

biking, shark cage diving, and guided nature walks through the

magnificent grootbos private nature Reserve. meals at Birkenhead

are a fusion of modern african cuisine coupled with cape seafood

and traditional french flair. Strong asian and Italian influences are

also at play here. The focus is on creating gastronomic delicacies

with the freshest local ingredients available. The hotel’s chefs are able

to accommodate individual palates and requirements.

In the evenings, unwind in your Victorian bath tub before slipping

into dreamland in a king-size louis farouk antique bed, or antique

french four-poster antique. The staff at Birkenhead are committed to

creating a truly unforgettable experience for you during your stay. It

is this attention to detail and passion to please that has led to such

international acclaim and numerous prestigious awards.Pho

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A DeStinAtion for PASSionAte GolferS

If you’re looking for South africa’s most spectacular par 5s and you

want to end your round on one of the finest finishing holes in the

country, then you simply must experience the matchless beauty of

arabella golf course.

designed by the renowned peter matkovich, and currently filling the

number four spot on the golf digest Top 100 (2012), this breathtaking

course boasts striking views over the Bot River lagoon and the

kogelberg mountain Range. Its impeccable condition and wide open

play has kept this course in the Top 10 for the past 11 years.

There is something magical about playing arabella, particularly as

you take in the views in the early morning, the sun breaking gently

across the valley. The natural soft hues of pinks and yellows and of

the indigenous fynbos, embrace the verdant greens of the fairways

and entice you to play.

don’t let the spectacular scenery distract you too much though; this

is a challenging and rewarding championship layout. Sea breezes can

play a major part in increasing the technical difficulties, particularly

when playing off the championship tees. While golf carts are the usual

preference at arabella, it does make for a beautiful walk. It’s

very much about balance at arabella and the good variety of holes.

ever cognizant of putting nature first, matkovich designed the course

with a number of left and right doglegs and incorporated many of

the arabella’s natural water features to inject interest and reward for

players. arabella estate is home to a variety of spectacular fauna and

flora including 147 bird species and the odd wild antelope. during

breeding season the bay plays host to one of the largest whale

migrations in the world.

A romAntic AnD inDulGent PArADiSe

Seven days into your sojourn, you’ll wind your way through Sir lowry’s

pass and houwhoek pass, reaching heights of 420 metres above sea

level before entering into the famous cape Winelands. The region is

renowned for its awe-inspiring panoramic vistas and stopping along

the way, to take a photograph or two, is definitely recommended.

You’ll spend your next three nights in the fairytale setting of la

Residence hotel, situated on a 30-acre estate in the franschhoek

Valley, surrounded by majestic mountain views and rolling vineyards.

The uncomplicated exteriors of this cape provencal country house

give little hint of the lavishly opulent interiors of this five-star boutique

hotel. from its chequered marble floors, to its cathedral-style ceilings,

luxurious fabrics, period antiques and resplendent crystal chandeliers

– la Residence is an exceptionally romantic and indulgent paradise.

each luxury Suite is individually themed, with vibrant colours

accenting beautiful, period pieces and objets d’art. The rooms are

This breathtaking course boasts striking views over the Bot River Lagoon and the Kogelberg Mountain Range. Its

impeccable condition and wide open play has kept this course in the Top 10 for

the past eleven years.

large and airy, the linens luxurious and textures are inviting. each

en-suite bathroom is an oversized haven of peace, tranquillity and

reflection. It’s the attention to the smallest details in each suite that

makes for a truly memorable visit. meals at la Residence are as

decadent as their surroundings and guests will be delighted with the

many freshly prepared treats from the hotel’s talented chef.

The cape Winelands have a veritable plethora of wine farms for you

to explore. opt for the more renowned producers or stumble across

a hidden gem at one of the smaller boutique estates. When you’ve

built up an appetite choose from one of the many restaurants that

offer a wide variety of cuisine from simple sidewalk cafés to traditional

and contemporary South african fare. In keeping with its huguenot

heritage, many of the restaurants offer superb french cuisine.

for those with a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely enjoy a tasting, and

the chance to learn more about the story of chocolate at hugenot

fine chocolates. This boutique chocolatier, run by partners danver

Windvogel and denver adonis (both Belgian-qualified chocolatiers),

offers a delectable range of exquisite chocolates made from the finest

imported Belgian chocolate.

This area is also known as the Brandy Route and is home to Van Ryn’s

distillery near Stellenbosch – their 20 year old luxury potstill was

officially nominated as the World’s Best Brandy at the international

Wine & Spirit awards for 2011.

