Golf Course
The Serengeti National Park
Golf Course
18 holes of championship golf on the edge of Africa's greatest wilderness — where elephants share the fairways and sunsets finish every round.
72
18
7,065m
Championship
Serengeti
~1,500m
What Makes This Course Unique
- Only Championship Course Inside an African National Park
- The Serengeti National Park Golf Course is the only 18-hole, Par 72 championship golf course located within a major African national park. Wildlife — including elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, and zebra — roams freely across the fairways with no fences separating players from the Serengeti ecosystem.
- Course Specifications
- The course measures 7,065 metres from the championship tees, with a course rating of 73.2 and slope rating of 132. It sits at approximately 1,500 metres above sea level, adding 5-10% distance to every shot. Fairways use drought-resistant Kikuyu grass; greens are bentgrass blend.
- Best Time to Play
- The prime golf season is June through October (Tanzania’s dry season), when fairways are firm and conditions are championship-standard. This period coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration, when over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra pass through the Serengeti.
- Location & Access
- The course is located on the eastern edge of the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania. Most golfers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer by bush flight (1.5 hours) or road via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (8 hours from Arusha).
A Golf Chapter Within the Safari
View Full Scorecard“There are no fences. Elephants cross fairways, giraffes browse alongside par 5s.”
The Serengeti National Park Golf Course is Tanzania's most ambitious golf development — a full 18-hole, Par 72 championship layout designed to international standards while preserving the untouched character of the Serengeti ecosystem. Backed by the Tanzanian government and developed in partnership with TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority), the course represents a new frontier in sustainable golf tourism.
Spanning 7,065 metres from the championship tees, the course sits at approximately 1,500 metres above sea level on the eastern edge of the Serengeti. The altitude adds significant distance to every shot — most golfers gain 5-10% carry. Fairways are laid with drought-resistant Kikuyu grass, while greens use a bentgrass blend that thrives in the East African highland climate.
What makes this course unique on the planet is its wildlife. There are no fences. Elephants cross fairways, giraffes browse alongside par 5s, and during the Great Migration, wildebeest herds number in the thousands within sight of the clubhouse. Course rangers accompany every group to ensure safety, and the local rule is simple: wildlife always has right of way.
The clubhouse overlooks the 18th green with panoramic views of the Serengeti plains. After your round, cold Kilimanjaro Premium and a sundowner on the terrace is the standard prescription — watching zebra graze as the sky turns gold.
Four Holes You'll Never Forget
3
185
“The Waterhole”
A dramatic par 3 that plays over a natural waterhole frequented by elephants and buffalo. The elevated tee gives panoramic views across the Serengeti plains. Club selection is critical — the altitude makes the ball fly further than expected, and the wind off the escarpment can add two clubs.
5
540
“Kopje Ridge”
A sweeping dogleg left that wraps around a cluster of ancient granite kopjes. Giraffes often browse the acacia trees lining the right side. The second shot must navigate between the rocks, but a well-placed drive opens up a genuine eagle opportunity for long hitters.
4
420
“Migration Crossing”
Named for the wildebeest migration path that crosses this fairway, this challenging par 4 demands a precise tee shot between two balanites trees. During June through October, you may need to wait for herds to clear the fairway — the most uniquely African golfing experience imaginable.
4
445
“Sunset Finish”
The signature finishing hole plays directly towards the western Serengeti horizon. An elevated green offers 360-degree views of the savanna. Time your round right and you will putt out as the African sun sets behind the endless plains — a moment no golfer ever forgets.
Your Playing Partners
There are no fences between you and the Serengeti. These are the animals you will encounter during a typical round.
African Elephant
Herds regularly cross the course, particularly near the 4th hole waterhole. Course marshals ensure safe distances. Elephants have right of way — always.
Giraffe
Masai giraffes browse the acacia groves along several fairways. Their silhouettes against the Serengeti sky create the most photographed moments on the course.
Wildebeest & Zebra
During the Great Migration (June-October), thousands cross the course boundaries. Outside migration months, resident herds of both species are permanent course companions.
Warthog & Mongoose
The burrowing locals — warthog families trot along cart paths, and banded mongoose colonies patrol the rough. Both are harmless but endlessly entertaining.
Best Months to Play
January - February
Short rains ending, green course
Lush fairways, softer greens
Southern Serengeti calving season
March - May
Long rains, intermittent play
Temporary closures possible
Herds moving north
June - July
Dry season begins, cool mornings
Excellent — firm, fast fairways
Crossing begins, peak wildlife
August - October
Peak dry, warm days
Championship conditions
River crossings, dramatic encounters
November - December
Short rains, green-up
Good but occasional rain delays
Herds returning south
Play the Serengeti
Green fees and tee times are included in our Safari + Golf packages. Standalone rounds can be arranged for guests staying at partner lodges. Equipment rental (TaylorMade and Callaway sets) is available at the pro shop.