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Kenya: Wildlife Connection That Grabs Global Golf Attention

todayFebruary 10, 2024 2

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Nairobi — Golf has enjoyed a unique connection with the animal kingdom for donkey’s years.

But this connection has rarely been more harmonious than what Vipingo Ridge in Kenya has had to offer.

Vipingo Ridge is home to Africa’s only PGA accredited golf course and indeed the ongoing Ladies European Tour Magical Ladies Kenya Open (MKLO).

And from visitors who grace the now popular LET event, it’s something akin to a surreal experience; seeing wildlife just around the roughs, greens and fairways.

it is an extraordinary thing to be playing golf with the Indian Ocean in the background as a giraffe walks past.

For over 15 years Vipingo Ridge has been developing a sisal estate into a sanctuary for both people and the indigenous Kenyan wildlife.

The picturesque golf facility has focussed on developing Kenyan coastal and marine habitats.

Sports-wise there is a rarity that makes the MKLO venue distinct as opposed to other LET courses.

“Where else would you find giraffes and zebras walking side by side on a golf course with players,” Sports Cabinet Ababu Namwamba remarked during the official launch of the Magical Kenya Open and MKLO in a function held at Muthaiga Golf Club.

So how did this vision of conservation come to fruition?

In 2006 the development team began to focus on native species of plants and trees. As well as growing and planting, they also restricted the growth of invasive non-indigenous flora and fauna.