Exploring Club Med's New Safari and Beach Resort Vacation in South Africa
Discover Club Med's new South African vacation package combining a wilderness safari lodge with a coastal beach resort near Durban for a family-friendly getaway.
Waking up at 5:30 AM is not about rolling over for another snooze; it is the starting signal to head out in search of lions, cheetahs, and elephants. A few days later, the scenery shifts completely, swapping the safari reserve and glamping tents for the ocean, swimming pools, and surfboards. We traveled to South Africa to experience Club Med's new dual-destination vacation, which combines a luxury safari lodge in the heart of a nature reserve with a coastal resort near Durban.
The Vic Falls Safari Lodge is located about a four-hour drive from Durban. Accommodation consists of glamping tents for couples or families, grouped within a secure compound. The signature Club Med all-inclusive formula is maintained here, featuring three daily meals showcasing local cuisine, alongside a bar serving soft and alcoholic drinks until 10:00 PM. Travelers seeking vibrant nightlife might find it quiet, but for a good reason: each day begins early with a captivating sunrise safari.
We arrived at the club around midday, checked into our rooms, grabbed lunch, and immediately prepared for our first sunset safari. The stay rate includes two guided safari drives daily—at sunrise and sunset—each lasting several hours. On our very first outing, we spotted cheetahs, followed by lions, giraffes, and zebras. After roughly two and a half hours, the driver-guide stopped at a scenic viewpoint, unpacked refreshments, and gave everyone a moment to absorb the wilderness before returning to the lodge.
Mining a similar ritual every morning, coffee, tea, and pastries are served half an hour before departure, concluding with a hot drink and cookies out in the bush. Over the course of our stay, we joined four separate excursions, encountering lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, zebras, hippos, and cheetahs. On the second evening, following our return from the reserve, a traditional boma gathering featured local music, dancing, and regional dishes—a remarkably relaxed end to a day that began before dawn.
On the third day, after a sunrise safari and breakfast, we bid farewell to the reserve and transitioned to the second phase of our journey: Club Med's beach resort in the Durban area. Roughly four hours on the road brought us to the resort, where a local brass band welcomed guests, immediately signaling a tempo entirely different from the tranquil safari lodge.
The resort features over 400 rooms, ranging from couples' quarters and family accommodations to spacious suites, spread across expansive green grounds and various pool zones. Alongside the main pool, guests can enjoy an adults-only Zen pool, a family pool, and a dedicated pool area exclusive to suite guests. Dining options are also notably broader than in the bush. The main Oceana restaurant serves three daily meals combining local and Western flavors, while the Nguni restaurant offers light daytime fare and evening dining by reservation.
Activities and Surf Culture at the Coastal Resort
Transitioning from the intimate safari lodge to the sprawling beach resort is felt instantly—less of a remote wilderness immersion and much more of a classic seaside Club Med holiday. True to the brand, guests can fill their days with sports: the complex boasts tennis, padel, and soccer courts, archery, circus facilities, a gym, and yoga or pilates classes. Kayaks and paddleboards are available on the resort's lake, with instructors guiding select sessions.
A standout activity is surfing. The coastline of KwaZulu-Natal is renowned for its swells, and the club operates a surf school offering lessons for both beginners and experienced surfers. Equipment rentals are available, while private lessons incur an additional fee.
For families, supervised kids' clubs are divided by age groups, spanning from toddlers to teenagers, with tailored daily programs. Certain specialized services for the youngest infants carry an extra charge. Those wishing to venture off-site can choose from organized excursions, including wildlife viewing and city tours of Durban. We initially planned a marine safari to spot whales and dolphins, but adverse weather altered our plans, leading us instead to a nearby monkey sanctuary half an hour away.
As evening falls, the resort embraces its hallmark traditions: themed parties and dress codes. A few days prior to arrival, guests receive a suggested wardrobe list for each night, ranging from all-white attire to elegant evening wear and African-themed styles. Participation is entirely optional, yet enthusiastic engagement from many guests significantly enhances the festive atmosphere.
Pricing and Practical Details
A seven-night package in October for a family of four—two adults and children aged four and eight—split between three nights at the safari lodge and four nights at the beach resort, costs approximately 7,730 euros. Flights and airport transfers are excluded and vary based on season and passenger counts. The safari club welcomes children starting from age four. Club Med waives accommodation fees for children under four, though flight and transfer costs still apply, and specialized infant care services remain subject to additional charges.
