Rabat is Morocco's political and cultural heart and a premium destination for golfers. With its calm atmosphere, lush green spaces, and world-class courses, Rabat stands out as one of North Africa’s best places for a golf holiday. If you are a seasoned player or an amateur looking to tee off in a scenic setting, Rabat blends sport and culture in a way few cities can. The first step is to rent a car in Rabat. This way, you can visit the top golf courses and explore nearby attractions more easily. Let’s dive into the city's top golf courses and unique experiences.
Planning a golf trip to Rabat is simple, but a few smart tips can help you get the most out of it.
Just 15 kilometers from the city center, Royal Golf Dar Es Salam isn’t just the best golf course in Rabat—it’s one of the finest in Africa. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this estate was commissioned in the 1960s by King Hassan II, a passionate golfer who wanted a course that would stand the test of time. The king brought in Robert Trent Jones, one of history's most respected golf course designers.
This vast golf complex sits inside a cork oak forest, filled with flowers, water features, and native wildlife. You may even need to pause your swing while coots, geese, or flamingos wander across your line of play. With three courses—the Red, Blue, and Green—and a total of 45 holes, it offers variety, challenge, and beauty in one place. Many golfers in Rabat say it feels more like a natural park than a golf course. Thick trees or natural lakes surround every hole. It’s a place for golf lovers who appreciate good design, maintenance, and unforgettable moments on the green.
If you want to play where the pros play, this is it. The Red Course is the crown jewel of Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. It’s a par-73 course that stretches over 7,300 yards. Also, it has hosted major events like the Moroccan Open and the prestigious Hassan II Trophy, part of the European PGA Tour. For more than 40 years, this course has welcomed some of the best golfers in the world.
What makes the Red Course truly special is how it blends technical challenges with natural elegance. The fairways wind through forests, the bunkers are deep and well-placed, and the greens are fast and smooth. Then comes the par-3 ninth hole, one of the most photographed holes in Morocco. You aim for a small island green surrounded by water, bamboo, and sometimes a few curious flamingos. Most players end up wet. And humbled.
This course has seen golf legends like Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, and Lee Trevino. Even Morocco’s top-ranked golfer, Bendiab Abdullah, once worked here as a driver before turning pro and winning a national title. While the Red Course is kept to championship standards, it’s still playable for everyday golfers. Just be prepared to bring extra balls and a good attitude.
Don’t worry if you’re not ready for the challenge of the Red. The Blue Course is just as beautiful and was also designed by Robert Trent Jones. It features shorter holes, smoother fairways, and fewer hazards, though it still includes dog-legs and water traps that make every hole enjoyable. It’s ideal for mid-level players or warming up before trying the Red.
The Green Course is a compact 9-hole course perfect for new players, families, or those with limited time. With a quicker round and less pressure, you can still enjoy the peaceful setting and quality greens. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to playing golf in Rabat without diving into the deep end.
What makes Royal Golf Dar Es Salam shine is the whole experience. This isn’t just a place to golf, but it’s a full luxury sports complex. The facilities include:
After your round, you can unwind at the clubhouse, which features a bar, restaurant, and VIP cigar lounge. There’s also a Japanese garden, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center on-site. You’re not just coming here to play but to relax, socialize, and enjoy the Moroccan golf lifestle. And since it’s only a short drive from the city, it’s easy to rent a car in Rabat and reach the course in minutes.
Playing golf doesn’t end with Dar Es Salam. If you want something modern, scenic, and ocean-kissed, head north to The Montgomerie Rabat in Plage des Nations Golf City between Rabat and Kenitra. This 18-hole course was designed by Colin Montgomerie, a Ryder Cup legend, and opened in 2017. This is one of Morocco’s newer golfing gems. Set close to the Atlantic coast, the course benefits from fresh sea breezes and panoramic ocean views. The design focuses on open play but will still challenge your skills.
This Par 72 layout stretches over 7,401 meters, making it one of the longest in the region. While the wide fairways look generous, each hole is built to reward strategic thinking over raw power. You'll need to plan your shots carefully, especially with the wind coming off the ocean, which can shift from hole to hole. It's the kind of course that gets better every time you play it. Some holes offer elevated tee boxes with views of the sea. Meanwhile, others wind through landscaped residential areas.
Once your round is over, The Montgomerie Rabat’s clubhouse offers a stylish place to unwind. The space is designed for golfers who want to enjoy a meal with friends or analyze your scorecard over a cold drink. What makes this location even more appealing for a golf holiday in Rabat is that everything else is on-site. The surrounding Plage des Nations resort features:
Rabat is more than a golf city. It is a playground for outdoor lovers. Known as one of Morocco’s greenest and most vibrant capitals, Rabat offers land, water, and air sports that fit perfectly alongside a day on the course. Start with the coast. Les Oudayas Beach is a local favorite for jet skiing, surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking. In the early hours, the water stays calm and ideal for gliding or paddling. By noon, you could be back on the green chasing birdies. Rabat’s beachfront lifestle makes combining ocean adventures with tee-time relaxation easy.
Prefer to stay on land? Horseback riding is a proud tradition here. Several equestrian clubs welcome visitors for trail rides, polo matches, and lessons. No experience is required. If you want to stretch your legs away from the fairway, head out to Akrach, a peaceful area just beyond the city, known for its gentle hiking trails and quiet natural scenery. For those who want the ultimate view, the aeroclub in Salé offers paragliding, hang gliding, and the chance to fly a light aircraft with experienced pilots.
One of the joys of playing golf in Rabat is combining sport with rich cultural experiences. Though quieter than those in Marrakech or Fez, Rabat's medina offers a more relaxed shopping experience. In a walkable, welcoming setting, you’ll find handmade crafts, woven rugs, pottery, and leather goods. When your round is done, the city offers much to discover:
Rabat is a city where you can tee off among flamingos, practice putts under palm trees, and celebrate birdies with beach views. It’s where Royal Golf Dar Es Salam's prestige meets The Montgomerie Rabat's modern luxury. Between rounds, you can wander ancient ruins, taste fresh seafood, or surf the Atlantic. Rent a car with Final Rentals to make your golf trip easy and flexible. Choose from many car types, book online, and pick up your car at Rabat Airport. With your own car, you can reach both golf clubs and enjoy more of Rabat in your own time.
