Surf by morning. Safari by afternoon. Sundowners wherever the day takes you.
KwaZulu-Natal has always been a province of contrasts – tropical coastline, warm Indian Ocean waters and golden beaches giving way to green hills, wild landscapes and exceptional game viewing. Now, Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort brings those two worlds together in a holiday with plenty of room for both adventure and downtime.
Opened in July 2026 at Tinley Manor on the Dolphin Coast, just 30 minutes from King Shaka International Airport, the resort makes the most of its coastal setting. Think barefoot mornings, long lunches, a surf before breakfast and the Indian Ocean stretching out beyond the palms.
For those who like a little action, Club Med’s first surf school is a natural fit, alongside padel, tennis, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, yoga, golf and the flying trapeze. And when the pace starts to catch up, there are pools, spa experiences and the simple pleasure of doing absolutely nothing.
KwaZulu-Natal also takes centre stage through local flavours, music and crafts, giving the resort a strong sense of place.
Then, change the scenery.
Vikela Safari Lodge lies within an 18,000-hectare private reserve and is home to the Big Five. Guests can add two or three nights, swapping ocean views for open landscapes and early-morning game drives. One day might start with a swim in the sea; the next with coffee in the bush as the sun rises over the reserve.
Vikela brings the Club Med all-inclusive philosophy into the wilderness, with accommodation, dining, beverages, safari activities, land experiences and entertainment included. Families are well catered for, with age-specific Kids Clubs centred around nature and outdoor exploration, while adults have Zen spaces and quieter pools to retreat to.
Back at Tinley Manor, accommodation ranges from Superior and Deluxe rooms to the Exclusive Collection Space, with suites and premium services. Balconies and terraces open towards the Indian Ocean or surrounding hills – perfect for a slow morning coffee or a sundowner as the day winds down.
And that is the clever part: there is no complicated itinerary to organise and no long journey between experiences. The coast and the bush become two chapters of the same holiday, with the transition itself part of the fun.
One trip. Two sides of KZN. A whole lot of adventure in between.
Club Med South Africa has arrived with a different kind of coastal escape – one that starts with your toes in the sand and can end with you watching the Big Five beneath an African sunset.
https://www.clubmed.co.za/r/south-africa-beach-and-safari