Zimbali Lodge on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast is entering a new chapter under Dream Hotels & Resorts. The lodge, once a four-star favourite, is busy with a complete refurbishment across its rooms, restaurant and conference spaces as it moves towards five-star classification.
The upgrade touches every part of the property. Guest rooms now feature layered natural tones, modern coastal design and open-plan layouts. New terraces bring guests closer to the forest canopy. Public areas also draw in the surrounding landscape through soft lighting and natural materials that showcase the lodge’s setting inside the Zimbali estate.
The new Eleven Tribes restaurant anchors the refresh. It opens fully in January 2026, following its soft launch. Guests can expect a contemporary African menu, flexible floor plans and a space suited to private dining, incentive groups and exclusive-use events.
A Conference Hub Built for Today
Zimbali Lodge has rebuilt its conference centre from the ground up. It now includes three core venues: the Signature Suite Boardroom, the Canopy Room and the Hibiscus Room. Landscaped terraces and relaxed breakout zones support these.
The Signature Suite Boardroom seats eight. It includes built-in power points, a 100-inch high-definition display, wireless casting and high-quality audio. A self-service refreshment bar offers locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf teas and light snacks.
Suspended above the forest, the Canopy Room seats up to 60 delegates in theatre format. Large glass walls frame the coastal forest. Hybrid-meeting tech, adjustable lighting and terrace access allow flexible event design.
For smaller strategy sessions, the Hibiscus Room offers space for 18 people with ergonomic seating, soft light and discreet connectivity.
All venues include backup power and enterprise-grade Wi-Fi.
Taking the Event Experience Outdoors
Delegates can move between open-air lounges, decks and the Fountain Court. The latter works well for cocktail events and private dinners. The lodge’s access to the Zimbali golf course, the Valley of the Pools and nearby spa facilities adds scope for incentive itineraries and post-meeting recreation.
Zimbali Lodge now offers themed corporate packages, including Balance and Business, which blends wellness with conferencing, and Tee-Off Talks, which pairs a nine-hole golf session with a workshop. Seasonal offers encourage more extended stays, team events, and breakaway groups of 10 to 150 guests.
Meeting Rising Market Demand
South Africa’s MICE sector was valued at about R122 billion in 2023 and is forecast to reach R478 billion by 2032. As the industry grows, more planners are looking for venues that combine strong facilities with natural settings and wellness-led experiences.
“We’re shaping Zimbali Lodge into a property that meets those expectations,” says Bailey Bhima, General Manager at Dream Hotels & Resorts. “The refurbishment allows us to host corporate and private events in a space that reflects our setting and our service standards.”
With its refreshed facilities, new restaurant and redesigned rooms, Zimbali Lodge is set to reclaim its place as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most versatile coastal venues. It now suits strategic meetings, retreats and high-end celebrations where business and nature sit side by side.
