Bushman Sands Hotel & Country Club

In the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape lies the new Gary Player course – Bushman Sands. The course opened the first ten holes in October 2004 and officially opened with all eighteen holes in October 2005.

The course encompasses a links type layout and is sculptured out of a valley in the bushveld. Unique features of the course include play over an active railway line and a historic graveyard on the 18th fairway.

Holes 2 and 5 share a green, possibly the largest in South Africa measuring 1650m2. The 7th and 8th fairways are nestled between the Bushman’s River and New Years River, which converge on the estate providing another unique feature. The course measures just over 6000m and is a par 71 course.

The award winning Bushman Sands 4 star hotel nestled in the quaint railway town of Alicedale is a delightful blend of rich heritage and modern luxury. The hotel comprises 39 bedrooms around a central pool area overlooking the undulating fairways of the 18 hole Gary Player course. The hotel offers a choice of standard or luxury rooms and junior suites; all tastefully decorated and furnished with locally produced furniture and original art.

The property is part of an exciting revival of the town which fell into ruin after the rail hub was transferred to Port Elizabeth some years ago. A joint venture between Manits Collection and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation has spearheaded this revival and transformed the old college railway building which is a National Monument into the hotel reception, created the malaria free game reserve and has worked with BEE companies to train the employees at Bushman Sands in all capacities. An exciting partnership between public and private entrepreneurship.

Situated on over 4000 hectares of old farmlands, the game reserve offers malaria-free game viewing. The ‘New Years’ dam in the heart of the game reserve was originally built as a source of water for the steam trains and is now used for sundowner cruises.

In addition to the golf course, Bushman Sands offers a spa wellness centre, gymnasium, locker rooms with steam baths and a practise and putting green.

Curios, golf attire and accessories are available at the Sports Centre. The hotel can tailor make conferences for groups of 14 to 90 delegates based in the original train station building.