Zimbali Lodge

Zimbali Lodge is a hotel inside the Zimbali Coastal Estate on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, run by Dream Resorts. The estate is coastal forest above the Indian Ocean, and the lodge suits people who want golf, a spa and quiet walks under the trees rather than a busy beachfront strip. Zimbali means valley of flowers in isiZulu.

What to expect

Each suite has its own deck looking into the coastal forest, so expect birdsong rather than sea views from most rooms. The main restaurant is Eleven Tribes, named for South Africa’s eleven cultural groups, and drinks are at the Trophy Bar.

The lodge has a rim-flow pool, tennis and squash courts and conference rooms. The Mangwanani spa sits in a forest setting with four treatment rooms. The estate’s 18-hole championship course was designed by Tom Weiskopf. Families can ask about the Dream Xplorers children’s programme.

Practical details

• Address: 1 Lodge Lane, Zimbali Coastal Estate, Ballito.
• About five minutes’ drive from Ballito and roughly 20 minutes from King Shaka International Airport.
• Online check-in is offered before arrival.

Good to know

Zimbali is a gated estate, and some estate facilities are separate from what the lodge itself offers, so ask when booking exactly which pools, beach access and amenities your stay includes. Room counts differ between sources, so check the room type you want is available. Durban and Umhlanga are an easy drive south for a day out.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: Dream Resorts, Tourism Update, African Sky.