exhilirating vibrant innovative unparalleled Firrets South African Golf Getaways
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South Africa needs no introduction. A country once infamous for its policy of apartheid, is now internationally acclaimed thanks to modern day icons such as Nelson Mandela, Gary Player and Christiaan Barnard. Landmarks including majestic Table Mountain, outstretched sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, probably earns this country the honour to call itself the most diverse destination on earth.
You are, however, aware of the above. We invite you to explore one of South Africa’s lesser known attractions. Landscapes of triumph and failure. Landscapes of challenge and success. Landscapes of spectacular nature and natural perfection. Experience the pleasure of being introduced to our country’s select golf courses in the company of Firrets.
Firrets will accompany you on a voyage to places that summon an immediate atmosphere of unparalleled style, sophistication and elegance inspired by Africa. Our around the clock personal service will ensure that you enjoy a carefree and memorable visit. Your requests will be complied with, your every need satisfied. These are trademarks which distinguish Firrets from the rest.
Firrets South Africa is a vibrant and innovative company founded and managed by two very different individuals sharing a similar vision. People are their passion, South Africa their inspiration and golf their business. Firrets is firmly based on trust and personal relations – seeing our patrons satisfied constitute our ultimate reward. Recognising the individuality of a client and understanding their unique requirements, we ensure that no two visits are alike.
Your involvement
As part of our committment to complete client satisfaction, Firrets lets you, the client, decide your involvement in planning your unique visit to South Africa. No matter which option you choose, the result will be satisfactory and rewarding.
The design of every Firrets getaway starts by creating a Client Profile. This is a stream-lined process in which we build an intimate relationship with our clients. Simply request the Client Profile form and complete it in your own time.
After we have received your Profile, we will know how involved you would like to be. Should you indicate the option, we shall keep you updated throughout the design process. We correspond via e-mail, telephone and fax. Your itenerary evolves before your eyes and will prove a very exciting experience.
Of course you may choose not to be continually updated in which case we only take the information you supplied and base our design upon that. The finalised itenerary will then be subjected to your final approval.
Imagine planning your visit to South Africa with us in the comfort of your office or home. As an added service, you have the option to summon a Firrets Tour Planner and in the course of a few short personal meetings your visit will be shaped and perfected in your presence. Even the minutest detailed will be considered and your itenerary will be completed by the time we depart. This option redefines indivuality and constitutes the ultimate piece of mind.
Choice of destinations
After many months of intense and on-going research and site visits, Firrets compiled a shortlist of some of South Africa’s superior destinations. Our selection is based on the attention that these institutions put on individuality and their committment to professional service. Golf is played at picturesque courses presenting a challenge for low-handicapped golfers, while still providing enjoyable options for higher handicaps. Firrets only accomodate their clients in premier hotels, game lodges, guest houses and stunning private apartments – the choice is entirely yours. Our selection of restaurants and other eateries will offer you gastronomical delights complemented by exceptional award-winning wines from local vineyards. All transport on land will be conducted in ultra-comfortable chaffeur-driven vehicles with climate control against Africa’s harshest elements. Longer distances will be covered in aircraft, public or chartered, with scenic flights.
Of course and off course, Firrets is not all about golf. It may be a central theme of your visit, but we shall introduce you to some very entertaining and interest activities. May we suggest a walk through a place of historical interest or would you prefer diving with sharks? Perhaps you would like to soak up the African sun on kilometres of sandy white beaches or engage on a wildlife safari from an air balloon? Whether you choose exploring many fine wines in century-old cellars or sipping it on a sundowner yacht-cruise, Firrets has a list of activities to satisfy even the most discerning client and we would be delighted to share it with you.
Optional getaways
Your visit to South Africa may be for various reasons. Firrets address this possibilty by not only designing holiday getaways, but also the following:
Introduction
The Republic of South Africa is as big as Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom combined; yet it is only twice the size of Texas, USA. Distance is therefore a factor as some of the golf estates are up to 1 800km apart. Firrets have strategically divided the country into four golfing regions each with an unique character. The Cape Winelands, The Garden Route, The Zulu Kingdom and The Northern Region.
Northern Region
Cape Winelands
Garden Route
Zulu Kingdom
About:
This region encompass a very large area with four main destinations. Centrally situated in this region is South Africa’s capital city Pretoria, with its distinctive Jacaranda trees. Bustling Johannesburg, the heartbeat of our economy, is only 25 minutes south of the capital. Circa 200 kilometres to the west you will find the land where the sun never sets, Sun City. And moving 350 kilometres east of Pretoria, bordering the world-famous Kruger National Park, is the village of Malelane. Distance should not be an obstacle as direct flights interlink the respective destinations.
