ZIMBALI Lodge on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast is entering a new phase under Dream Hotels & Resorts. Once known as a four-star heritage property, the lodge is undergoing a full refurbishment across its rooms, restaurant and conference centre as it transitions towards a five-star classification.
South Africa’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, valued at about R122 billion in 2023, is forecast to reach R478 billion by 2032. As the segment rebounds, demand is increasing for experience-led venues with strong wellness and nature credentials.
“We’re shaping Zimbali Lodge into a property that meets those expectations,” says Bailey Bhima, general manager at Dream Hotels & Resorts. “The refurbishment ensures we can host corporate and private events in an environment that reflects both professional quality and the tranquillity of our setting.”
The upgrade programme extends throughout the property, with guest rooms being redesigned in layered natural tones and modern coastal finishes, introducing more open-plan layouts and terraces overlooking the forest canopy. The public areas will connect more directly with the surrounding landscape, with materials and lighting chosen to highlight the lodge’s setting within the Zimbali estate.
The new Eleven Tribes restaurant, set to open fully in January 2026 following soft-launch trials in November 2025, further anchors the transformation. Its contemporary African menu and adaptable floor plan are being positioned for private dining, incentive groups and exclusive-use events.
Modern conferencing needs
Zimbali’s conference centre has been redeveloped from the ground up. The facility now comprises three core venues, namely the Signature Suite Boardroom, Canopy Conference Room and Hibiscus Room, supported by landscaped terraces and informal breakout zones.
The Signature Suite Boardroom seats eight and features integrated power ports, a large 100” HD display, wireless casting and high-fidelity audio. The adjacent self-service refreshment bar replaces standard urns with locally roasted coffee, global loose-leaf teas and light snacks.
The forest-suspended Canopy Room accommodates up to 60 delegates in theatre format. Large glass windows and glass walls frame views across the coastal forest while built-in hybrid meeting technology, adjustable lighting and direct terrace access encourage flexible event design.
For smaller strategy sessions, the Hibiscus Room provides capacity for 18 people in a quiet, light-filled space with ergonomic seating and discreet connectivity.
All venues have backup power and enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, addressing reliability concerns that remain a factor in South African conferencing.
Extending the experience
Beyond formal sessions, delegates can move between open-air lounges, decks and the adjacent Fountain Court, which hosts cocktail functions and private dinners. The estate’s championship golf course, the Valley of the Pools and nearby spa facilities support post-meeting recreation and incentive itineraries.
Zimbali Lodge has also introduced themed corporate packages such as Balance and Business, combining wellness elements with conferencing, and Tee-Off Talks, which adds a nine-hole golf session to a workshop agenda. Seasonal offers encourage extended stays and year-end team celebrations, with flexible pricing for groups of 10 to 150.
With its upgraded facilities, new dining concept and renewed accommodation, Zimbali Lodge is set to reclaim its place as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most versatile coastal destinations, equally suited to strategic meetings, retreats and high-end celebrations in a setting where business and nature coexist seamlessly.
