International company pumping money into new R50 billion luxury ‘city’ in South Africa
Zimbali, already one of South Africa’s most exclusive developments, is set for a massive upgrade that will transform it into a sprawling R50 billion luxury coastal resort ‘city’.
Developer IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR) has unveiled its Zimbali Vision 2030, a concept designed to reshape the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Zimbali Vision 2030 is centred on two massive projects:
- A world-class Marina Development, and
- The Zimbali Country Estate is positioned across the N2 from Zimbali Lakes.
IFAHR said that the expansion will expand the Zimbali footprint and integrate sustainable living on a scale rarely seen in South Africa.
Dubai-headquartered IFAHR has a presence across four continents and was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.
“Zimbali Vision 2030 represents the convergence of global expertise and local ambition,” says Werner Burger, CEO, IFA Hotels & Resorts SA.
“We are introducing international design, infrastructure, and lifestyle concepts to South Africa, many for the first time in KwaZulu-Natal, and in some instances, the first in Africa.
“Our goal is to set a new benchmark for sustainable estate living, where innovation, environmental sensitivity, and meaningful community impact coexist.”
Over the last 20 years, there has been an investment of over R30 billion in:
- Zimbali Coastal Resort — Project One
- Zimbali Lakes Resort — Project Two, currently under construction, including the Ernie Els Signature Course, which Ernie Els opened in April 2025
The marina and country estate mark IFAHR’s third major long-term investment cycle.
R50 billion total
The introduction of the Zimbali Marina and Zimbali Country Estate will also expand the brand and master plan from R30 billion to an estimated R50 billion.
IFAHR creates a 20-year development pipeline and positions KwaZulu-Natal as one of South Africa’s most competitive coastal destinations.
It added that the first of the two concepts, the Zimbali Marina, is a response to the National Government’s marine economic initiatives.
The Marina aims to create a vibrant waterside destination that combines tourism, leisure, fishing, and commercial and hospitality activities.
“The goal is to position KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast as a globally competitive coastal destination by creating a recreational landmark marina and introducing premium waterfront residential living.”
“A proposed breakwater structure will convert an unsafe beach into a swimmable, family-friendly shoreline, strengthening public safety, tourism appeal, and ecological resilience.”
The Zimbali Country Estate will follow and present new land and lifestyle prospects.
The country estate is expected to launch in early 2026 and will introduce roughly 1,000 new residential opportunities.
Properties are expected to range from one-hectare gentleman’s Estates and Farm-Style acre plots to residential sites, starting from under R1 million.
The estate is designed as an agriculture-integrated precinct, offering sustainable countryside living in a secure and modern estate framework.
The development will also create a self-sustaining suburban ecosystem where golf, nature, agriculture, lifestyle, tourism, hospitality, and commercial activity integrate within a single visionary master plan.
IFAHR stated that Vision 2030 supports the national government’s strategic objectives, including economic transformation, tourism expansion, infrastructure development, and job creation.
The Zimbali Vision 2030, in conjunction with current developments, is expected to generate approximately 40,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The contractor strategy mandates the prioritisation of local labour, the support of small regional contractors and a sustained commitment to training and skills transfer.
Vision 2030 introduces a long-term environmental approach, including estuary rehabilitation, pollution control and biodiversity protection.
Zimbali Vision 2030
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