Club Med is preparing to shake up the all-inclusive luxury holiday scene with the debut of its first-ever South African resort, slated to open in July 2026. Located on the breathtaking Dolphin Coast, just north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, this pioneering Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort offers an unmatched blend of pristine beach relaxation and immersive African safari adventure.
The resort will occupy 32 hectares of diverse natural beauty, combining coastal forests, soft sandy dunes, and unspoiled Indian Ocean beaches. With 411 rooms including Superior, Deluxe, and Exclusive Collection suites, guests will enjoy comfort and style surrounded by spectacular vistas. The resort features four distinct swimming pools catering to families, adults, and exclusive guests, alongside two restaurants, multiple lively bars, and an array of activities ranging from trapeze and padel tennis to Club Med’s first-ever surf school.
What truly sets this resort apart is the unique safari component. Guests can take an a la carte trip to nearby Mpilo Safari Lodge, located on an immense private 18,000-hectare game reserve in Zululand. This exclusive reserve is home to the iconic Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo—providing an authentic and thrilling safari experience with expert guides. The lodge itself is designed for comfort and family enjoyment, featuring 75 premium tents, a swimming pool, a full-service restaurant, and a supervised kids’ zone including water games.
Families will find the resort especially inviting, with a comprehensive childcare program accommodating children from 4 months through 17 years old. Kids’ clubs, teen chill zones, and tailored safari experiences ensure every age group is happily engaged while adults enjoy activities, relaxation, or pampering.
This resort embodies Club Med’s pioneering spirit by choosing a lesser-known yet stunningly beautiful destination that promises both adventure and tranquility. Its strategic location is only 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and about 45 minutes from Durban, making it easily accessible without compromising its remote and unspoiled appeal.
As South Africa’s first high-end all-inclusive Club Med resort, it aims to bring international tourists and enhance the region’s appeal as a premium travel destination, contributing to local economic growth and tourism infrastructure. Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari blends nature, culture, and exceptional hospitality into a seamless luxury experience that promises to redefine beach and safari holidays as we know them.
Opening bookings will start in October 2025, inviting travelers to plan trips ranging from a week-long stay on the beach coupled with a few nights on safari, to an extended two-week exploration including other South African highlights like Cape Town.
With its combination of sun, sand, and wildlife thrills, Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort is poised to become one of the most exciting and unique holiday destinations globally in 2026.
