If you’re searching for the perfect all-inclusive beach, bush and ocean holiday in South Africa, you’re about to hear a name more often: Club Med South Africa. Club Med is set to open its first-ever Southern African destination along the stunning KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, just a short (sort of) drive from Durban.
In this post, I’ll introduce you to the upcoming Club Med Tinley Resort, explain how to get there, what you can expect, and how to explore the vibrant culture, wildlife, and adventure that surrounds this beautiful location.
Where Is the New Club Med Resort in South Africa?
Abour 45min north of the city of Durban lies the once-sleepy coastal town of Tinley Manor. Well, sleepy no longer since it’s here that the Club Med Tinley resort is being constructed and due to open in a few weeks.
This part of the coastline, locally known as the Dolphin Coast, is popular for its warm Indian Ocean waters, golden beaches, laid-back surf towns, and a subtropical climate that makes it a year-round destination not just for international travellers, but locals as well.
Nearby Timley Manor is the town of Ballito, a fast growing coastal town with all the modern amenities that you could hope for when travelling to Club Med South Africa – from restaurants to shopping centres.
How to Get to Club Med Tinley from Durban
Getting to the resort is easy:
- By Air: Fly into King Shaka International Airport (Durban). It’s about a 40min drive from King Shaka International to Club Med.
- By Road: You could hire a car and self-drive as well, it’s perfectly safe and our roads are in great condition. Take the N2 Northbound from the airport and exit near Tinley Manor (roughly 50km from the airport). There are two tolls on the way, btoh accept cash or credit/debit card.
- Private Transfers: Several local operators (like me) offer private guided airport transfers and tailor-made excursions from Durban directly to the Club Med resort. Just make sure whom ever you book for your transfer has the correct license and permits are tourists can be fined as well!
What to Expect from Club Med South Africa
As with other Club Med resorts around the world, you can expect:
- All-inclusive packages: accommodation, meals, drinks, and activities
- Family-friendly facilities and kids’ clubs
- Gourmet dining with South African flair
- Oceanfront rooms with stunning views
- Activities like surfing, snorkeling, beach volleyball, yoga, and more
This will be Club Med’s first “Beach & Safari” concept in Africa, offering guests the chance to combine the best of beachside luxury with day trips into South Africa’s famous game reserves.
Explore Beyond the Resort: Day Trips from Club Med South Africa
One of the major draws of the KwaZulu-Natal region is diverse attractions, from safaris to adventure and cultural expereinces — and Club Med South Africa’s location makes it a gateway to unforgettable experiences. I can offer a number of different options and at affordable rates as well.
- Safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve – See the Big 5 just two hours away! I offer day trips to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve as well as multi-day tours. Visit my safari tours page for more info.
- St Lucia Estuary & Wetlands – Cruise among hippos and crocodiles in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of my more popular tours, St Lucia is just about 90min away from Club Med.
- Durban City Tours – Durban is home to Zulu, English, Afrikaans and Indian South Africans and is a fascinating city to explore. I offer a fantastic day tour of Durban which includes walks through the markets.
- Valley of a 1000 Hills – Get a taste of Zulu culture and incredible views, less than an hour inland. I offer two options, either stick with the cultural theme and visit iSithumba and PheZulu, or spend half the day game watching and the other half an a Zulu experience.
- Scenic Midlands Meander – Art, craft, food, and rolling hills just under two hours away. On this tour you can visits the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, take inthe Howick Falls and shop at Piggly Wiggly.
- Explore Rorkes Drift – take a day trip out to Rorkes Drift and iSandlwana and discover why these two historic battlefield sites still capture the imagination!
Stay tuned for our next blog post where I’ll share my top 5 must-do experiences near Club Med Tinley – from safaris to township tours.
Coastal Tourism in KwaZulu-Natal
Up until now, the North Coast of KwaZulu Natalk didn’t really get much in the way of international or even local visitors since it’s always been “on the way” to somewhere; it’s a part of the journey rather than the destination. Of course, this is all (hopefully) going to change now.
With the arrival of Club Med South Africa, the world is finally discovering what locals have known for years: KwaZulu Natal is simply the best province in South Africa to spend your holidays!
Ready to Explore?
As a local tour operator based in Durban, I offer custom day trips and private excursions for Club Med South Africa guests looking to explore beyond the resort. From wildlife safaris to cultural adventures, I’ll show you the real South Africa.
Contact me to plan your perfect day trip from Club Med South Africa.
Good To Know
- All my vehicles are registered and licensed in accordance with tourism regulations.
- All my guides are qualified “Level-4” guides which means they can guide throughout KwaZulu Natal.
- I carry passenger liability and travel insurance.
- I have over 20 years experience.
- I practice sustainable tourism.