This post contains a list of the best golf courses in Kenya. The country is renowned for its breathtaking wildlife, unspoiled landscapes, and wonderful beaches, all of which serve as the perfect setting for some of the best golf courses in Kenya. With multiple world-class golf courses, Kenya is the best golfing destination in Africa, so it comes as no surprise that the International Golf Travel Writers Association named it the ‘Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year’ in 2009.
These are the top and best golf courses in Kenya, listed in no particular order.
Best Golf Courses In Kenya
1. Vipingo Ridge (Baobab Course), North Coast
Idyllically situated on the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, David Jones designed this course, which is the first and only PGA-approved golf course in Africa. It obtained PGA accreditation in 2016. Described as a marvel of engineering, wherein the water gently cascades from its highest to its lowest point, this former sisal plantation has been transformed into a superlative resort with restaurants, bars, accommodation, and more. The golf course also has a PGA Academy, which uses advanced technology such as the Foresight GCQuad Launch Monitor to help train golfers of all ages.
A par 72, 18-hole championship course set high on the ridge with dramatic coastal views, this is truly one of the finest courses in the region. Many people consider Vipingo Ridge to be the best golf course in Africa.
- 18 holes, par 72
- Altitude: 125 metres (410 feet)
- Tee distance (championship): 7,314 yards
Contact: 0700 337 489, 0733 155 155
2. Nyali Golf & Country Club, Mombasa
Located in the affluent residential neighbourhood of Nyali, which is situated to the north of the stream that divides Mombasa Island from the North Coast, the 18-hole course at Nyali Golf & Country Club spans 150 acres and was formerly part of an estate that processed sisal for the manufacturing of rope and twine.
All of the greens at Nyali were built using Polana grass from Mozambique, which is being used today along with grass cultivated at the club’s nursery. There are still plenty of wild creatures roaming the area, and during a round, one may occasionally encounter the club’s mascot, the vervet monkey, as shown on its emblem.
- 18 holes, par 71
- Altitude: sea level
- Tee distance (championship): 6,715 yards
Location: Off Links Road, Nyali.
Contact: 0726 414 477, 0733 414 477
3. Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Nairobi
Playing and staying at the Windsor is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Because the resort was built to evoke the heyday of Kenya’s aristocratic British pioneers, it bears a striking resemblance to the Savoy, Claridges, and Gleneagles.
The golf course, which was created by Tom Macauley to championship standards and spans through gorgeous forests and coffee fields, is regarded by some as one of the greatest in Africa. The course has well over 70 bunkers, in addition to eye-catching water features, making it a challenging but breathtaking course to play. Because of its elevation of one mile above sea level, even light hitters can find an additional ten yards of length off the tee.
- 18 holes, par 72
- Altitude: 1,830 metres
- Tee distance (championship): 7,290 yards
Location: Ridgeways, Off Kiambu Road
Contact: 0722 203 361, 0733 333 217
4. Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Nairobi
In the heart of East Africa’s most vibrant capital, easily reached from all the downtown hotels, this is Kenya’s oldest and most respected course.
- 18 holes, par 72
- Altitude: 1,795 metres
- Tee distance (championship): 7,021 yards
Location: Off Ngong Road, along Mucai Drive, Nairobi
Contact: 0718 810 810
5. Muthaiga Golf Club, Nairobi
Established in 1913 and reputed to be the ‘prettiest course in East Africa’, this is the Grande Dame of Kenya courses and hosts the Kenyan Open, a professional event held regularly since it became part of the European PGA Challenge Tour in 1991.
The Muthaiga Golf Club is located on the edge of the Karura forest. The club is considered one of the pioneers of golf in Kenya, having constructed the full 18-hole course in 1926 after the original 9-hole layout was created in 1913. The back nine of the course winds around many artificial lakes near the clubhouse, while the front nine is set in the more undulating terrain on the other side of Kiambu Road.
- 18 holes, par 71
- Altitude: 1,710 metres
- Tee distance (championship): 7,169 yards
Location: Muthaiga, Nairobi
Contact: 0722 168 720, 0735 359 792
6. Sigona Golf Club, Nairobi
Sigona Golf Club is located near Kikuyu, northwest of Nairobi, on mountainous terrain that was formerly a wattle tree plantation. It is close to the major road leading to Lake Naivasha. Approximately 6,000 feet above sea level, the course is located close to the Rift Valley and was created by renowned English course architect Tom Simpson. It was first opened for play in 1938. Sigona’s beautiful greens are well-known in Kenya, but the track’s intricate contours make it difficult to play.
- 18 holes, par 72
- Altitude: 1,980 metres
- Tee distance (men’s): 6,890 yards
Location: Kikuyu, Along Nairobi-Naivasha Highway
Contact: 0722 600 325, 0725 212 121
7. Limuru Country Club, Limuru
It is well-known for its breathtaking tree-lined fairways and rolling views of farmland and tea country, and it is situated in an area known for its agricultural land and tea plantations in Limuru. Originally opened in 1940, this course played host to the prestigious Africa Amateur Team Championship in 2015.
This 18-hole golf course is located 30 minutes from Nairobi City. It is regarded as the most scenic golf course in Kenya. Since it has one of the best clubhouse veranda views in all of Africa.
- 18 holes, par 71
- Altitude: 2,135 metres
- Tee distance (men’s): 6,739 yards
Contact: 0722 645941
8. Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Naivasha
Kenya’s most spectacular course, this magnificent course offers stunning views of the dormant volcano Mount Longonot and the storm-lashed waters of mesmeric Lake Naivasha. Designed by Tom Macauley, it caused its builder, Thomas Fjastad, great stress due to the fascination it exercised over the local buffalos.
- 18 holes, par 71
- Altitude: 2,088 metres
- Tee distance (championship): 7,107 yards
Location: Moi North Lake Road, Naivasha
Contact: 0711 019900
9. Karen Country Club, Nairobi
The club is named after famed author Karen Blixen but you can ask to speak to the manager if you really must. Established in 1937, this course occupies the former coffee plantation of Baroness Karen Blixen, whose memoir ‘Out of Africa’ was made into the epic 1985 film of the same name. Renovated by David Jones, it offers a challenging and beautiful game.
- 18 holes, par 72
- Altitude: 1,830 metres
- Tee distance (championship): 6,924 yards
Location: Karen Road, Nairobi
Contact: 0733 606 950, 0722 204 431
10. Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort, Diani Beach
Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, this 18-hole golf course is home to the Diani Beach Masters, the largest amateur event in Kenya. The beautiful views of the Indian Ocean make this one of the best resorts for a golf vacation.
- 18 holes, par 72
- Altitude: sea level
- Tee distance (championship): 6,632 yards
Location: Diani Beach
Contact: 0716 430 670, 0733 333 309
11. Thika Greens Golf Resort
Thika Greens Golf Resort is an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course sitting on 36 acres of a well-manicured grass landscape. It is located along Thika Road, 45 minutes from the Nairobi Central Business District. This golf resort has only been operational since 2014.
Location: Old Muranga Road, off Thika-Nyeri Highway
Contact: 0743 849 907
