Arabella Golf Course
Hermanus
Arabella Golf Course is a spectacular 18-hole, par-72 layout situated between Kleinmond and Hermanus in South Africa’s Western Cape. Designed by respected South African golf architect Peter Matkovich, the course follows the edge of the Bot River Lagoon beneath the fynbos-covered Kogelberg Mountains.
The natural landscape gives Arabella its distinctive character. Sweeping fairways travel through open parkland, indigenous vegetation and sections of mature woodland, while strategically placed bunkers and water hazards demand careful course management. Its combination of mountain, lagoon and coastal scenery makes the round as visually impressive as it is challenging.
The par-five eighth is one of Arabella’s most memorable holes, bringing the lagoon into the experience and rewarding golfers who choose their route carefully. Water becomes influential again during the closing stretch, culminating in the par-five 18th. This demanding finishing hole offers opportunities for an attacking score but can quickly punish overambitious shots.
Despite its championship credentials, Arabella remains playable for a broad range of handicaps. Multiple tee positions allow visiting golfers to select a suitable distance, while the generous fairways provide some forgiveness. Lower-handicap players will find a stronger test from the back tees, particularly when the coastal wind begins to influence club selection.
Facilities include a driving range, putting and chipping greens, a professional shop, coaching and GPS-equipped golf carts. The adjoining Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa provides convenient accommodation, dining and wellness facilities. Hermanus, renowned for its coastal scenery, vineyards and seasonal whale watching, is also nearby.
Cape Town Airport
90km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
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Time Zone:
GMT+2
Currency:
R (South African Rand)
Temperature:
10°C - 32°C
Cost of a Beer:
£2
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£15
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About The Area
Hermanus sits along South Africa’s southern coastline and is famous for its dramatic ocean views, relaxed seaside atmosphere and world-class whale watching. Positioned about 90 minutes from Cape Town, it also offers golfers access to one of the Western Cape’s most scenic championship courses, making it an ideal addition to a Cape golf itinerary.
The region’s standout venue is Arabella Golf Club, consistently ranked among South Africa’s top courses. Set beside the Bot River Lagoon, the layout features expansive fairways, bold bunkering and immaculate greens that demand precise approach play. Water hazards and coastal breezes frequently influence strategy, while the surrounding mountains provide a spectacular backdrop throughout the round. The course blends links-style openness with parkland conditioning, creating a varied and engaging challenge.
Within reach of Hermanus are other excellent Western Cape venues, including De Zalze Golf Club in the nearby Winelands and Steenberg Golf Club closer to Cape Town, allowing golfers to build a diverse multi-course itinerary across the region.
Golf in Hermanus benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler coastal breezes. The prime golf season runs from October through April, when fairways play firm and conditions are consistently pleasant.
Off the course, Hermanus is internationally known for whale watching between June and November, when southern right whales can often be spotted from the cliffs along the coast. The town also offers excellent seafood restaurants, coastal walking paths and nearby vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
For golfers seeking championship coastal golf paired with wildlife encounters, ocean views and relaxed seaside charm, Hermanus delivers one of South Africa’s most memorable golf escapes.
