Located at the north end of the Kruger National Park, just a short flight from Johannesburg to Phalaborwa, is the Hans Merensky Golf Estate. Bordering onto the Kruger, many of its inhabitants pay scant regard to its dividing fence! Expect to see all manner of antelope, and even warthog or giraffe on the course.

The golf is spectacular too on this championship course, with tranquil pools and lush fairways contrasting against the backdrop of the natural bushveld. Several holes have water features that you have to drive, with added croc and hippo hazards! It can be a bit disconcerting on the 17th as you drive the par 3, with the hippos submerging and remerging in the water next to you. Do you watch your ball or be distracted by these magnificent creatures.

It doesn't pay to stray off the fairways, the 'rough' is actaully quite scrubby bush with a gritty substrate - not great on your clubs. But don't be put off, this course is wonderful and has been described as 'the sort of golf course David Attenborough would design'. Its best to time your round to early morning or to finish as the evening starts to draw in. The light is fantastic and the animals start to venture onto the fairways oblivious to the golfers around them.