Nothing makes us want dust off the old racquet and knock a few balls around more than watching an epic Centre Court final at Wimbledon.
With this year’s competition in full swing (sorry…), we sat down to discuss our favourite tennis courts across Africa.
As usual, we couldn’t agree on a number 1, so here are our favourites in no particular order for a 5-set classic. Don’t forget to pack your tennis whites!
Singita Sabora Tented Lodge
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Our first contender from Singita (who get a couple of mentions on this page) is tough to beat. With a name that originates from the Shangaan word for ‘Place of Miracles’, Singita rarely fail to deliver.
The first set of our dream match is played at this clay tennis court in Tanzania’s Grumeti Reserve (adjacent to the Serengeti National Park) where you can expect to have baboons for ball boys and zebras for line judges.
New balls please! The baboons aren't very good at bringing the balls back...
Desroches Island Resort
Desroches Island, Seychelles
Swapping clay for grass for our second set, we're heading over to the Seychelles.
Set on an island 6km long by just 1km wide, Four Seasons' Desroches Island Resort can only be described as paradise. With stunning beaches, unspoilt luxuriant vegetation and unique fauna and flora, you’ll be wishing we were heading into a tiebreak just to stay an extra 15 minutes here.
Playing tennis on Desroches Island (That table of refreshments isn't going to last long with Toby's serving!)
Auberge Clermont
Franschhoek, South Africa
For our 3rd set, we’re jetting down to South Africa for a set on acrylic at the wonderful Auberge Clermont. We absolutely love this little hidden gem in Franschhoek - not only is it really well located just a short walk from the centre of town, but it's also fantastically priced and run by amazing staff.
We might need to take a break for a few hours while we just go and try a couple of wines from the valley.
Playing in the shadow of the Franschhoek Mountains at Auberge Clermont
Singita Castleton
South Africa
It's just a short hop northeast for our 4th set in South Africa's world famous Sabi Sands.
Singita Castleton is a stunning private property that overlooks a waterhole within 45,000 acres of private reserve. Designed to have the rustic charms of a country farmhouse, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in rural England. Until you see the elephant behind the umpire that is…
Tennis at Singita Castleton
Cheval Blanc
Noonu Atoll, Maldives
For our deciding fifth set, we're jetting off to the Maldives to play at the stunning Cheval Blanc resort. If I'm honest, I'm amazed that we've made it this far!
It's going to be tough to resist diving into the crystal clear water with some snorkelling gear to try to find manta rays and whale sharks. Once our epic match is over, we'll be able to toast our achievement over one of the resorts wines from their truly incredible cellar.
Resisting the temptation to dive into the sea mid-game at Cheval Blanc
If you’d like to play a game at one of these courts, think we’ve missed a cracker, or simply want to challenge us to a game, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can send us an email at safari@bonamy.co.uk or make an enquiry through this link.
James Handley
Born and bred in the South of England, James is Bonamy’s intrepid traveller. When not honing his skills in London over the last decade, he's spent much of his time on self-planned expeditions and a...
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