Zebula Golf Course
Zebula Golf Course
4
About
Zebula Golf Course is a classic Bushveld par 72 course, set in the open plains of the reserve with herds of game roaming freely. The course is relatively flat yet undulating, inviting to play with generous fairways and clusters of trees that act as hazards. Voted the Golf Digest's Best New Golf Course 2004 and awarded the 5-star Golf Experience for 2010 by Compleat Golfer, Zebula has matured wonderfully over the past few years into a truly great course to play. Zebula was designed by the legendary Peter Matkovich, a golf professional for 25 years, and a world-respected golf course designer for more than 15 years. When it comes to golf course design, first and foremost Peter is an environmentalist - seamlessly blending nature and design to create golf courses that are inherently sensitive to local environments. In fact, love for the indigenous remains a cornerstone of his designs; to him, golf should offer a retreat, an escape, from one's busy life.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
78 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
24
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Golfingbird2
Madrid, Spain18 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
What a treat - we were 4 couples on a golf holiday in South Africa, and visited the Zebula golf club and lodges about a week ago. After a big disappointment at the Legend the day before, we arrived at Zebula for golf and overnight stay.
The day began with a snack at the clubhouse before tee off. We found a challenging golf course in great condition right out there in the wild. The course is long, with lots of challenging shots, but it is fair - you can see from the tee what the idea is on each hole. We saw a lot of wildlife on the course - wildebeest, warthogs, impala, zebra, springbok, eland, nyala to mention some, and yet the course is kept fairly free from large piles of dropping. You will find some hoof- and footprints on tees and greens, but the staff are working constantly to keep the animals off the greens. In the afternoon all greens are meticulously fenced with rope, as the day's last players finish each hole. In the late afternoon we saw zebra, nyala and wildebeest coming up to the clubhouse.
After the game we had time for a drink on upstairs terrace at the clubhouse, which is in the traditional African style, very comfy and cosy. We checked in to our rooms, placed in individual cottages, a short walk from the clubhouse. We loved the huge, luxurious rooms with both indoor and outdoor showers, great domed grass roofs, gigantic comfy beds.
Dinner was at the clubhouse, and we enjoyed some lovely scallops in cream sauce followed by kudu steaks. The winelist offered a good selection of South African wines, and the service was attentive and friendly.
We loved Zebula so much that we changed our plans and played one more round of golf the next morning before leaving.
This time we had only the one overnight stay, but if you are there longer, you can go on game drive or check out the animals that are kept at Zebula - we said hello to two lion cubs.
For next time, we found out that Zebula also offers villas with multiple bedroom suites, - definitely something to consider for groups travelling like we did.
Thanks for a great experience, Zebula!
The day began with a snack at the clubhouse before tee off. We found a challenging golf course in great condition right out there in the wild. The course is long, with lots of challenging shots, but it is fair - you can see from the tee what the idea is on each hole. We saw a lot of wildlife on the course - wildebeest, warthogs, impala, zebra, springbok, eland, nyala to mention some, and yet the course is kept fairly free from large piles of dropping. You will find some hoof- and footprints on tees and greens, but the staff are working constantly to keep the animals off the greens. In the afternoon all greens are meticulously fenced with rope, as the day's last players finish each hole. In the late afternoon we saw zebra, nyala and wildebeest coming up to the clubhouse.
After the game we had time for a drink on upstairs terrace at the clubhouse, which is in the traditional African style, very comfy and cosy. We checked in to our rooms, placed in individual cottages, a short walk from the clubhouse. We loved the huge, luxurious rooms with both indoor and outdoor showers, great domed grass roofs, gigantic comfy beds.
Dinner was at the clubhouse, and we enjoyed some lovely scallops in cream sauce followed by kudu steaks. The winelist offered a good selection of South African wines, and the service was attentive and friendly.
We loved Zebula so much that we changed our plans and played one more round of golf the next morning before leaving.
This time we had only the one overnight stay, but if you are there longer, you can go on game drive or check out the animals that are kept at Zebula - we said hello to two lion cubs.
For next time, we found out that Zebula also offers villas with multiple bedroom suites, - definitely something to consider for groups travelling like we did.
Thanks for a great experience, Zebula!
Written 28 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Golfingbird2,
Firstly thank you so much for writing such kind comments.
We are truly ecstatic to hear you’ve enjoyed your round of golf so much that you’ve extended your visit. At Zebula we pride ourselves in exceeding GUESTS expectations, and we are very delighted to hear we’ve exceeded your expectations.
We look forward to hosting you again with your next visit to South Africa.
