Vipingo Ridge has been named Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue 2026 at the World Golf Awards, adding to Kenya’s growing reputation as a leading destination for international golf and sports tourism.
The award was announced during the 13th edition of the World Golf Awards held in Egypt on November 8, marking the first time the ceremony was hosted in Africa. Vipingo Ridge emerged the winner in a competitive category that featured four other golf real estate destinations from South Africa.
Kenya also secured the title of Africa’s Best Golf Destination 2026, beating nominees Egypt, Morocco and South Africa. The two awards highlight the country’s growing investment in golf facilities, tourism infrastructure and hospitality services.
“Winning Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue is a proud moment for Vipingo Ridge and for Kenya,” said Vipingo Ridge Chief Executive Officer Alex Horsey. He said the recognition reflected years of investment in developing a world-class golf and lifestyle destination that attracts international golfers, homeowners and visitors. Vipingo adding that the recognition strengthened the property’s commitment to supporting the country’s growth as a leading golf tourism destination.
The facility is home to the Baobab Course, the only PGA-accredited golf facility in East Africa. It combines championship golf, luxury homes, hospitality facilities, equestrian amenities and nature conservation areas. Located in Kilifi County, the development covers more than 2,000 hectares and features a par-72 championship golf course, making it one of East Africa’s distinctive integrated lifestyle destinations.
The recognition comes amid growing opportunities for Kenya’s coastal tourism sector. An October 2026 World Bank Country Private Sector Diagnostic report identified the country’s 600-kilometre coastline, safari destinations and established Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector as major opportunities for attracting more international visitors.
The report also highlighted growing demand for experience-based travel, multi-destination holidays and business trips combined with leisure activities, commonly known as bleisure. Government initiatives, including the Draft Tourism Strategy 2025-2030, the Coast Tourism Circuit and the Kenya Coast Tourism and Cultural Heritage Blueprint 2030, are also aimed at strengthening coastal tourism and positioning Mombasa as a regional MICE hub.
The latest awards come a month after Vipingo Ridge received two honours at the 2026 Africa MICE Awards. The property was recognised as Kenya’s Emerging MICE Venue and Africa’s Best Green/Sustainable MICE Venue during the event held in October.
The achievements are expected to strengthen Kenya’s visibility in international golf tourism while supporting efforts to attract more visitors and investment to the country’s coastal region.