7-Night Itinerary

Four nights at Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari on the Dolphin Coast, then three nights at Vikela Safari Lodge, September 12–19, 2027.

Day by Day

Itinerary, activities and transfer times are subject to change by Club Med.

Rooms & Tents

Beach Resort · 4 nights

Vikela Safari Lodge · 3 nights

Prices in Canadian dollars, per person. Ask Ian which room types the group price is based on and what's still available.

What's Included

• 7 nights of 5-star luxury: 4 nights at the beach resort and 3 nights at Vikela Safari Lodge
• Gourmet meals and bar, fully all inclusive
• All transfers
• 2 guided safaris daily at the lodge, at sunrise and sunset
• Group surf lessons at Club Med's first surf school
• Wellness and sport: tennis, padel, yoga, archery, flying trapeze, kayak, stand up paddle, fitness and pools
• Nightly entertainment and themed evenings
• Worry-free travel with your Expedia Cruises consultant

What's Not Included

A few things fall outside the package price and are worth budgeting for as you plan:

• International airfare to and from Durban
• Pre- and post-trip hotel nights
• Private surf lessons
• Spa treatments and other on-demand activities
• Optional excursions
• Travel insurance top-up

Insider Tips

• Pack for the themed evenings. Club Med shares a list of looks, from all white to elegant to African-themed. Joining in is optional, but fun.
• Morning game drives start early and can be chilly. Bring a warm layer you can peel off as the sun comes up.
• Bring binoculars and charge your camera batteries every night at the lodge.
• Book a spa treatment early in your stay if you want a specific time.
• September is whale season along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, so keep an eye on the ocean.
• The safari lodge is open to guests 4 years and up.

Flights

Getting to Durban

Fly into King Shaka International Airport (DUR), about 30 minutes from the beach resort. There are no non-stop flights from Canada. Most routings from Toronto connect through Europe, the Middle East or Johannesburg, and take about a full day of travel. Leave Toronto by September 10 or 11 to land on time.

Returning Home

The trip ends Sunday, September 19. Transfer timing from the lodge: more information coming soon. Ian will help you choose a flight that fits.

Transfers

All transfers are included in the package. Once we know everyone's flights, we'll confirm pick-up times.

Travel Insurance

Before you travel, take a few minutes to review the coverage you may already have through your work benefits, a credit card, or an existing policy.

Check what's included for out-of-country medical, trip cancellation, and trip interruption, and note any limits or exclusions.

Where your current coverage falls short, we recommend topping it up so you're fully protected for the trip.

Get a Quote

Explore Manulife options and get a quote here.

Questions?

Email Ian at kitchener@expediacruises.com and we'll be happy to help.

Trip Extension Ideas

Cape Town & the Winelands

• Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Cape Point
• Wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

Kruger National Park

• Add more time in the bush at one of Africa's best-known parks

Victoria Falls

• A short flight from Johannesburg to one of the world's great waterfalls

Ask us to build your perfect extension.

Experiences & Activities

Included Highlights

• Safari Lodge: two guided game drives every day
• Beach Resort: group surf lessons, tennis, padel, yoga, archery, flying trapeze, kayak and stand up paddle
• Evenings: themed nights and live entertainment

Optional Extras

Club Med also offers on-demand activities and excursions at an extra cost, like private surf lessons and spa treatments. Ask Ian about options.

Dawn & Dusk Safaris

At Vikela Safari Lodge, you'll head out on two guided game drives a day, at sunrise and sunset, across one of the largest private reserves in the region: 18,000 hectares of bush reserved for Club Med guests.

Watch elephants drift across the savanna and feel your heart pound as you search for the Big Five. Coffee and a light snack are ready before the morning drive.

Club Med's First Surf School

The beach resort on the Dolphin Coast is home to Club Med's very first surf school. Group lessons are included, for first-timers and for surfers who already have some experience. Private lessons are available at an extra cost.

Glamping in the Bush

Vikela Safari Lodge pairs the comfort of a luxury room with the feel of a tented camp. Enjoy three meals a day featuring local dishes, sip a glass of South African wine, then fall asleep under a blaze of stars as a lion's call rolls across the plains.

African Culture & Evenings

Enjoy authentic African cuisine and hospitality, themed dress-up evenings, and nightly entertainment at the resort. More information coming soon.

Packing List

Clothing

Light, breathable clothes for the beach, plus layers for safari: a fleece or warm jacket for early morning and evening drives. Neutral, earthy colours work well in the bush. Pack an all-white outfit and something elegant for themed evenings.

Footwear

Sandals for the beach, comfortable closed shoes or sneakers for the lodge and sports.

Sun & Rain

A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard for surfing, and a light rain jacket.

Extras

Binoculars, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle and any personal medications. South Africa uses 230V power and mainly Type M plugs (three large round pins), with Type C and N also found. Bring a universal adapter.

Weather Tips

September in KwaZulu-Natal

September is early spring in South Africa. Expect mostly sunny, dry days on the coast and in the bush, which is a great time for spotting wildlife.

Temperatures

On the Dolphin Coast, daytime highs are usually in the low to mid 20s °C, with evenings around 15 °C. In the bush, early mornings can feel close to 10 °C, warming up through the day.

Sun Protection

The southern sun is strong, even when it feels mild. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.

Money & Currency

Local Currency

South Africa uses the South African rand (ZAR).

Cards vs. Cash

Credit cards are widely accepted. Let your bank know you'll be travelling, and bring a small amount of rand for personal purchases along the way.

Resort Spending

Your meals, drinks and included activities are covered. Extras, like spa treatments or private lessons, are charged to your room and settled before you leave.

Documents

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after you leave South Africa, so valid until at least October 19, 2027. It also needs at least two blank pages for entry stamps.

Health

Visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you go to ask about vaccines and whether you need malaria protection for the safari area.

Entry Requirements

Check the latest rules before you travel at travel.gc.ca and joinsherpa.com.

Have questions or need help?

Ian Walker at Expedia Cruises on Fairway Rd in Kitchener can help with flights, hotels, insurance, activities, or anything else for this trip.

kitchener@expediacruises.com  ·  519-896-0018

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Ready to reserve your spot, or have a question about the trip? Send a note and we'll get back to you.

Prefer to reach out directly? kitchener@expediacruises.com · 519-896-0018