Jewel of Africa

AFRICA is well on the way to becoming the golfing 'find' of the new Millennium and with thriving destinations such as Tunisia leading the way, it's easy to see why.

Known for its hot climate, extraordinary history and pretty coastline, the jewel of the north of Africa is now also able to boast truly great golf courses. A country of variety in a myriad respects, Tunisia has mountains and vineyards in the north and modern resorts, close to the Sahara desert, in the south.

It also has a diverse history, including a Roman occupation  of which there are many magnificent architectural remains still around today. Indeed, many believe El Djem is even more impressive than Rome's Colosseum. Tunisia is also home to some wonderful medinas (medieval cities) and mosques.

So where to stay? Port El Kantaoui is one of Tunisia's best-known resorts. Man-made, it was developed in the 1970s with the focal point being a stunning, whitewashed marina. There are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants in which to sit and enjoy a cool drink in the sunshine, as well as plenty of shops and bazaars selling all the usual tourist fare.

Sousse, which is Tunisia's third-largest city, is only a 10-minute taxi ride away. As in all major cities, the medina is at the heart of the town, which consists of a walled city with a maze of streets, souks and bazaars. Traders sell everything from gold by weight to freshly-baked bread and wandering around the cobbled alleyways is a real and sumptuous assault on the senses.

There are three good courses within easy reach of Port El Kantaoui. El Kantaoui has 36 holes and is within the resort. There are also the Sea and Panorama courses - modern layouts built in the freshest part of town. Also, Palm Links, which lies close to the airport, is an enjoyable test which boasts fine greens.

Flamingo is about 45 minutes from Port El Kantaoui and is particularly scenic. Designed by Roald Fream, as the majority of courses in Tunisia are, it overlooks the salt lagoons and has great views over the mountains. Here, the water hazards are cunningly placed and the way the holes use the terrain makes for a very interesting round.

Moving north and, about 45 minutes from Tunis, is Hammamet. Originally a small town that has grown around its medina, it is now a thriving resort. The hotels in Hammamet stretch along the golden beaches in both directions and meet at the 15th Century medina, with winding streets and fine restaurants.

Hammamet boasts three 18-hole courses, all of which are just a 20-minute transfer from the city. Golf Citrus is a great complex with a luxurious clubhouse, two fine courses and excellent practice facilities. The Forest course is surrounded by pine trees and makes geat use of the natural contours, not least the par-three 6th, with its green protected by a ravine.

The Olive, as the name suggests, is built in an olive grove area and is flatter and less demanding than the Forest, but still well worth playing. The Yasemine course is just across the motorway from the Citrus complex and is yet another Fream creation. The main course design makes great use of the two lakes on site and the undulating landscape.

When not on the course, there is plenty to do in Tunisia. Many will be content simply to lounge in the warm Mediterranean sun or sample the fine local cuisine. If it's a sun-worshipping holiday you or your partner is after then Tunisia can provide this - just with a bit more class than some of the well-known European resorts.

Explorers will be fascinated by the country's Roman ruins at El Djem, Dougga and, most famously, Carthage. And those who are adventurous enough may wish to take a two-day trek, by camel, in the Sahara. An experience which you will remember long after your tan has faded.

Tunisia offers a golfing holiday with a difference. Its stunning courses add style to the country's charming way of life and history. This is a country golfers must experience in order to believe.