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A PreciouS Gem

hidden between the Simonsberg and drakenstein mountains you’ll

find the precious gem that is pearl Valley golf club. There was no

compromise in layout and design of this magnificent course and it

holds true to its promise of an exceptional round of golf. designed by

the legendary golden Bear, Jack nicklaus, it is easy to see why pearl

Valley golf club is ranked 5th on the Sa Top 100 (golf digest 2012.)

pearl Valley delivers the ultimate in golfing experiences. Surrounded

by soaring mountains, hillside vineyards, natural fynbos and the

mirrored surfaces of clear flowing rivers, the course itself is a rich

hue of luminous all-season fairways, white river-sand bunkers and

dazzling water features protecting large, bent-grass greens.

nicklaus used his wealth of knowledge and experience in the game to

develop a course that is truly in a league of its own. The total length of

the course off the championship tees is 6, 749 metres.

each hole on the pristine course is challenging, with strategically set

bunkers and fast greens. The elements play a role here too, with a

strong north-westerly wind in winter and a salty south-easterly in the

summertime. clever design ensures a variety of conditions on the

course, with all par-three’s and par-five’s playing in different

directions.

pearl Valley’s signature hole, the par-three 13th is visually stunning,

and technically testing, with the greenside bunker collecting wayward

shots. If you’re looking for one of the best par-fives in South africa,

with real ‘risk and reward’, you’ll find it on pearl Valley’s fourth hole

where you’ll cross the river three times on your way to the green.

The course’s tee-boxes are perfectly manicured and the evergreen

Ryegrass fairways are exquisite. Bent-grass greens that run consistent

and true will reward good putting. This is a truly luxurious course.

coSmoPolitAn cAPe toWn

The last three days of your vacation will be well spent in cosmopolitan

cape Town staying at the stylish cape grace hotel.

Situated on its own private quay on cape Town’s V&a Waterfront, the

cape grace has stunning views of Table mountain, the international

yacht marina and the working docklands of cape Town’s harbour.

her elegant and stylish interiors pay homage to cape Town’s heritage

and her gastronomic temptations are plentiful. While the location is

inspiring and the amenities plentiful, it’s the service excellence that

is the hallmark of the cape grace experience. Your time spent here

will encourage many return visits.

There is so much to do in cape Town but we thought we’d highlight

some of the more unusual activities you might like to try while in

the mother city.

If you’re looking for a little romance and a more sedate pace, why

not watch the sunset from the deck of a private yacht moored off

clifton’s beautiful beaches, or enjoy a high Tea at the mount nelson,

Table Bay hotel or The Twelve apostles?

If you’re looking for a little more excitement try skydiving one of

the world’s most scenic drop-zones. If you’re not convinced about

jumping out of a perfectly good plane perhaps you’d be more

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Each hole on the pristine course is challenging with strategically set

bunkers and fast greens.

Pearl Valley Golf Club – There was no compromise in layout and design of this magnificent course

and it holds true to its promise of an exceptional round of golf.

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comfortable glimpsing the curvature of the earth from your seat in

an english electric lightning as it climbs to 60,000 feet at mach 2?

of course if you haven’t had enough golf yet, there’s always the

optional extra of playing a final round at the exceptional Steenberg

golf course in cape Town’s Southern Suburbs. Steenberg is another

one of peter matkovich’s stunning environmentally conscious

courses and features four distinct areas; Wetlands, parklands, cape

flats and fynbos. The course is in immaculate condition and holds

the number 36 spot in South africa’s Top 100 courses for 2012. It

was recently voted into the number one spot on the “Top 20 foreign

golf Resorts 2012” by conde naste Traveler readers.

AfricAn fAirWAyS Profile

african fairways offers featured experiences and Individually

customised Itineraries for luxury golfing vacations, which surpass

the high expectations of the world’s most discerning golf enthusiasts.

The company was specifically established to answer the need

for a dedicated service provider that truly understands the local

and international golf scene, and has well-established personal

relationships both with the courses’ management teams and with

luxury accommodation providers across the country. It is the only

luxury golfing travel company in South africa to be owned and run by

a pga professional.

african fairways directors, malcolm fourie and Steve ellis, draw upon

their extensive experience and expertise in the golfing and tourism

industry, to create specialised packages and individually designed

itineraries for local and international golfers. The dedicated and

professional african fairways team takes care of you through every

step of your journey, from arrival to departure to ensure you have a

sublime holiday experience.

The team has assisted many international clients to organise pro-am’s

out of europe and the united kingdom. They are able to assist all local

corporates to create memorable golfing experiences whether it’s a

corporate golf day, employee incentive or customer-centric activity.

So, whether you’re looking for three weeks of pure golfing bliss

throughout Southern african and mauritius, or simply yearning

for a sublime long-weekend escape for a round of golf in the cape

Winelands, african fairways has a solution that’s just right for you.

for the most comprehensive collection of luxury

accommodation and superlative golf courses in South africa

please visit www.africanfairways.com

To book a luxury golfing vacation or to learn more about

african fairways offerings please contact malcolm fourie

+27 11 469 3701 or email your request to

res@africanfairways.com

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