For decades, Club Med has been synonymous with the art of premium all-inclusive holidays – sun-drenched escapes that balance relaxation, adventure, and culture. Now, the pioneer of the concept is charting new territory with the launch of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari, its first resort on the African continent.
Opening in July 2026, this landmark destination will bring a fresh travel concept to KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast: an all-inclusive experience that seamlessly blends barefoot beachside living with the thrill of Big Five safari adventures.
The resort will sit just 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport, set across 32 hectares of unspoilt landscapes. Designed by local firm Craft of Architecture alongside international design studios Mobius and MHNA of Paris, the property has been conceived to reflect its natural surroundings and Zulu heritage – with locally sourced materials, earthy palettes, and authentic motifs woven throughout its spaces.
Where the Ocean Meets the Savannah
Club Med South Africa will house 411 rooms and suites, including an Exclusive Collection Ilanga section with 66 premium suites. Guests will have four swimming pools to choose from – a lively main pool, a family pool, a tranquil adult-only Zen pool, and a dedicated Exclusive Collection pool. Dining will be another highlight, with Oceana serving international favourites, and the Nguni Gourmet Club focusing on South African seafood and regional flavours. Sundowners at the Dunes Beach Bar, overlooking the surf, promise to capture the spirit of the coast.
But what sets this resort apart is its two-in-one experience. Alongside the beach retreat, Club Med has partnered with the nearby Mpilo Safari Lodge, an exclusive 18,000-hectare game reserve dedicated to Club Med guests. Here, travellers can stay in tented accommodation with sweeping views of the savannah, embark on daily guided game drives, and gather for traditional Boma evenings around the fire. From lion sightings at dawn to storytelling under starry skies, the safari element promises memories that will linger long after check-out.
Active Discovery and Wellness
True to Club Med’s spirit of discovery, the resort will offer a wide range of activities: a Surf School on the Dolphin Coast (the brand’s first), gravel biking through sugarcane fields, yoga, padel, tennis, flying trapeze, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more. A wellness centre with hammam rituals, spa treatments, and yoga palapas will cater to those seeking balance, while lush gardens and Zen zones will provide quiet spaces to unwind.
Families remain central to the Club Med ethos. From Baby Club Med for infants, to Mini Club Med+ and teen programmes, every age group will have a tailored experience encouraging play, connection, and learning.
Positive Impact for People and Planet
Beyond its guest experience, the project carries strong social and environmental ambitions. Developed in partnership with Collins Residential and a South African Investment Consortium, the resort represents an investment of more than 2 billion rand (€100 million). Over 800 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs will be created, with 1,200 local construction workers already contributing to the project.
A partnership with the NukaKamma Hospitality School is also training more than 100 young South Africans, who will gain international exposure at other Club Med resorts before returning to KwaZulu-Natal to enrich the new destination with their skills.
Sustainability will be woven into the resort’s DNA. Aligned with Club Med’s Happy to Care programme, the property will seek Green Globe certification and a 4-star Green Star rating. Initiatives include solar-powered car parks, water-saving systems, natural ventilation, green roofing, and a complete ban on single-use plastics. Local farmers will be integrated into the supply chain through a partnership with NGO Agrisud, ensuring that the positive ripple effects of the project extend well beyond the resort’s gates.
Looking Ahead
With bookings opening in October 2025, Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari is already positioning itself as one of the world’s most anticipated travel debuts. For global travellers, it offers the rare chance to combine ocean bliss with safari thrills – all under the effortless banner of Club Med’s all-inclusive philosophy.
Tinley Manor Beach, Ballito, 4430, South Africa
Contact: +27 73 919 6537
Website
For more safari adventures, head here.
