The countdown has officially begun
Club Med South Africa opens in July 2026, and with that, a whole new kind of holiday begins. The countdown has officially started. In just one year, Club Med will launch its first ever resort in South Africa, and it’s not your usual beach getaway. It’s a fusion of sun, sand, and safari, all rolled into one epic experience.
This new opening marks a huge milestone for both the brand and the country. It’s not just another luxury resort. It’s the very first all-inclusive Club Med in South Africa, and honestly, it might just be one of the most exciting ones yet.
Why? Because it brings together two very different worlds: the chilled rhythm of a beach holiday on the Indian Ocean, and the raw, heart-thumping thrill of a Big Five safari adventure. Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort is about to set a new bar for what holidays can look like. And with one full year to go until the grand opening, the buzz is already building. The world is watching as Club Med South Africa opens in July 2026, and travellers are already planning their escape.
A Club Med first for South Africa
Club Med has always had a bit of a knack for choosing surprising, unforgettable spots. And this time, they’ve landed on the Dolphin Coast, just north of Durban, in the KwaZulu-Natal province. A region that remains, surprisingly, under the radar for many international travellers. That’s about to change.
By choosing to open a resort here, Club Med isn’t just making another entry into a new destination. They’re stepping into a part of the world that feels both wild and welcoming, untouched but still accessible. It’s a statement. One that shows Club Med is still about pioneering, not just expanding. As Club Med South Africa opens in July 2026, this becomes more than just another pin on the map. It’s the brand’s bold step into a region full of potential.
What to Expect When Club Med South Africa Opens in July 2026
Let’s start with the beach. Because, wow. The resort will be built on 32 hectares of nature, blending coastal forests, soft sandy dunes, and unspoilt beaches. It’s the kind of place you’d usually only see in drone videos or postcards. Think: long walks, ocean air, and views that demand you stop and stare. And now, imagine waking up to that every day. That’s what you’re getting when Club Med South Africa opens in July 2026.
And this isn’t just any beach resort. Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari will feature:
- 411 rooms, including 310 Superior Rooms, 35 Deluxe Rooms, and 66 Exclusive Collection Suites
- Four swimming pools, each with their own vibe: a family pool, a zen pool for adults, an Exclusive Collection pool, and the main central pool
- Two restaurants and several lively bars
- A full childcare programme for kids aged 4 months to 17 years
- A ton of activities, from trapeze and padel to Club Med’s very first surf school
And if you’re into biking, you’ll be glad to know there’ll be gravel bike trails. It’s shaping up to be a dream spot for both those who love to relax and those who can’t sit still. With Club Med South Africa opening in July 2026, this kind of variety will finally be within reach.
But Here’s the Real Twist: The Safari Experience
This is what makes Club Med South Africa in 2026 a game-changer. Guests will be able to add on an a la carte safari experience based out of Mpilo Safari Lodge, which sits on an 18,000-hectare private game reserve. That’s massive.
Just getting there feels like a mini adventure. You can hop on a short 45-minute flight or go for a scenic 4.5-hour drive from the resort. Once there, it’s all about getting close to nature, but without giving up comfort.
The lodge includes:
- 75 premium tents
- A swimming pool to cool off
- A full-service restaurant
- A supervised kids’ zone with water games
And yes, this is Big Five territory. Lions. Leopards. Rhinos. Elephants. Cape buffalo. It’s not a zoo. It’s the real deal. A raw, beautiful South African bush experience. It’s what makes Club Med South Africa, opening in July 2026, unlike any other Club Med resort on the planet.
Families Welcome, Fun Included
One of the best things about the new Club Med South Africa opening in July 2026 is how seamlessly it blends adventure and family-friendliness. From the beachside resort to the safari lodge, kids are not just tolerated—they’re included in the experience.
Club Med’s signature kids clubs will be running from Baby Club Med (for little ones starting from 4 months) all the way through to Mini Club Med and the Teens Chill Pass. That means while parents are off having a massage, surfing their first wave, or sipping cocktails by the Exclusive Collection pool, the kids are being entertained, engaged, and actually having a blast.
Even the safari side of things has a special kids’ zone, so parents can rest easy knowing their little ones are having fun while staying safe. This is one of many reasons why families are keeping a close eye as Club Med South Africa opens in July 2026.
When Can You Book?
Bookings for Club Med South Africa will open in October 2025. With the hype that’s already surrounding this launch, there’s a good chance that rooms will fill fast. Especially the Exclusive Collection Suites and safari experiences, which offer limited capacity and a high wow-factor.
So if this sounds like your kind of holiday, maybe mark that date. As Club Med South Africa opens in July 2026, early birds might just get the best spots.
And let’s be honest, this is more than just a vacation spot. When Club Med South Africa opens in July 2026, it’ll be offering something that’s hard to find elsewhere: a trip that combines barefoot beach days with wild animal sightings. Total serenity with a side of roar. Not many places can pull that off.
Stay Tuned
We’ll be updating our blog as more details are released. Once Club Med South Africa opens in July 2026, it might just change the way we think about all-inclusive travel forever. One foot in the sand. One eye on the savannah. That’s the kind of balance we can get behind.