Kind Regards
The Zebula TEAM
Written 13 March 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phatcat29
Midrand, South Africa105 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
Golf tour with 2 4 balls. Stayed at Bushwillow Lodge 116. What an awesome place with a pool and a massive patio with no one in the distance. The course is a bit dry due to the lack of rain. Greens are in good condition, fairways not that great. Needs a lot of rain.
Written 28 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Bushveld can be a hard mistress we have installed a new irrigation system that has resulted in the golf course being in it's the best condition in years. Come give it a try
Written 6 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ATonyK
Johannesburg, South Africa2 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Can golf clubs be hired at the golf course?
If so, what is the cost to hire?
Is a booking requited then?
If so, what is the cost to hire?
Is a booking requited then?
Written 4 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A very late response but for future reference yes golf clubs can be hired at our Pro shop
Written 6 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael P
Camps Bay, South Africa8 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
Booked a tee time for 12:30. Arrived on time and club had put 5 four balls in front of us saying we need to wait another hour and a half. Had to cancel out booking and ask for our money back. Will never be supporting zebula country club again.
Unacceptable when you have a booking at 12:30 and then you need to tee of 2pm. Nobody would be able to finish. If you need to pay a premium price and get treated as if you are not welcome.
Unacceptable when you have a booking at 12:30 and then you need to tee of 2pm. Nobody would be able to finish. If you need to pay a premium price and get treated as if you are not welcome.
Written 7 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your time on the course. Post-Covid Lockdown we did experience a number of hiccups and a surge of players which did result in some backups. However, this has now been rectified and we are sure that if you had to come and play again you will not experience the same delays. It has been a crazy year and we hope you understand.
Written 4 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tanya H
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa11 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
If you are looking for Sandton in the Bush, this place is for you. If you are looking for peace and quiet give it a skip and head for something like Mabula instead. Can't comment on the golf course itself as I don't play golf.
Written 27 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Tanya H,
Thank you for taking the time to write your comments.
At Zebula our aim is not only to meet GUESTS expectations but to exceed, and we are truly saddened that we could not meet your expectations.
We would definitely suggest our private rental homes as an alternative option if you prefer a more secluded bush experience instead of the Bush Lodge closer to the Club House.
Kind regards
The Zebula TEAM
Written 24 November 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tarryn W
2 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
Myself and a friend were staying in a nearby lodge and decided to go play golf at Zebula. Upon arrival we were told that the area was experiencing a 4 year long drought so we were told that we would be given the drought rate of R310 as apposed to the R350 a lodge guest would normally play. I understand that the club is experiencing a big drought but the course is in a disgraceful condition and should not be anywhere near the number 50 in the country that it is. Half way was very average too with an extremely limited menu leaving us with a pie. The course should not be operational in my opinion and if the drought has been ongoing for 4 years what steps have been taken to try and secure some sort of water for the course? Is it ok to just take people's money for 4 years and do nothing about the serious issue at hand and just let people play and damage the course even further. At the current state it is in, if they had adequate rainfall it would take years and years to rectify the damage that has been caused. The fairways are very poor and sometimes we found ourselves playing off gravel in the middle of the fairways. Something needs to be done. An extremely overrated experience was had at Zebula.
Written 4 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Tarryn G
Thank you so much for your feedback with regards to your experience at Zebula Golf Estate & Spa. Thank you for bringing the halfway house meals to our attention and we have sent your feedback to the relevant department in order to ensure that this is an isolated incident.
Please could you provide your email or contact number in order for us to call you with regards to the drought and condition of the course.
Regards,
Hayley Poole
014 734 7700
Written 6 October 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gary B
London, UK64 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
We have just returned from our golf holiday at Zebula with our excellent host Nico Els. The course is very good and has lots of wild life to view from wildebeest,zebra and monkeys. The guys in the pro shop were very friendly and helpful. This is a great place to stay and play
Written 5 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Gary B
Thank you so much for reviewing our property and for providing such positive feedback. I have passed your thanks onto the Proshop and looking forward to hosting you with Nico hopefully soon.
Regards,
Hayley Poole
Zebula Golf Estate & Spa
Written 8 April 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ana Souto
New York City, NY9 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Great place - The rooms are spacious & staff very friendly and helpful. A range of activities. Was disappointed by the food in the restaurant
Written 25 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear P6102Mlanas
Many thanks for your review received. Please be so kind as to advise with regards to the restuarant and service you received, so we can pinpoint this, and ensure that this can be dealt with immediately.
