Kenya has strengthened its position in Africa’s golf tourism market after Vipingo Ridge was named Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue 2026, giving the country a double victory at this year’s World Golf Awards.
The Kilifi-based development beat four other nominees from South Africa to secure the title at the 13th World Golf Awards, held in Egypt on Nov. 8. Kenya was also named Africa’s Best Golf Destination 2026, ahead of Egypt, Morocco and South Africa.
The awards highlight growing investment in golf facilities and tourism infrastructure as destinations compete for high-spending international visitors.
Vipingo Ridge, Chief Executive, Alex Horsey says the recognition reflected years of investment in developing a destination that combines championship golf, residential property and coastal tourism.
“Winning Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue is a proud moment for Vipingo Ridge and for Kenya,” says Horsey, adding that the award reinforced the property’s commitment to supporting the country’s ambitions as a leading golf tourism destination.
Vipingo Ridge spans more than 2,000 hectares along the Kilifi coast and features a par-72 championship course, luxury residences, hospitality facilities, equestrian amenities and nature conservation areas.
Its Baobab Course is the only PGA-accredited golf facility in East Africa, giving the property a distinctive position in the region’s golf tourism market.
World Golf Awards, Managing Director, Chris Frost says bringing the event to Africa for the first time was a landmark achievement, with Egypt providing a championship venue and hospitality for international golf tourism leaders.
The awards come amid growing opportunities for Kenya to attract visitors seeking combined leisure experiences. A World Bank Country Private Sector Diagnostic report published in October identified the country’s 600-kilometre coastline, safari circuits and meetings industry as assets that could support beach tourism and multi-destination travel.
The report also highlighted the growing appeal of experience-led holidays that combine business and leisure, commonly known as bleisure.
Vipingo Ridge’s latest recognition follows two awards at the Africa MICE Awards in October, where it was named Kenya’s Emerging MICE Venue and Africa’s Best Green/Sustainable MICE Venue.