South Africa resort reopens with helicopter-only golf hole

Oluwatosin Alao
Oluwatosin Alao
South Africa resort reopens with helicopter-only golf hole

South Africa’s tourism industry has welcomed the return of one of its most unusual attractions, with the reopening of the Legend Golf & Safari Resort in Limpopo after years of redevelopment. 

Set on the edge of the Entabeni Game Reserve in the Waterberg region, the luxury destination combines championship golf with Big Five wildlife experiences, offering visitors a mix of sport, safari and high-end accommodation. 

The resort was founded by South African entrepreneur Peet Cilliers, who envisioned a destination where conservation and golf could exist side by side.

Over the years, the property became a popular venue for golfers, conferences and leisure travelers from around the world. 

Operations were disrupted following changes in ownership and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the temporary closure of the resort.

A major renovation program followed, including upgrades to facilities and the rebuilding of key golf infrastructure. 

The resort officially reopened in May 2026, bringing three championship golf courses back into operation and restoring one of South Africa’s best-known golf experiences.

Signature hole returns to the spotlight 

 At the heart of the resort is the Extreme 19th, a par-3 hole that has earned international attention for its dramatic setting. 

Accessible only by helicopter, golfers are flown to the top of Hanglip Mountain before teeing off nearly 400 meters downhill toward a 1,600-square-meter green shaped like the African continent.

The hole is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive in world golf. 

“The carry is vast, the views are breathtaking and the challenge is unlike anything most golfers have experienced,” the resort said. 

The resort is also developing shot-tracking technology for the Extreme 19th. The system will record ball-flight data, provide post-shot analysis and capture cinematic footage of each shot.

Golf and conservation under one vision 

Cilliers said the project has always been about creating something that reflects Africa’s unique appeal. 

“Legend was always more than a golf course. From the beginning, we wanted to create an experience that people could not find anywhere else,” he said. “Reopening the resort gives us the opportunity to build on that vision.” 

He added that conservation remains a central part of the business model, with revenue generated by visitors helping to support the surrounding wilderness area.

Luxury stays surrounded by wildlife

Beyond golf, guests can stay in luxury bush lodges designed to blend into the natural landscape. 

Zebras, giraffes and other wildlife roam the wider conservancy, giving visitors an experience that combines safari tourism with world-class golf.

The resort is now accepting bookings from individual travelers, corporate groups and international tour operators as demand for golf tourism continues to grow.

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