Arabella Golf Club Golf Course

— About

About Arabella Golf Club Golf Course

Arabella Golf Club occupies one of the most visually spectacular golf sites in Africa, set on the Bot River Lagoon near Hermanus — the self-proclaimed whale-watching capital of the world and one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Western Cape. Designed by South African architect Peter Matkovich and opened in 1999, the course makes the most of its extraordinary setting, with several holes playing directly alongside the lagoon and others threading through fynbos-covered hillsides with views to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The Bot River Lagoon borders eight holes, creating constant visual drama and requiring precise shot placement to avoid water hazards. The surrounding Arabella Hotel and Spa is one of South Africa's premier resort destinations, and the combination of lagoon golf, whale season (June to November), and Cape Winelands proximity makes Arabella one of the most rounded travel golf experiences anywhere on the continent.

— History

History of Arabella Golf Club

Arabella Golf Club was developed in the late 1990s as the centrepiece of the Arabella Country Estate on the eastern shore of the Bot River Lagoon near Hermanus. South African architect Peter Matkovich was commissioned to design a course that would use the lagoon and the fynbos-covered hillsides as its primary design features, and the result — opened in 1999 — integrated eight holes directly alongside the lagoon while routing the remainder through the coastal fynbos vegetation. The surrounding Arabella Hotel and Spa was developed in parallel, establishing the estate as one of the Western Cape's premier resort destinations.

— Signature Holes

Signature Holes at Arabella Golf Club

The par-4 7th plays directly alongside the Bot River Lagoon from tee to green, with the water hazard demanding a disciplined line on both the drive and approach — on mornings when the lagoon surface is still, the reflection of the Hottentots Holland Mountains creates one of South Africa's most atmospheric golf backdrops. The par-3 16th plays across the lagoon itself to an exposed green, requiring precise club selection against the coastal wind that blows off Walker Bay. The par-4 18th finishes toward the clubhouse with the full lagoon panorama as backdrop, closing the round with the same visual drama that defines the course.

— Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Arabella Golf Club

October through April is the optimal golf season — Western Cape summers offer warm, sunny days with temperatures of 22–28°C and reliable conditions. June through November is whale season in Walker Bay, when southern right whales can be seen from Hermanus town, making this the most popular period for the full Arabella experience combining golf with whale watching. The Western Cape's winter months (May–August) are cooler and wetter but the fynbos is most colourful and Hermanus is quieter.

— Practical Tips

Tips for Playing Arabella Golf Club

Arabella is a resort course open to visitors — book tee times through the Arabella Hotel and Spa reservation system. Green fees range from USD 80 to 150 depending on season. The course is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Cape Town via the N2 and R43, and about 30 minutes from Hermanus town. Caddies are available. Combining a round at Arabella with whale watching from Hermanus's clifftop path and a drive through the Bot River wine valley creates an ideal two-day Western Cape itinerary.

— Highlights

Why Play Arabella Golf Club

• ▸ Eight holes border the Bot River Lagoon — one of Africa's most scenic water-side golf experiences
• ▸ Set near Hermanus — South Africa's premier whale-watching destination on the Walker Bay
• ▸ Fynbos-covered hills and Hottentots Holland Mountain views define the course character
• ▸ Arabella Hotel and Spa provides luxury on-site accommodation with lagoon and mountain views
• ▸ Accessible from Cape Town in under two hours — ideal as a day trip or short break

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Arabella Golf Club

How much does it cost to play Arabella Golf Club?

Green fees range from USD 80 to 150 depending on the season. Resort packages combining accommodation at Arabella Hotel and Spa with golf are available.

How far is Arabella Golf Club from Cape Town?

Arabella is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Cape Town via the N2 and R43, near the town of Hermanus on the Western Cape coast.

Can visitors play Arabella without staying at the hotel?

Yes — Arabella is a resort course open to all visitors. Day visitor tee times are available through the booking system.

What makes Arabella Golf Club unique?

Eight holes border the Bot River Lagoon, providing constant water views and strategic challenges alongside some of South Africa's finest coastal fynbos scenery.

Is Arabella near the whale watching in Hermanus?

Yes — Arabella is adjacent to Hermanus, South Africa's premier whale-watching destination. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June to November.