Club Med opens bookings for South Africa resort

Published on Sep 30, 2025, 4:04 pm CDT

5 min read

Club Med will open reservations on October 13, 2025, for its first property in South Africa, a two-part experience on KwaZulu-Natal's Dolphin Coast with an exclusive private safari component. The Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari is scheduled to welcome guests beginning in July 2026. The beachfront resort will feature 411 accommodations, including 66 suites, plus four pools, two restaurants, and several bars. Guests can add guided Big Five drives at the dedicated Mpilo Safari Lodge within a private game reserve, with options designed for families.

Key points

Why it matters: Club Med brings a premium all-inclusive beach and Big Five safari under one brand in South Africa.
Travel impact: Bookings open October 13, 2025, for stays starting July 2026.
What's next: Construction milestones continue as Club Med finalizes dining, kids clubs, and surf school.
Rooms and suites total 411, with 66 in the Exclusive Collection Ilanga section.
Dolphin Coast location is about 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport (DUR).

Snapshot

Set on the Indian Ocean north of Durban, the beach resort anchors Club Med's debut in South Africa with four pools, two signature restaurants, and multiple bars. Oceana will operate as an all-day venue serving global cuisines, while Nguni Gourmet Club will spotlight South African seafood and local produce. Daily programming spans the brand's first surf school, wellness offerings, and extensive kids options: Baby Club Med, Mini Club Med+ for ages 4 to 10, and a teen program called Chill Pass. Guests can pair the coast with safari time at Mpilo Safari Lodge inside a roughly 18,000-hectare private reserve, where daily guided drives include family-friendly departures.

Background

Club Med's expansion to KwaZulu-Natal adds a new African destination to its premium all-inclusive portfolio. The Dolphin Coast site, previously used for sugarcane, is being developed with an emphasis on coastal forests and dune-sensitive design. The resort's accommodation mix includes Superior and Deluxe categories plus the Ilanga Exclusive Collection suites for added privacy and services. Dining is designed to balance international variety with regional ingredients, complemented by several bars positioned around the pools and main village center. The separate Mpilo Safari Lodge, reserved for Club Med guests, offers a Big Five experience with guided drives led by experienced rangers. Club Med indicates bookings will open in October 2025, with the first stays beginning in July 2026.

Latest developments

Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari details and timeline

Club Med confirms a July 2026 opening for the South Africa Beach & Safari, with reservations beginning October 13, 2025. The beachfront side will include four pools and two restaurants-Oceana and Nguni Gourmet Club-plus several bars. Programming highlights include Club Med's first surf school on the Dolphin Coast, padel, cycling, trapeze, and a wellness center. Families will find tiered kids programming from infants to teens, including Baby Club Med, Mini Club Med+, and Chill Pass. On the safari side, Mpilo Safari Lodge sits within an approximately 18,000-hectare private reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, offering daily guided drives with options tailored for children. The lodge is available exclusively to Club Med guests and is typically paired with a beach stay. The resort is roughly a 30-minute transfer from King Shaka International Airport (DUR), facilitating international connections via regional hubs.

Analysis

For travelers considering South Africa, Club Med's two-center approach solves several planning pain points by bundling logistics, activities, and meals into a single brand ecosystem. Positioning the beach resort within a short transfer of King Shaka International Airport (DUR) makes arrivals straightforward for long-haul visitors connecting through Johannesburg, the Middle East, or Europe. The inclusion of Club Med's first-ever surf school aligns well with the Dolphin Coast's conditions and broadens appeal beyond traditional pool-and-beach leisure. Families benefit from a clear age-banded program that spans childcare to teen activities, reducing friction during peak school holiday periods. On the safari side, the private reserve model and exclusive access aim to deliver predictability and easier coordination compared with piecemeal bookings. Travelers should still weigh seasonality on both coasts and bush, as winter dry months typically boost game viewing, while summer brings warmer beach conditions and potential afternoon showers. Pricing and minimum-stay rules at the safari lodge may influence how long guests split between the two components.

Final thoughts

Club Med's entry into South Africa packages two marquee experiences-Indian Ocean beach time and guided Big Five drives-under a single, family-friendly umbrella. With bookings opening October 13, 2025, and first stays from July 2026, early planners can secure school-holiday dates and higher-demand suite categories. The combination of Oceana and Nguni Gourmet Club, multiple pools, and the first Club Med surf school suggests a robust on-site offering, while Mpilo Safari Lodge adds depth for wildlife enthusiasts. For travelers seeking convenience without sacrificing variety, this integrated coastal-and-bush model is a compelling way to experience KwaZulu-Natal at the new Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari.