Characterized with over 40 championship golf courses, all-year-round sunlight and a long list of things-to-do outside the golf course, Kenya is deservedly one of the fastest emerging golf destinations south of Mediterranean seas. Importantly, almost half of Kenya golf courses are situated in the capital Nairobi and its environs. The city set at the periphery of the central highlands not only give the most strategic location to golf while on adventure but also  the right altitude that flies the golf ball 10 yards further than at sea level. When planning for a Kenya golf safari for the first-time proper budgeting is key. You ought to put into consideration the amount of money you spend in the golf swing, on accommodation and cost of extra-activities.

Cost for a golf course

Kenya has some of the most affordable golf courses you can have in the world.  Even though most of the golf clubs charge a hefty membership fee which does not make any sense to an adventuring golfer, most of them allow non-members play on a daily or temporary membership plan. When budgeting for the golf course  charges you need to consider a number of things like:

• Level of Seemingly, all golf courses are ideal choices for experienced golfers with most of them carrying the championship tag. To play 18 holes championship you will be charged an average Ksh 5000( 50 USD). However, if you are a novice with some background knowledge on golf you need a good driving range. In Kenya, you can spend a day in a driving range at a price as low as 5 USD. For complete newbies, the budget will be quite high as you will require a golf course that has a resident golf trainer to take you through short golf lessons to enable you start off. The prices will range between Ksh 2800( 28 USD) to Ksh 14000 ( 140 USD) depending on the hours of training, size of the group being trained and individual golf course rates.
• Number of holes. Most golf clubs charges slightly more when play 18 holes compared to 9 holes. For instance at Sigona golf club you will be charged Ksh 2500 play 18 holes and Ksh 3500 for 9 holes.
• Some golf courses tend to charge more on weekends and public holidays. For instance, at Windsor golf and Country club, you will pay Ksh 10000( 100 USD) to play on weekends and Ksh 7500( 75 USD) to play on weekdays.
• Age of accompanying golfers. If you are travelling with other members of the family who will be using the golf course their age matters. Junior golfers will in most instances pay less than adult.

Notably, besides the golf course charges you should factor in the cost of the balls, clubs and golf cart. Some golf club also require that you hire a caddy and also be in their official dress outfit which will incur more cost.

Tips to manage cost at the golf course

• Compare the green fees charged in all club options you have.
• Only pick the equipment you need
• If you are playing for leisure go for 9 holes
• Consider playing on weekdays
• Take the plan that best fits your experience

Conclusion

It will cost between Ksh 5000 and Ksh 12000 (daily) to play golf in Kenya depending on the choice of the golf course, level of experience and timing. This will be enough to include the green fees, rent  hiring golf equipment and accessories as well as a caddy.

Cost of accommodation

Whereas most of the golf courses do not have accommodation on site, majority are in urban areas where there are a wide range of accommodation options. Notably the best option is a golf course that offer onsite accommodation that will spare you from the hustles of commuting to the golf course. Golf resort facilities can be split into two:

• First tier options. These are facilities that will offer a five star stay besides an excellent golf course. These include:

1. Leisure beach lodge and Golf resort
2. Windsor golf resort and Country club
3. The Great rift valley lodge and Golf resort
4. Aberdares country club
5. The Fairmount Mt kenya safari club

These facilities charges over 300 USD for a standard room. The quality of experience is however top notch. Amenities here are top quality.

• Second tier options. these are golf resorts or residence that offer a midrange to budget accommoadation. Some are designed to fit golf players who are in the country for a longer period by offering long duration accommodation rates ( up to a month stay) at affordable rates. Such accommodation options include:

1. The residence at Karen country club
2. Nanyuki sports club
3. Sigona golf suites
4. Thika green golf resort

These facilities charges can be as low as 100 USD for a room. Some has amenities to keep you occupied when not occupied in the course.

Tips to manage the accommodation cost

• First consider golf resorts.
• Only pick luxury accommodations when on a short trip. When holding in a golf club for more than two weeks choose a golf club in tier two.
• Choose the golf facility that is in the closest proximity to places of interest. Choose a golf course in Nairobi if you are in for a business trip. Go for one along the coast when you are combining your stay with beach holiday and a golf course near a national park when on a safari.

Conclusion

Accommodation cost may range between 100 USD and 500 USD depending on hotel classification.

Cost of Adventure

More travelers prefer a combined golf and bush or beach vacation. Kenya has one of the best game scenes in Africa with over 100 national parks , game reserves and private conservancies. Diani, Watamu and Nyali beaches are some of the best beach destinations in Africa.

Tips to manage the cost of adventure

• Go for golf resorts situated in your destinations of interest. For instance if you are planning to visit Lake Naivasha, Hells gate and Lake Nakuru go for the Great rift valley golf resort. If you are planning to go for beach holiday Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort is the most ideal choice you can have in the country.
• Avoid premium destinations. Destinations like Masai Mara and Amboseli do not have golf resorts. Additionally, accommodation and other relevant facilities are highly priced.
• When your budget does not fit a long safari cost specialize on attractions near the golf course of your choice.

Summary

A golf safari in Kenya can cost you between Ksh 140 USD and 700 USD per day depending on the golf course you pick, accommodation choice and leisure activities you engage in.