South Africa not only boasts magnificent natural scenery but is also a dream destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. The country has about 450 A-grade and above golf courses, each with its unique style—some are located right by the coastline, with sea breezes brushing your face; others are hidden in valleys, quiet and secluded. On these courses, wildlife often becomes the most natural “spectators,” with antelopes gracefully crossing the greens, zebras or elephants quietly pausing, adding a unique touch of gentleness and charm.
George, located east of Cape Town, is a famous golf resort on South Africa’s Garden Route and a legendary destination recognized by golf lovers worldwide. Forests, sea breezes, lakes, and sunsets blend into the fairways. Fancourt boasts three highly prestigious courses, among which The Links, designed by Gary Player in collaboration with architect Phil Jacobs, is especially classic, as if carved directly from natural sand dunes. Not far away, the Oubaai course, designed by Ernie Els, is built by the sea, stretching elegantly and continuously conversing with the ocean.
On a sunny afternoon with the lawn bathed in light, Lei Jiayin swings here, with the backdrop of rolling mountains and a clear blue sky. Every shot is a breath within the realm of nature.
In Sun City, located in the North West Province, South Africa’s two most famous courses nestle among the mountains: the Gary Player Country Club is known for its exquisite layout, while the Lost City Golf Course features open lines accompanied by bushland and hills. Sun City offers a one-stop high-end experience; after swinging, travelers can enjoy spa treatments, resort dining, and poolside relaxation or savor their vacation time amid the volcanic rock shadows of Pilanesberg.
On South African golf courses, every stroke is not only a challenge but also a feast for the eyes and soul. The legendary “Extreme 19th Hole” at Legend Golf & Safari Resort is world-renowned, where players must take a helicopter to a cliff tee and hit the ball from a mountaintop 430 meters high, combining thrill and ceremony.
Other notable courses include Leopard Creek Country Club near Kruger National Park, the cliffside Pinnacle Point Golf Course, and Wild Coast Sun Country Club on the Eastern Cape coast. South Africa’s golf courses each have their unique features—some rugged, some tranquil—making every swing a deep dialogue with nature, wilderness, and scenery.
Wildlife Conservation Promotes Sustainable Travel
At the other end of the Garden Route, Kwantu Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province is like a natural secret hidden in a sea of grass. It is only a few hours’ drive from the eastern end of the Garden Route and is the first stop for many travelers entering wild Africa after experiencing the coast, forests, and mountain landscapes.
This is a paradise for wildlife, where lion prides rest on the grasslands and giraffes stroll slowly in the sunset glow. Travelers can ride in open safari vehicles with guides to explore the wilderness up close and observe the vitality and power of nature. At night, campfires light up the camp, and the rhythm of African drums echoes across the grasslands.
Kwantu is not just a destination for wildlife viewing but also a microcosm of South Africa’s ecotourism and wildlife conservation efforts. South Africa has long implemented strict nature protection policies, with over 500 official reserves nationwide. Many wildlife reserves enforce limited viewing, habitat expansion, scientific tracking, and other measures to restore populations of endangered animals such as lions, rhinos, and elephants. Kwantu collaborates with researchers and ecological experts to track wild animals with electronic collars, record behaviors, rescue and release injured animals, promoting a more balanced coexistence between humans and nature.
Urban Culture Tells the Story of South Africa
Leaving behind the enchanting and splendid natural scenery, modern South Africa also shines through its architecture. Back in Cape Town, footsteps slow down in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Pink, teal, orange, and yellow houses climb the hillsides like a palette spread across the streets.
This area was once a settlement for early Malay immigrants in Cape Town and still retains a unique cultural atmosphere today. Walking along narrow cobblestone streets, sunlight shines on the colorful walls, and even footsteps take on a joyful rhythm.
Turning the corner, sit down at Cape Town’s famous Truth Coffee. Rated by the Daily Telegraph as one of the “world’s best coffee shops,” this space blends steampunk style with the aroma of handcrafted roasting. Every sip of rich coffee feels like finding a moment of peace in the folds of time.
Leaving the city, extending into the Western Cape Province, is South Africa’s most charming wine region. As one of Cape Town’s “Big 6” iconic attractions, Groot Constantia Winery has a history of over three hundred years and is the oldest winery in Cape Town. In 1679, the Dutch East India Company appointed Simon van der Stel as governor of the Cape of Good Hope. Years later, deeply attracted by this land, he selected a piece of land east of Table Mountain in 1685 for grape cultivation and to enjoy its magnificent scenery.
Groot Constantia Winery is located on this picturesque Cape Peninsula, overlooking the blue False Bay, with vineyards quietly nestled in the steep valleys east of Table Mountain. Covering 160 hectares, the estate enjoys about 1,100 millimeters of abundant rainfall annually, providing an ideal growing environment for grapes, making every fruit plump and flavorful.
As early as 1709, Groot Constantia had planted 70,000 grapevines, and Simon van der Stel produced over 5,000 liters of wine. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the “Constantia Wyn” produced by Groot Constantia was famous in Europe, beloved by royalty such as Prussian King Frederick the Great and French King Louis-Philippe, and even appeared in literary works by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, becoming a “symbolic wine” for healing heartbreak and uplifting spirits. Groot Constantia remains a fully operational estate, producing and selling a wide variety of high-quality estate wines.
As a provincial cultural heritage site and an important place showcasing South Africa’s wine industry heritage, Groot Constantia offers visitors a rich and authentic South African experience. Strolling through the estate, visitors can explore the wine cellar to discover modern winemaking or read stories of colonialism, trade, and wine culture intertwined in the museum-like old manor. Daily wine tastings are offered, including selected fine wines and commemorative glasses, along with carefully designed chocolate and wine pairing experiences. The estate provides audio guides and digital maps to help visitors explore the vineyards, historic buildings, and modern winery facilities more systematically.
Winemakers tell the “story of terroir,” and visitors understand the taste of time through the aroma of a glass of wine. Here, the slight intoxication belongs not only to the taste experience but also to the state of mind, becoming part of the journey—allowing thoughts to slow down and the journey to soothe the soul.
Following Lei Jiayin’s South African journey, it’s easy to understand the captivating charm of this land—it allows the wildness of nature and the art of culture to coexist on the same land. South Africa’s charm comes from its diverse landscapes and the warmth of its people. The urban rhythm of Cape Town, the tranquility of the Garden Route, the vastness of the grasslands, and the silence of the starry sky—all together form a complete travel story.
From the sea breeze of Cape Town to the starlight of the grasslands, from colorful streets to peaceful wineries, every stop is an encounter with “another way of life.”
17°