Golf:
On the banks of the Hartebeespoort Dam near Pretoria, is Pecanwood Estate. Rated among the top 10 in SA, this was Jack Nicklaus’ first signature course in Africa. Pecanwood is pristinely conditioned, features 108 bunkers, but remains a very rewarding experience.
Two Johannesburg courses were selected by Firrets. Both are among the country’s top 15. Glendower Golf Club, was declared a bird sanctuary and hosted the SA Open Championship when Vijay Singh took the title in 1997. Royal Johannesburg & Kensington’s East course has an abundance of mature trees creating a soul-stirring sight. The club dates back to 1890 and provides a wonderful atmosphere within the City of Gold.
World-class and ultra-exclusive. Welcome to Leopard Creek. Neighbouring the Kruger National Park, the course meanders through indigenous bushveld and the water hazards are home to hippopotamus and crocodiles! A Gary Player design, the bent grass greens survive the harsh African sun thanks to a state-of-the-art sub-air cooling system.
Nestled in the Pilanesberg valley lies majestic Sun City. It is far more than a resort. It is a little kingdom in its own right. The ‘magical kingdom’ houses two magnificent golf courses: Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Club. Both are surrounded by unkept bushveld, but always in an immaculate condition. If you were looking for an African adventure, you’ve found it.
Activities:
Like all our regions, The Northern Region provides something special for the individual. Sun City Resort alone offers water-skiing, parasailing and other watersports, balloon flights, game drives, bird watching, casinos, nightclubs, many fine restaurants, cinemas, theatres, concerts. It even has an entertainment park featuring the Valley of Waves (a pool with waves and a beach) and a 97m water slide. Between Pretoria and Johannesburg your choices include visits to inter alia the Apartheidsmuseum, Nelson Mandela Square and black townships. Shop at the finest botiques or explore a gold mine three kilometres below the surface. When at Leopard Creek have breakfast in the Kruger Park, delve for diamonds in historic Pelgrim’s Rest and simply admire nature’s splendour at God’s Window. You are guaranteed to rejoice in this region’s innumerable attractions, whether you are eight or eighty._______________________________________________________________________________________
Intro:
Sir Francis Drake called Cape Point “... the fairest cape and most stately thing we saw in the whole circumference of the globe...” The year was 1579. Today Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa continues to impress even the most discerning visitor. The region is renowned for its mountain ranges, vineyards and beach resorts. The historical towns Stellenbosch and Franschhoek produce the country’s award-winning wines on the many mountain slopes. The village of Kleinmond on the Whale Route, is home to the gracious Arabella golf resort, but also within minutes of the picturesque villages of Onrus, Hermanus and Stanford.
Firrets selected only four courses for this region although a few other select courses remain on the shortlist.
On the outskirts of Cape Town lies Steenberg Golf Club. The course meanders through pine forests and vineyards and is situated on the country’s oldest wine farm found in 1682.
De Zalze Golf Estate is situated in the wine capital of Stellenbosch. The course is part of the acclaimed Spier wine estate and you may find yourself searching for your golf ball in the
Staying in the wine region, we move on to Jack Nicklaus’s gem in Franschhoek, Pearl Valley. Pearl Valley is a residential estate with a very tranquil atmosphere. Perfectly conditioned in every way, it provides a challenging but rewarding round of golf.
As you know, there are many fine golf courses in SA and picking a favourite is not easy. But such is the splendour of Arabella Country Estate that it is undoubtedly the choice golf destination in our opinion. A combination of nature and wordly opulence, the uniqueness of Arabella is beyond comparison.
The Cape Winelands Region – choices unlimited. Explore the wine cellars of 17th century wine estates and dine at some of the world’s 50 top restaurants. Swim among penguins at Boulders Beach and enjoy sundowners on majestic Table Mountain. Infamous Robben Island housed Nelson Mandela and other political captives during apartheid, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The 528 hectare Kirstenbosch botanical gardens has more plant species than the whole of Europe whilst the Cape Point Nature Reserve provides arguably the most soul-stirring views imaginable. Ratanga Junction theme park, the many superb beaches and collosal shopping malls is choice entertainment for our younger guests. Cape Town’s night-life with an array of trendy and hip bars, clubs and café’s compares with that of London, New York, Paris etc. Places of interest include the Castle of Good Hope (circa 1666), the Parliament buildings and the Company Gardens (circa 1652). The many interesting museums include the very impressive Natural History Museum with its monumental whale sceleton in the entrance hall. Dive with sharks and fishes at the Two Oceans Aquarium or experience the atmosphere at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Treat yourself with vinotherapy at some of the world’s best health spa’s and feel rejuvinated like never before. We will ensure that you enjoy yourself to the fullest extent, whether it is under water, on the water or between the blue skies and beautiful land.
