Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts

Hotels
1 Lodge Lane, Zimbali Coastal Estate , Ballito , ZA

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
Restaurant
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent staff service
Beautiful location
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Room updates needed

Categories

Cleanliness
6.71
Several guests reported rooms being dirty and in need of maintenance.
Service
9.18
Staff was frequently noted as exceptional and helpful.
Location
8.72
Great location close to the airport and beautiful scenery.
Room Quality
7.17
Rooms are comfortable but some parts felt dated and in need of modern updates.
Amenities
8.2
Complimentary tours and nice pool area were positively noted.
Value for Money
8.16
Generally seen as good value, with some criticisms on changes to amenities like the minibar.
Food and Beverage
7.71
Breakfast was praised, but some noted it lacked consistency in quality.
Overall Experience
8.18
Mixed reviews but overall a very enjoyable stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 14:53

Property Description

Tranquil Retreat in Zimbali Coastal Resort

Luxurious Accommodation
The rooms and suites at Zimbali Lodge offer a colonial-style experience within the indigenous forest. Enjoy stunning views from your balcony overlooking the forest or golf course. Unwind in the free-standing Victorian bathtubs or take a refreshing shower in the spacious bathrooms.

Relaxation by the Infinity Pool
Indulge in ultimate relaxation by the infinity pool, surrounded by swaying palm trees. Whether you're soaking up the sun or taking a refreshing dip, this serene setting is perfect for unwinding during your stay.

Convenient Location
Ideally situated just a short drive from Durban, Umhlanga, and Ballito, Zimbali Lodge offers easy access to key attractions. Plus, with King Shaka International Airport a mere 20 minutes away, your journey to relaxation is seamless.

Book your stay at Zimbali Lodge for a tranquil and luxurious retreat amidst nature's beauty.

Important information:

Due to the current lockdown in South Africa, kindly take note of the following property guidelines:
-The property will operate between 08:00 and 19:00. No services will be offered outside these hours.
-Guests are asked to take note of the 22:00 lockdown effective throughout the country.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

Cleanliness: 6.71
Service: 9.18
Location: 8.72
Room Quality: 7.17
Amenities: 8.2
Value for Money: 8.16
Food and Beverage: 7.71
Overall Experience: 8.18
C
Carol • couple • za
3
The staff was efficient, friendly and helpful! But the place needs an urgent overhaul
Pros:

The serenity and the nature atmosphere

Cons:

Old furniture, the toilet had a smell

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
N
Nontobeko • couple • za
8
2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
M
Motlalepula • couple • za
6
2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
N
nteseleng • couple • za
7
My stay was wonderful. The only thing that could be improved for future is arranging access on time at the security gate
Pros:

The beautiful landscapes surrounding the property are breathtaking

Cons:

It’s was very tranquil, peaceful and comfortable

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
Z
Zubair • couple • za
1
Cons:

NO SMART TV
BATHROOM WITH NO SHOWER GELS

2026-10-13 • via Nuitee
N
Ntanganedzeni • couple • za
10
2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
N
Neelan • couple • za
10
Brilliant ,I’ll be back for sure
Pros:

Very clean,friendly staff ,good breakfast ,great facilities

Cons:

The breakfast needs to be covered with a food net as many flies were seen flying around .

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
N
Nkosimlondile • couple • sz
5
2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
T
Tait • solo_traveller • zw
10
Happy client.
Pros:

The environment is perfect. Luxurious, clean and comfortable

Cons:

All was amazing

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
P
Paulo • couple • za
8
2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
Z
Zizile • solo_traveller • za
10
Pros:

Everything was exceptionally

Cons:

I liked everything

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
M
Moshe • solo_traveller • za
9
2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
R
Rebaone • couple • za
8
2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
G
Getruth • solo_traveller • za
10
Pros:

The rooms are spacious and comfortable bed.

Cons:

I did not like the limitations from Alacarte breakfast during the week. I wish there were more dining options than the one restaurant.

2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
M
Mokgatla • solo_traveller • za
10
Pros:

The privacy was top notch 👌

2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
M
Marcia • couple • mz
8
2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
N
nkule • couple • za
10
only the weather that disappointed me, but the stay was perfect
Pros:

breakfast was the most perfect thing

Cons:

nothing, i wish you can fix the fan for room 703, there is no warm mode, it only cold air

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
C
Corne • solo_traveller • za
8
Pros:

Peaceful nature

Cons:

That we couldn't drive and park at facilities within the Zimbali estate

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
R
Refilwe • solo_traveller • za
10
Pros:

Friendly and helpful staff, beautiful surroundings, great amenities and clean facilities!

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
C
Celeste • couple • za
4
Beautiful property, but the dishonest shuttle 'service' and dismissive staff leave a lasting bad taste
Pros:

The bed and the pillow were very comfortable and the rooms are beautiful!

Cons:

Before booking, I specifically searched for hotels offering an airport shuttle, and this hotel's shuttle service was a deciding factor. I confirmed pick-up times and the shuttle's collection point in advance. On arrival, however, I was asked to pay R500 for the "shuttle" — only to discover that the hotel doesn't actually operate one. Instead, they charge guests R500 simply to phone a third-party company to arrange the transfer. Had this been disclosed upfront, I would have arranged my own transport, as I did on the return trip for R168.

This is a significant, deliberate misrepresentation, and the hotel showed no willingness to acknowledge it. When I raised the issue with reception, staff spoke over me and didn't allow me to finish a sentence — a genuinely poor way to handle a legitimate complaint.

Dinner was underwhelming and not worth the price; breakfast was the better meal of the two.

A beautiful property, but the dishonesty around transport and the attitude at reception have left me undecided about returning.

2026-09-17 • via Nuitee