Vipingo Ridge has once again put Kenya on the global golfing map after retaining the Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue title for 2025 at the 12th World Golf Awards held in Madeira, Portugal. This marks the second consecutive year the Kilifi County lifestyle destination has secured the prestigious continental accolade, reaffirming its place as one of Africa’s elite golf and residential developments.
The World Golf Awards, part of the global World Travel Awards programme, recognise the top performers in golf tourism, world-class courses and destinations shaping the future of the sport. The awards are determined by global consumer and industry votes, highlighting the influence of facilities that deliver exceptional standards and innovation. This year’s ceremony recorded some of the highest participation levels to date, underscoring the growing global interest in golf tourism.
Vipingo Ridge, home to Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course, continues to serve as a magnet for both high-performance golfers and real estate investors. Its 18-hole course, designed to international standards, is complemented by professional coaching, modern club facilities and a wide range of sports and wellness activities. The destination also offers a mix of luxury villas, apartments and serviced residences, which have steadily appreciated in value as demand for coastal living and golf-oriented investment grows.
Speaking from Kilifi, Vipingo Ridge CEO Alex Horsey said the award reflects how the destination has evolved into one of the most desirable real estate and leisure hubs on the continent. He noted that investors are increasingly viewing the coastal enclave as a long-term asset that balances lifestyle with performance.
Horsey added that Vipingo Ridge’s development model prioritises environmental sustainability and responsible growth. The expansive estate features indigenous landscaping, conservation spaces and nature-friendly infrastructure, ensuring that recreation, real estate development and ecological preservation remain in balance.
The 2025 awards featured global winners across multiple categories. Trump International Scotland dominated several categories including World’s Best Golf Course, Europe’s Best New Golf Course and World’s Best Contribution to Golf Tourism Hospitality. Other winners across Africa and beyond included Madinaty Golf Club, Terras da Comporta’s Dunas Golf Course in Portugal, Augusta National Golf Club in the United States and Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong Course in Singapore.
Chris Frost, Managing Director of the World Golf Awards, said the 2025 winners demonstrate the strength, creativity and sustainability shaping the industry. He noted that this year’s voting numbers were among the highest on record, reflecting the rising global appetite for quality golf destinations.
Vipingo Ridge’s win comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to grow tourism diversification beyond traditional safari and beach segments. Golf tourism has emerged as a high-value niche, attracting affluent travelers, long-stay visitors, and international tournaments that bring in both direct revenues and global exposure. Vipingo Ridge has played a leading role in this shift by hosting professional championships and positioning the coast as a competitive golfing destination.
The award strengthens Kenya’s standing as a premium golf tourism hub and reinforces Vipingo Ridge’s role in shaping modern coastal living. The estate’s blend of high-end real estate, elite golf facilities and year-round coastal climate continues to appeal to homeowners, investors and professionals seeking lifestyle properties with strong long-term value.