Regards,
Hayley Poole
Written 27 October 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CandiceLane
JHB95 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
We visited Protea Zebula on a trip for a golfing event. To breakdown our stay:
1. Dinner on first night was freezing cold
2. Second night dinner was crap (to put it nicely)
3. The "FREE" wifi DOES NOT WORK - not even to send a short one liner email.
4. They had LOUD MUSIC on the second night - even my room windows rattled.
5. The manager at dinner on the second night was so ride and obnoxious its a miracle she is in the hospitality industry.
6. You get given PLASTIC STIRRERS to stir your tea/coffee in the morning - NOT a teaspoon in sight (not 4* if you ask me)
7. The fruit at breakfast is TINNED fruit - your selection of fresh fruits is one or two banana's and a couple of grapes
8. They offer omelettes on the breakfast menu, but when we tried to order we were told by the chef that he only makes them on a FRIDAY (pity for us it was a MONDAY)
9. The toilet in our room leaked for the FULL 5 DAYS and even after reporting it & leaving a note it wasn't fixed.
10. The customer service was NON EXISTENT, bar for one nice waiter named CLEVER who tried his best to assist us as far as he was capable - slightly difficult when you have no support from management!
11. Breakfast Buffet is a complete RIP OFF - worthwhile to order a toasted sandwich rather!
12. They DEMAND you pay your full accommodation account 30 days prior to arrival (which we did) only to be surprised that it was STILL on the bill on check out!
13. The dinner looked like HOSTEL food - sloppy and drowned in sauces - probably to disguise the fact its tougher than nails and tastes the same!
If it wasn't for the golf tournament there I would have checked out after dinner on day one!
The only plus - the rooms are spacious!
1. Dinner on first night was freezing cold
2. Second night dinner was crap (to put it nicely)
3. The "FREE" wifi DOES NOT WORK - not even to send a short one liner email.
4. They had LOUD MUSIC on the second night - even my room windows rattled.
5. The manager at dinner on the second night was so ride and obnoxious its a miracle she is in the hospitality industry.
6. You get given PLASTIC STIRRERS to stir your tea/coffee in the morning - NOT a teaspoon in sight (not 4* if you ask me)
7. The fruit at breakfast is TINNED fruit - your selection of fresh fruits is one or two banana's and a couple of grapes
8. They offer omelettes on the breakfast menu, but when we tried to order we were told by the chef that he only makes them on a FRIDAY (pity for us it was a MONDAY)
9. The toilet in our room leaked for the FULL 5 DAYS and even after reporting it & leaving a note it wasn't fixed.
10. The customer service was NON EXISTENT, bar for one nice waiter named CLEVER who tried his best to assist us as far as he was capable - slightly difficult when you have no support from management!
11. Breakfast Buffet is a complete RIP OFF - worthwhile to order a toasted sandwich rather!
12. They DEMAND you pay your full accommodation account 30 days prior to arrival (which we did) only to be surprised that it was STILL on the bill on check out!
13. The dinner looked like HOSTEL food - sloppy and drowned in sauces - probably to disguise the fact its tougher than nails and tastes the same!
If it wasn't for the golf tournament there I would have checked out after dinner on day one!
The only plus - the rooms are spacious!
Written 6 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear CandiceLane,
As per your comments on the Protea Zebula Lodge Tripadvisor page, on behalf of Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, I would like to humbly apologise for your experience during the Golf Tournament. We are extremely saddened by the events, as we at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa pride ourselves in delivering the best GUEST service and strive to get the basics right consistently.
We have discussed the matter with the all the Head of Departments involved and we have taken the appropriate action to rectify the situation and ensure that this does not happen in future. I can assure you, subsequent to these meetings, that the issues you experienced during your stay have been resolved.
In conclusion please allow me to thank you for taking the time to report your constructive criticism as it is absolutely necessary for us to get feedback from our GUESTS. Your experience most certainly does not reflect the high standard that Zebula Golf Estate and Spa are proud to offer.
Kind Regards
The Zebula TEAM
Written 24 November 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nogranny
63 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
You can get in a cage with baby tigers. For me and the kids, it was a highlight of a three week trip. The staff is friendly and the tigers are a blast! It was incredible to be able to play with the tigers and lions. It is SO worth the time to drive there and the money. You can do the elephant experience as well. But the tigers....they are what all three of my kids talk about. Ages 17, 14, 10
Written 31 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Nogranny,
Thank you for taking the time to write your kind comments.
We are truly happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed the interactions with our Tiger and Lion cubs.
We hope to host you and your family again in the near future.
Kind regards
The Zebula TEAM
Written 24 November 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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