Beach or safari? This new South Africa resort will offer both

Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari is taking holidaymakers from the beach to the game reserves in one fell swoop with their South African debut.

French tourism giant Club Med, which pioneered the idea of the all-inclusive resort in the 1950s, is making its debut in South Africa next year. Sundowners by the beach are a classic Club Med experience, but this time, guests will be able to add a Big Five safari to the mix. Opening in early July 2026, Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari will span both the coast and a private lodge inside a Big Five game reserve. This ‘dual property’ structure is the first-of-its-kind for the brand. Here’s what we know so far.

Where is Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari?

Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari marks the brand’s debut in the country.

Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari is set to open on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast, named for the hundreds of bottlenose dolphins that frequent the water. Set on a former sugarcane plantation fringed by forest, the 345 rooms and 66 suites are located in idyllic surroundings. The resort is 45 minutes from the South African city of Durban, and half an hour from the closest international airport.

Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari comprises two properties, a beach resort and safari tents in Mpilo Game Reserve.

The second property, Mpilo Safari Lodge is a four-and-a-half hour drive from the beach resort, and it sits within the 18,000-hectare Mpilo Game Reserve. It will have 20 safari tented rooms, complete with a panoramic terrace and pool. The lodge will offer twice-daily game drives, at sunrise and sunset.

What activities will be on offer at Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari?

Relax by the pool at Mpilo Safari Lodge between safari drives.

Club Med will have its first-ever surf academy on the property itself, with four daily lessons for beginners and intermediates. Guests can participate in activities like yoga and flying trapeze. And if you’re not too much into getting active? No worries, there’s a full spa and hammam. Add to that kids’ clubs, a pool, adults-only areas, 5 bars and 2 restaurants, and guests have all their holiday needs right at their fingertips.

A sustainable footprint

The resort includes local farmers in its supply chain through a partnership with the French NGO, Agrisud. The resort is predicted to create approximately 800 jobs in the local area – 110 young people are enrolled in a training program via the NukaKamma Hospitality School, and will gradually join the Resort staff when it opens next year.

Sleek and contemporary design touches at Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari.

How much is it to stay at Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari?

Guests can experience the safari property only if they spend a minimum of 3 nights at the beach resort. Prices start at $2,289 pp for 7 nights at the beach resort, or $3,351 pp for a combination of 5 nights at the beach resort and 2 nights at the lodge. Bookings open 14 October, and the resort is set to open 4 July 2026.