If you’ve recently moved to Uganda, you must have realized by now why the nation otherwise known as the Pearl of Africa has “Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty” as its national anthem. The country’s climate, color, life, scenery, and magnificence are so unrivaled that even National Geographic could not resist picking it as one of its amazing Travel Destinations in Africa.
Enjoying the sights, food, and culture is one thing, however, but there’s nothing that beats participating in one of Uganda’s legendary golfing tours. As the name suggests, these tours combine golfing as a sport with adventure safaris. You essentially get to engage in your favorite club swinging sport as you take in amazing sights of Uganda’s rich scenery and her wildlife in their natural habitat. How’s this possible?
Some of the golf courses in Uganda are just under an hour’s drive from nearby national parks, while others are walking distances from the major cities in their particular districts. What’s more, Uganda’s great weather means that it’s golf season all year round. Enough with the preliminaries. Let’s dive right into what constitutes the top golf courses in Uganda today.
1. Lake Victoria Serena Golf Course
The Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa boasts one of Uganda’s finest championship golf courses.
Founded in 2009 and located at Lweza-Kigo, off Entebbe Road and just 30 kilometers from Entebbe International Airport, this golf course sits on 83.5 hectares of prime lakeshore land.
Golfers get to enjoy sweeping views of Lake Victoria as part of the stimulating course layout designed by Golf Plan USA. Additionally, both golf newbies and pros can make use of the available Academy which acts as a schooling and training facility.
Among the unique features you can expect when you visit this 18-hole, par 72, and 7262 yards-in-length golf course is its location on a green island and the use of Bentgrass—a first in Uganda.
Additionally, there’s a short game area, chipping green, and a practice bunker, all of which are designed to replicate various shot areas.
Golf club members, hotel guests, and members of the public are also free to enjoy the Italian-inspired Club House that comes complete with a bar, restaurant, Coliseum event venue, and a Golf Pro shop.
2. Uganda Golf Club
The Uganda Golf Club, which consists of one 18-hole, par 72 golf course measuring 6732 yards in length from the Blue Tees, has been offering golfers a fair test of skill and patience since it was founded in 1908.
It’s located in the heart of Uganda’s capital, Kampala City, and one of its claims to fame is that it remains the last expansive stretch of greenery in the city.
Naturally, the Kitante stream, which runs to Lake Victoria right through the valley in which the Uganda Golf Club is set, makes for a remarkable sight and experience.
Some of the features that golfers can expect when they visit this golf course include undulating fairways, a 300-yard long driving range, and putting and chipping areas. Handy features these, especially as this golf course hosts sponsored tournaments weekly for its members.
Two full-sized practice areas allow golfers to polish all areas of their game, while a Pro Shop that even stocks umbrellas ensure they are properly outfitted. The game must go on, light showers or not.
A Bar & Grill facility affords members and guests a chance to lounge leisurely, while a Weight Room ensures no one skips a gym workout they need, as well as a relaxing massage afterward.
3. Entebbe Golf Course
The Entebbe Golf Course was the first golf course to be opened in East Africa, followed by the Uganda Golf Course in Kampala.
Founded in 1901, this golf club is a par 71 course with 18 holes that are located in Entebbe, on the very banks of Lake Victoria. An interesting fact about this course is that it’s opposite the Presidential State House.
Golfers can expect to be treated to broad and generous fairways, as well as water features that glisten while adding some sparkle to their rounds.
Other exciting features include the Botanic Gardens and the Zoo. There’s also a modern clubhouse that’s equipped with Satellite TVs, a well-stocked bar and restaurant for both club members and guests, as well as changing rooms that are complete with showers.
The Entebbe Golf Course, which measures 6684 yards, has hosted major tournaments since its establishment, and it meets international standards.
4. Jinja Golf Course
Established at Jinja, near the source of the River Nile, in 1912, the Jinja Golf Course measures 5926 yards and has 9 holes that total to par 72.
It’s a popular golf course that has hosted several successful tournaments annually, and it also doubles up as a favorite destination for tourist golfers thanks to its strategic location.
Patrons will find there’s a rental service for carts, pull carts, and clubs. There’s also putting green and a driving range, as well as a teaching pro available.
There’s a bar and restaurant, as well as a clubhouse at the Jinja Golf Course. Additionally, members and guests can engage in activities such as billiards (shooting pool) and swimming, and playing tennis and squash.
The adventurous golfer can take a break from the swinging and the putting by visiting the nearby Nile Park to see the source of the Nile. Other activities include taking a sunset cruise at Jinja, trying out white water rafting and jet boating, and attempting bungee jumping.
Some of the facilities available for patrons at the course, however, include a tennis court, swimming pool, snooker room, squash house, and a restaurant.
5. Toro Golf Course
Not to be confused with Tororo Golf Club, Toro Golf Club is located at Fort Portal along Toro Road, where it has the Rwenzori Mountains of Western Uganda backdropping it.
The golf course itself is located on the gentle slopes of Booma Hills, measures 5816 yards, and has 9 holes with a par of 70. It was built in 1918.
Patrons get to enjoy the mature trees that line the long sweeps of its fairways, and the more than 50 volcanic crater lakes that are in the course’s neighborhood.
Available facilities include a lounge, clubhouse, and putting green for practice. While there’s no driving range, carts and pull carts are available, as are clubs and caddies.
Those interested in a little bit of adventure and tourism can benefit from the course’s proximity to Kibale National Park, renowned for chimpanzee tracking, as it’s less than a 30-minute drive away.
Additionally, the Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as Semiliki Hot Springs, are only an hour’s drive away.
Top Golf Clubs and Golf Courses in Uganda, Summarized
Perhaps you’d appreciate getting the most relevant details of all the top golf courses in Uganda in one place. Here’s a table that neatly sums up their names, par, and number of holes, as well as their length.
| Name | Holes | Length | Par | Location |
| Lake Victoria Serena Golf Course | 18 | 7262 Yards | 72 | Lweza-Kigo off Entebbe Road |
| Uganda Golf Club | 18 | 6732 Yards | 72 | Kampala |
| Entebbe Golf Course | 18 | 6684 Yards | 71 | Entebbe |
| Jinja Golf Course | 9 | 5926 Yards | 72 | Jinja |
| Toro Golf Club | 9 | 5816 Yards | 70 | Fort Portal, near Kibale National Park |
| Garuga Golf and Country Club | 18 | 7189 Yards | 71 | Kihihi Kanungu, near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Kabale Golf Club | 9 | 7483 Yards | 69 | Kabale |
| Tororo Golf Club | 18 | 6352 Yards | 72 | Tororo |
| Mehta Golf Course | 18 | 6200 Yards | 72 | Lugazi |
| Kilembe Mines Golf Course | 18 | — | 73 | Kasese (On the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains) |
