– Memoir by Narelle –
Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari – Two unforgettable experiences, one incredible destination.
South Africa has well and truly stolen my heart! From the excitement of exploring Dubai, to the beautiful Indian Ocean coastline, followed by an unforgettable safari experience, this trip was a wonderful reminder of just how much this incredible country has to offer.
Getting there – with a Dubai stopover
My journey began with Emirates, flying from Brisbane via Dubai and onwards to Durban. I decided to make the most of the journey with a two-night stopover in Dubai, giving me time to explore a little of this fascinating city (had to experience the world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa), before heading to South Africa.
From Durban, it was just a 20-minute drive to the brand-new Club Med South Africa Beach Resort, located at Tinley Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
Club Med South Africa Beach Resort – A beautiful new addition
First impressions? Stunning!
This beautiful, brand-new resort is everything you would expect from Club Med, with a gorgeous contemporary African-inspired design and beautifully decorated rooms throughout. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, creating a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere.
Although the resort is completely walkable, there is also a handy buggy service to get you around.
As with other Club Med resorts, there is certainly no shortage of activities. Whether you’re looking to be active or simply relax, there is something for everyone. Think trapeze, archery, tennis, kayaking, padel tennis and, rather uniquely, surf lessons – making this the only Club Med resort to offer an included Surf School!
Add multiple swimming pools, a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars, and you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained throughout your stay. One of my personal highlights was the African braai. If you love your meat, you are in for a treat! The incredible selection of beautifully cooked meat made for a real South African dining experience.
For a little indulgence, the Deluxe Spa and hammam steam bath were exceptional. Definitely worth making time for!
There is also a fantastic range of day excursions available, offering guests the opportunity to discover more of South Africa, its culture, wildlife and spectacular scenery beyond the resort.
The Exclusive Collection – A little extra luxury
For those looking for something even more special, the Exclusive Collection area is simply incredible.
Beautifully designed accommodation, private spaces and exclusive facilities create a more intimate experience while still allowing guests to enjoy everything the wider resort has to offer.
It’s a wonderful option for couples, families or anyone wanting to add an extra touch of luxury to their South African escape.
Vikela Safari Lodge – The ultimate African experience
And now for what I think is the perfect addition to a stay at Club Med South Africa Beach Resort!
Located approximately 4.5 hours from the beach resort, Vikela Safari Lodge offers an entirely different experience, taking you right into the heart of the African bush.
Set within an incredible 18,000-hectare private game reserve, Vikela is home to the famous Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
The experience includes two game drives every day, giving guests the opportunity to discover the wildlife and landscapes of this magnificent reserve.
The accommodation is equally special. Think beautifully appointed, generously sized, air-conditioned safari tents, combining the magic of being in the African wilderness with all the comforts you could wish for. And yes, that even includes an outdoor shower and bathtub!
There are family tents accommodating up to six guests, as well as Deluxe adults-only tents designed for two adults. The food and service were exceptional, with every detail making the experience feel incredibly special.
One of my favourite parts of each game drive was the morning and afternoon tea stops. Picture this: a fold-out table attached to the front of the Land Cruiser, surrounded by the African wilderness, enjoying a little something to eat and, of course, a splash of Amarula – South Africa’s famous cream liqueur! It really doesn’t get much better than that.
My verdict – Why choose one when you can have both?
What makes this experience so special is the opportunity to combine two completely different holidays into one unforgettable South African adventure.
Start with a few days enjoying the beautiful beaches, activities, restaurants and facilities at Club Med South Africa Beach Resort, before heading inland to experience the incredible wildlife and magic of a private game reserve at Vikela Safari Lodge.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family, this combination offers something truly unique.
South Africa has so much to offer, and this trip has certainly left me wanting to explore more. If an African safari has been sitting on your bucket list, I would absolutely recommend considering this combination.
