Explore the Dolphin Coast

Explore the Dolphin Coast

From forest trails and ocean experiences to estate adventures, discover more beyond the canopy.

From forest trails and ocean experiences to estate adventures, discover more beyond the canopy.

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Zimbali Coastal Estate

Nature, Coastline and Discovery Come Together

Set beneath the forest canopy overlooking the Indian Ocean, Zimbali Lodge & Spa offers the ideal base for exploring the natural beauty and experiences of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast.

From indigenous forest walks and abundant birdlife to coastal adventures, golf and estate facilities, guests can choose a pace that suits their stay. Whether reconnecting with nature, enjoying outdoor activities or discovering nearby destinations, every experience is shaped by the unique surroundings of Zimbali.

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Explore the Forest Trails

Wander through scenic pathways surrounded by indigenous vegetation and local wildlife including bushbuck, duiker and vervet monkeys.
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Experience Zimbali Beach

Enjoy access to the coastline, with opportunities for peaceful beach walks and seasonal dolphin and whale sightings.
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Tee Off at Zimbali Country Club

Enjoy access to the championship 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, set among coastal forest and ocean views.
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Relax at the Valley of the Pools

Spend time beside one of Zimbali Coastal Estate's signature experiences, where pools meet sweeping ocean horizons.
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Enjoy the Facilities at Bushbuck Ridge

Make the most of Zimbali's sporting and leisure facilities, including squash, padel, a gym, restaurant and kids play area.
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Discover Zimbali’s Birdlife

Explore a coastal forest environment home to more than 200 bird species and abundant natural beauty.
  • ON-SITE

Discover Zimbali’s Birdlife

Explore a coastal forest environment home to more than 200 bird species and abundant natural beauty.
  • OFF-SITE

Enjoy the Facilities at Bushbuck Ridge

Make the most of Zimbali's sporting and leisure facilities, including squash, padel, a gym, restaurant and kids play area.
  • OFF-SITE

Experience Zimbali Beach

Enjoy access to the coastline, with opportunities for peaceful beach walks and seasonal dolphin and whale sightings.
  • OFF-SITE

Explore the Forest Trails

Wander through scenic pathways surrounded by indigenous vegetation and local wildlife including bushbuck, duiker and vervet monkeys.
  • OFF-SITE

Relax at the Valley of the Pools

Spend time beside one of Zimbali Coastal Estate's signature experiences, where pools meet sweeping ocean horizons.
  • OFF-SITE

Tee Off at Zimbali Country Club

Enjoy access to the championship 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, set among coastal forest and ocean views.

The Dolphin Coast on Your Doorstep

Explore Beyond the Forest Canopy

While Zimbali Lodge offers a complete coastal experience within the estate, the surrounding Dolphin Coast provides even more opportunities to explore.

Discover golden beaches, coastal dining, local markets, outdoor adventures and vibrant towns including Ballito and Umhlanga. From relaxed seaside days to active excursions, the region offers a diverse range of experiences within easy reach of the lodge.

Highlights include:

  • Coastal beaches and ocean experiences
  • Shopping and dining in Ballito and Umhlanga
  • Surfing and water-based adventures
  • Golf and outdoor activities
  • Durban cultural and city experiences
  • Nature and conservation experiences

ARTS AND CULTURE

A Valley With a Long Memory

South Africa’s ‘French Corner’

This interesting and resilient Franschhoek history is still honoured in the modern-day town, and several attractions both celebrate and elaborate on the town’s origins.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

Our Story

Zimbali Lodge forms part of Zimbali Coastal Estate, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most recognised coastal destinations. Set among indigenous forest overlooking the Indian Ocean, the estate has been carefully developed around its natural environment, preserving the connection between landscape, wildlife and coastal living.

The surrounding Ballito area has grown from a small coastal village into one of the Dolphin Coast’s most popular destinations, known for its beaches, outdoor lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere.

Today, Zimbali Lodge continues to offer guests a place where nature, comfort and coastal experiences come together.

Zimbali Lodge forms part of Zimbali Coastal Estate, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most recognised coastal destinations. Set among indigenous forest overlooking the Indian Ocean, the estate has been carefully developed around its natural environment, preserving the connection between landscape, wildlife and coastal living.

The surrounding Ballito area has grown from a small coastal village into one of the Dolphin Coast’s most popular destinations, known for its beaches, outdoor lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere.

Today, Zimbali Lodge continues to offer guests a place where nature, comfort and coastal experiences come together.

A FEW SUGGESTIONS

Discover the Best of the Dolphin Coast

Beaches and Coastal Experiences

Explore the Dolphin Coast's beaches, tidal pools and ocean viewpoints, with opportunities for swimming, walking and seasonal marine sightings.

Shopping and Dining

Discover Ballito and Umhlanga's selection of restaurants, markets, boutiques and coastal lifestyle experiences.

Adventure Experiences

Enjoy the region's outdoor activities, from surfing and ocean adventures to nature-based excursions.

Explore Family Attractions

Discover nearby experiences that offer entertainment, adventure and memorable days along the coast.

Day Trips to Durban

Experience Durban's famous Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World and the city's cultural attractions.

Beaches and Coastal Experiences

Explore the Dolphin Coast's beaches, tidal pools and ocean viewpoints, with opportunities for swimming, walking and seasonal marine sightings.

Shopping and Dining

Discover Ballito and Umhlanga's selection of restaurants, markets, boutiques and coastal lifestyle experiences.

Adventure Experiences

Enjoy the region's outdoor activities, from surfing and ocean adventures to nature-based excursions.

Explore Family Attractions

Discover nearby experiences that offer entertainment, adventure and memorable days along the coast.

Day Trips to Durban

Experience Durban's famous Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World and the city's cultural attractions.

FAQ

No. The beach below Zimbali Coastal Estate is not a designated swimming beach and has no shark nets and no lifeguards. Swimming is at the lodge’s rim-flow pool or at the Valley of the Pools, and other bathing beaches are nearby.

On foot it is about twenty minutes along the beach path beside Block 7. The estate shuttle also runs to the Valley of the Pools, which has beach access, and carries a charge for guests who are not Vacation Club members.

Yes. The championship 18-hole course at Zimbali Country Club is on the estate and is open to guests, with a pro shop and driving range. Tee times need to be booked in advance on 032 538 1041, and green fees apply.

Zimbali Coastal Estate carries more than 200 bird species, and the forest reserve holds bushbuck, blue duiker, mongoose and vervet monkeys. Timber viewing decks along the marked trails are the easiest places to sit and watch.

Humpback whales and schools of dolphins pass this stretch of the KwaZulu-Natal coast between May and September, moving north. They are visible from the shore and from the higher decks around the estate.

Yes. The Bushbuck Club on the estate has a play area with a waterslide, trampolines, jungle gyms and a soccer field, plus a pool and a cafe. Dream Xplorers, the lodge’s kids’ programme, signs children up at reception on arrival.

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