Royal Nairobi Golf Club Golf Course

— About

About Royal Nairobi Golf Club Golf Course

Royal Nairobi Golf Club, founded in 1906 during the British colonial era, is one of East Africa's oldest and most prestigious golf institutions and the flagship of Kenyan golf. Set at an altitude of approximately 1,700 metres in the Nairobi highlands, the course benefits from the cool, temperate climate of the East African plateau — a far cry from the tropical heat visitors might expect. The high altitude and frequent afternoon showers keep the Kikuyu grass lush and fast, and the course's mature trees — planted over more than a century — create an atmospheric, shaded parkland environment in the middle of East Africa's largest city. The club's royal designation was granted by King George V in 1935, and the original colonial clubhouse has been preserved and extended to maintain the historical character. Royal Nairobi has hosted the Kenyan Open multiple times, and for visiting golfers it represents an extraordinary opportunity to play historic golf in a city that also offers safari access within thirty minutes of the course.

— History

History of Royal Nairobi Golf Club

Royal Nairobi Golf Club was founded in 1906 by British colonial settlers who brought the game from Scotland and England to the newly established East African Protectorate — at a time when Nairobi itself was barely a decade old, having been founded as a railway depot in 1899. The course was granted its royal designation by King George V in 1935, recognising the club's standing as East Africa's premier golf institution. Over the following decades the course was refined and extended, with the Kikuyu grass fairways and mature tree plantings that define its current character developed through the mid-twentieth century. The club has hosted the Kenya Open multiple times, cementing its status as the flagship venue of East African professional golf.

— Signature Holes

Signature Holes at Royal Nairobi Golf Club

The par-4 3rd plays from an elevated tee through a corridor of century-old trees to a fairway that bends right around a natural depression — one of the most atmospheric driving holes on the course, where the mature tree canopy creates a sense of enclosed seclusion rare in an urban golf setting. The par-3 11th plays across a natural hollow with bunkers tight on both sides, demanding precise carry on a hole where the altitude of 1,700 metres adds measurable distance to every club in the bag. The par-4 18th finishes toward the colonial-era clubhouse with a long approach to a well-bunkered green, ending the round with the most architecturally significant backdrop on the course.

— Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Royal Nairobi Golf Club

January through March and June through September are Kenya's dry seasons — the most comfortable conditions for golf with temperatures of 18–24°C and minimal rain at Nairobi's 1,700-metre altitude. April through June and October through December are the long and short rains respectively, when the course is lush but afternoon play can be interrupted. The altitude means Nairobi never gets excessively hot, making golf comfortable year-round by comparison with coastal Kenya.

— Practical Tips

Tips for Playing Royal Nairobi Golf Club

Royal Nairobi is a private members' club — visitor access requires a member introduction or a letter from an affiliated club. Green fees are paid in Kenyan shillings (KES). The club is on Ngong Road in the Upper Hill district, approximately 5 kilometres from Nairobi city centre. Caddies are mandatory. Nairobi's proximity to world-class safari destinations — Masai Mara is 6 hours by road or 45 minutes by charter flight — makes Royal Nairobi the ideal combination of historic golf and African wildlife.

— Highlights

Why Play Royal Nairobi Golf Club

• ▸ Founded 1906 in the colonial era — one of the oldest golf clubs in sub-Saharan Africa
• ▸ Royal designation granted by King George V in 1935 — Africa's highest-pedigreed golf club
• ▸ Sits at 1,700m altitude in Nairobi's highlands — cool, temperate climate and lush Kikuyu grass
• ▸ Historic colonial clubhouse with over a century of character and tradition
• ▸ Host of the Kenya Open — combines world-class golf with Nairobi safari access within 30 minutes

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Nairobi Golf Club

Can visitors play Royal Nairobi Golf Club?

Royal Nairobi is a private members' club — visitor access requires a member introduction or a letter from an affiliated home club. Contact the club secretary to arrange access.

When was Royal Nairobi Golf Club founded?

The club was founded in 1906 by British colonial settlers, making it over 110 years old and one of the oldest golf clubs in sub-Saharan Africa.

Why is it called Royal Nairobi Golf Club?

The royal designation was granted by King George V in 1935, recognising the club's standing as East Africa's premier golf institution during the British colonial era.

How does the altitude affect golf at Royal Nairobi?

At 1,700 metres above sea level, the thinner air adds approximately 10–15% to ball carry distance — experienced golfers typically find they need one to two less clubs than at sea level.

Can you combine golf at Royal Nairobi with a safari?

Absolutely — Nairobi is Kenya's safari gateway. Nairobi National Park is minutes from the club, and the Masai Mara is accessible by charter flight in 45 minutes or road in 6 hours.