New R2.1 billion 5-star beach resort and ultra-luxury safari lodge launch in South Africa
Club Med South Africa and Vikela Safari Lodge opened their doors today, offering a world-class destination for local and international travellers.
Chris du Toit, the project leader for the Club Med South Africa Beach and Safari development, described the launch as a historic milestone.
“What began as a vision has become a world-class destination, made possible through the dedication, passion and collaboration,” he said.
“It has been an honour to lead this remarkable journey. Wishing our first guests an unforgettable South African experience.”
The Club Med South Africa project dates back to 2017, when the concept for the new resort and safari lodge was born.
There was a seven-year planning and regulatory phase. The official groundbreaking and construction began in early 2024.
The R2.1 billion Club Med South Africa project was developed in partnership with Collins Residential Consortium and managed by Club Med.
It enjoyed the financial backing from top institutions, including Absa, African Bank, and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
The construction took 28 months to complete and was fast-tracked to ensure it was ready for launch on 4 July 2026.
The project reached formal construction completion in early May 2026, when it officially received its occupation certificate.
Following a brief period for staff onboarding and soft launches, the resort officially opened its doors to the public today.
The beach-and-safari dual destination is unique to Club Med South Africa, which makes it an attractive option for international tourists.
Club Med South Africa’s offering
Club Med brought its signature all-inclusive experience to South Africa, where guests can expect premium accommodation, gourmet meals, and open bars.
It has 411 accommodations, including 310 superior rooms, 35 deluxe rooms and 66 suites in the exclusive collection.
The beach resort offers land and water activities, as well as a dedicated kids’ club with tailored facilities and certified staff.
There is a strong focus on sport. Club Med visitors can enjoy sailing, surfing, diving, snorkelling, racket sports, and a surf school.
What sets Club Med South Africa apart from other luxury beach resorts is that it will offer guests the option of a unique bush experience.
This experience is offered through the Vikela Safari Lodge in the heart of a Big Five game reserve in the north of KwaZulu-Natal.
The lodge is located within the private Mpilo Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which covers over 18,000 hectares.
The 80-room Vikela Safari Lodge was developed to Club Med standards and is a short flight or drive from the beach resort.
The lodge features 75 premium tents and the Club Med experience, set against the backdrop of the wild African safari.
It is set on a hill, with 180-degree views of mountain ranges and the Mkuze River, in the nature resort.
To maintain an exclusive feel, the lodge caps its capacity at approximately 225 guests per night.
Club Med South Africa photos
Vikela Safari Lodge images
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