Arabella Golf Course

Slightly further afield, about an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town, near Hermanus, is the Arabella Hotel, Golf and Spa. The Arabella Estate is home to a superb golf course with stunning homes, that are dotted around the fairways. This course is continually ranked in the top 10 in South Africa  and is one of our favourites. In 2023 it has been voted 7th best course in the country and 2nd in the Western Cape, only outranked by Pearl Valley. It is well worth making the effort to visit as part of a South Africa golf holiday or when staying in the Cape Town area.

Next to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, the course has links, parkland and coastal aspects to it, with wide rangy fairways, deceptively placed bunkers, and the inevitable water hazards. The course borders the largest natural tidal lagoon in Southern Africa, with the 9th, 17th and 18th holes running parallel to the lagoon. The water comes into play on a couple of other holes where the green is set on a peninsula surrounded by water. Over-shooting the green is definitely not an option.

The start of the course rises gently uphill to the holes located at the back of the course which winds through houses. Fairways are wide and reasonably flat until you reach the 8th which is the signature hole down to the lagoon. There are superb views out to the distant coast line, beyond the shallow waters. The next 10 holes play along the lower slopes, closer to the lagoon and as a consequence the sea breezes come into play much more. The course is easy and enjoyable to walk.

We believe that it is a ‘must-play’ course as part of a golfing holiday on the Garden Route or it can be reached as a day trip from Cape Town. Either way, it is a superb course that shouldn’t be missed.

The Arabella course is part of the The Arabella Hotel, Golf and Spa complex, voted one of the top spas in South Africa. The Spa offers treatments and massages – perfect for non playing partners or weary golfers! The 5* hotel offers spacious rooms with views of the lagoon or the expansive swimming pool and gardens. There are a number of dining options on site making it a perfect place for a stay and play break. If you prefer more B&B style accommodation or want to be in central Hermanus we have plenty of suggestions.

For more information about South Africa golfing or staying and playing the Arabella course, contact us here or call +44 208 249 5919 to speak to our South Africa golf holidays team.