Hotel Check: Legend Golf & Safari Resort

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Background

Legend Golf & Safari Resort first hit the headlines in 2008, thanks to its unique par-three golf hole, called ‘Extreme 19th’. It’s billed as the longest par-3 in the world, with its tee on the Hanglip mountain and measuring approximately 400 metres, both horizontally and vertically, down to a green below. It drummed up plenty of interest and the resort’s hotel suites opened in September 2009. LGSR is part of Legend Lodges, which comprises safari lodges (Entabeni and Jackalberry), coastal hotels (Dugong and Whalesong) and a country lodge – Zebra.

Where is it?

The other side of Mookgopong (Naboomspruit), approximately three hours’ drive from Johannesburg. From Johannesburg, you head up the N1 north to Polokwane, go through three toll gates, and then turn off to Mookgophong. Once through Mookgophong, about 30 kilometres later, there’s a turn-off to Doorndraai/Sterkrivier. Thereafter, follow signs to Entabeni.

Room Facilities

It’s not a traditional hotel complex, with the rooms located in four or five-room clusters across the property, in the bush, off individual roads. So, the 210 rooms are pretty spread out. What you do get is beautiful views of the mountain and the surrounding bush through the sliding doors that lead off each room. Those rooms also come with a secluded outdoor patio, with our room looking onto the Tribute golf course. The rooms are of a decent size, measuring 36m², and include a small seating area and luxurious en-suite bathroom with double vanity, spacious rain shower (with great pressure) and separate bath. In- room facilities include work desk, flat-screen TV (with satellite channels), telephone, mini-bar, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities and air-conditioning. Very comfortable accommodation.

Restaurants And Bars 

The Signature Course Clubhouse serves breakfast and light lunches, with the golf course a short drive from the hotel rooms. Then there’s Lookout Restaurant, which is nestled between the golf course and the Mmadikiri Dam. It’s open on selected days from 19h00, serving dinner and offering al fresco dining. I thoroughly enjoyed my ostrich dish, although I did think the wine prices were a little steep. The Lookout also offers full bar facilities for pre-dinner drinks. Guest also have the option of dining at one of the five lodges within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, with the offer of an outdoor ‘boma’ meal, as well as silver service – at a set menu cost.

Meeting And Business Facilities

April saw LGSR open the doors to its new R10m 500-seater Queen of Sheba conference centre, which is expected to drive the resort’s conference offering. Further to that, golf events, cocktail functions and gala events, for a maximum of 270 guests, can be accommodated in the Glass Hall, which is situated behind the resort’s Monomotapan-style gatehouse. Smaller events are catered for in the golf clubhouse.

Leisure Facilities

The focus here is the malaria-free Big Five game viewing experience and the championship golf offering. The golf course is unique in that 18 of the world’s top golfers each designed a hole, whilst the Extreme 19th is something you won’t see anywhere else. Besides the championship course, the resort also has a 10-hole par-3 Tribute Course, with replicas of some of the most famous par-3 holes in the world. Further to that, activities and amenities include helicopter rides, a spa and the Wildlife & Cultural Centre, which is home to the Predator, Antelope, Reptile and Raptor centres.

Verdict

Although a little far removed from Johannesburg, it’s a great luxury bush getaway, particularly if you like your golf and game viewing, which also makes it an attractive option for conferencing.

Contact

Address: Haakdoring Rd, Sterkrivier, Limpopo+27 11 729 6700, legendgolfsafari.com

Dylan Rogers


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