The Garden Route hosts arguably the finest selection of golf estates in South Africa. Property development has soared over the past decade and attracted investors like Roger Federer and many others. Adjacent to the Indian Ocean, the Garden Route offers spectacular wildlife and nature scenes. From the Knysna forest where elephants still roam to whales frolicking in the warmer waters, it is indeed not be missed.
Regarded as SA’s premier golf resort, Fancourt Country Club Estate boasts three championship golf courses featured in the SA Top 15. With the Outeniqua mountains forming the backdrop lies The Links, home of the President’s Cup in 2003. Playing a round on The Montagu, often called “Africa’s Augusta”, and The Outeniqua, meaning “man with an abundance of honey” is a guaranteed treat for any golfer.
Firrets furthermore strongly recommends George Golf Club, founded in 1896 and a SA Top 10 course, Ernie Els’s impressive Oubaai and spectacular Simola, designed by legendary Jack Nicklaus. The crown prince of the region and a firm favourite of the Firrets directors, Pezula, completes the list of select destinations from this region. The latter three offers breathtaking views of the ocean.
There is an endless list of activities on the Garden Route. Charming villages, towns and renowned beach resorts are scattered throughout the region. Indulge in the region’s many specialities: nature trials, watersports and shark cage-diving. Museums, yacht cruises and fine dining. Fishing, shopping or wildlife safaris. Or simply sip cocktails, build sand castles and soak up the sun on the outstretched beaches. As you can see, every preference is catered for including those of our non-golfing and younger guests.
The East Coast of South Africa is a popular holiday destination all year round. The pleasant, almost sub-tropical climate, magnificent beaches and inviting water temperatures, pleases all. The sugar industry forms the backbone of KZN’s economy and the city of Durban houses the busiest harbour in Africa. It is a truly cosmopolitan city with strong influences from India and Imperial Britain. Despite being the country’s East Coast, KwaZulu Natal is devided into the North Coast (north of Durban) and the South Coast (often referred to as the Hibiscus Coast).
Five choice golf courses are included in our Zulu Kingdom region. The first three forms part of the North Coast, stretching circa 80km from Durban to KwaDukuza (formerly Stanger). We start off at Durban Country Club, ranked as SA’s fourth best golf course. A truly beloved course among locals, it hosted the SA Open Championships 16 times during the past 80 years. Moving north is another SA top 20 course, Zimbali, surrounded by the last unspoilt sub-tropical coastal forest on KZN’s North Coast. And finally there is gracious Prince’s Grant, with unrivalled sea views. Visibilty on a clear day allows you sight of 60 kilometres of pristine coastline .
Moving 45 minutes south from Durban is Selborne Estate, surrounded by wild coastal forest. Selborne was the country’s first golf estate and impress through its individuality. Further south, on the Hibuscus Coast and across the Umtamvuna River, lies the dramatically beautiful Wild Coast Sun Country Club. It opened in 1983 and Robert Trent Jones Jr included six stunning par threes in his design. The course is perfectly conditioned and the greens are the finest in the province. Needles to say, it is constantly rated among SA’s top 10 courses.
Exploring Durban and environs is a must. Experience the cultural diversity by visiting an enchanting Zulu tribal village or feast your eyes on colourful Asian spices at the Victoria Market. Durban is a surfer’s paradise and there are many famous surf spots along the coast. Children will be captivated by Seaworld, famous for its dolphin shows, shark tank and tropical fish. Watch and learn as marine biologists dissect a real shark at Umhlanga Rock’s Natal Sharks Board, the only institution of its kind in the world. Enjoy Wild Coast Sun’s impressive casino and spend your winnings at Armani, Louis Vuitton or Hugo Boss in the collosal Gateway shopping centre. A fusion of local and international cuisine is a delight at the many fine restaurants and cafe’s. If you still have energy at the end of a glorious day, mingle with the locals at the many beach front clubs and bars. Durban’s nightlife is simply superb and comes highly recommended.
Kindly request and complete a Client Profile form to enables us learning more about your personal preferences. A prelimenary itenerary and quotation will be sent to you based on this information.
Alternatively you may request a meeting with a director of Firrets in the comfort of your home or office, and co-create your unique South African golf experience.
We would gladly forward any other information you may require. Information files on South Africa, cities and towns, climate, activities, flights politics, crime and the economy, general tips and recommendations are readily available and may be requested at any stage.
Firrets look forward to your patronage.
Firrets South Africa
Web: www.firrets.com
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