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Zimbali Lodge

3.0 star property
Travelers find their rhythm by the ocean, sipping cocktails at the poolside bar or teeing off on this oceanfront hotel's own golf course

Choose dates to view prices

Zimbali Lodge offers a family-friendly oceanfront experience with a poolside bar and outdoor pool. Enjoy golf course views at Trophy @ Fairmont Zimbali restaurant or relax in the garden. Free WiFi, supervised childcare, and dry cleaning/laundry services add convenience.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Lodge Standard - King

Lodge Standard - King | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

Lodge Standard - King

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Deep soaking bathtub
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Lodge Standard - Twin

Lodge Standard - Twin | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

Lodge Standard - Twin

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Deep soaking bathtub
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Lodge Suite - King

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

Lodge Suite - King

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
TV
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Deep soaking bathtub
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Ballito, Zimbali Lodge is on the beach. Luthuli Museum and Sibaya Casino are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Hillary Park and Hilary Park. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and water skiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with skydiving nearby. Visit our Ballito travel guide
Map
5 Corkwood Dr, Zimbali Coastal Estate, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, 4420

What's nearby

  • Umhlanga Rocks Beach showing a lighthouse, a sandy beach and landscape views
    Umhlanga Rocks Beach
    22 min drive - 33.4 km
  • uShaka Marine World featuring signage and rides as well as a large group of people
    uShaka Marine World
    36 min drive - 57.4 km
  • Netcare Alberlito Hospital
    3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Ballito Beach
    6 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Open Park
    6 min drive - 2.6 km

Getting around

  • King Shaka Intl. Airport (DUR)
    18 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Fireroom
    4 min drive
  • Concha
    7 min drive
  • La Fiamma Grill
    7 min drive
  • Soi 55 Thai Eatery
    3 min drive
  • Bird & Co
    5 min drive

About this property

Zimbali Lodge

Family-friendly hotel by the ocean
A golf course, a poolside bar, and a terrace are just a few of the amenities provided at Zimbali Lodge. Get out on the links at this hotel and enjoy amenities such as a driving range and a restaurant with golf course views. The on-site restaurant, Trophy @ Fairmont Zimbali, features ocean views. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a garden and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • An outdoor pool
  • Free self parking and valet parking
  • Limo/town car service, bike rentals, and access to a nearby health club
  • Supervised childcare (surcharge), luggage storage, and meeting rooms
Room features
All guestrooms at Zimbali Lodge include thoughtful touches such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and safes.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and deep soaking tubs
  • TVs with satellite channels
  • Balconies, childcare services, and coffee/tea makers

Similar properties

Outdoor pool
Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts
  • On private beach
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 11 reviews
The price is AED 520
AED 598 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Mar - 13 Mar
Zimbali Lodge by Dream Resorts
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Limo/town car service
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Trophy @ Fairmont Zimbali
  • Trophy Bar

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Golf course
  • Golf driving range
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Mountain biking
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Supervised activities for children (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business center
  • Conference space
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 2 floors
  • Colonial architecture
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 450 per person (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
The property offers scheduled shuttle service to the nearby Fairmont Zimbali Resort where lunch and dinner service are available.

Property is also known as

Fairmont Lodge Zimbali
Zimbali Lodge Ballito
Fairmont Zimbali Lodge
Zimbali Fairmont
Zimbali Fairmont Lodge
Zimbali Lodge
Zimbali Lodge Fairmont
Fairmont Zimbali Hotel Ballito
Fairmont Zimbali Lodge Ballito
Fairmont Zimbali Ballito
Zimbali Ballito
Zimbali
Zimbali Lodge Hotel
Zimbali Lodge Ballito
Zimbali Lodge Hotel Ballito

Frequently asked questions

Does Zimbali Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Zimbali Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking and valet parking are free at this property.

What time is check-in at Zimbali Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Zimbali Lodge?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Zimbali Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of ZAR 450 per person applies.

Where is Zimbali Lodge located?

Nestled on the beach, this Ballito hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Netcare Alberlito Hospital, Hillary Park, and Hilary Park. Ballito Junction Regional Mall and Lifestyle Shopping Centre are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Zimbali Lodge Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.8

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

8.2

Staff & service

8.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 270 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 86 out of 270 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 270 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 270 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 270 reviews

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was wonderful - clean and spacious. Staff were helpful and friendly. The top pool area was restful. There was no restaurant facility and the trek to and from the Fairmont Hotel tiresome, having to wait for both a buggy and minibus to get us from the Lodge to the Hotel and vice versa.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The smell in the room was not pleasant, the carpet are not clean n I saw cockroach in our room a big one
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

perfection @ its best

perfect
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was amazing, really enjoyed the stay. The aircon did not work very well and we had to reset the card we were given 3 times as it did not work when using the exit gate
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is no longer a “hotel” in the true sense and really should not be sold as such - it is verging on misrepresentation. It was clearly once a very attractive place but has been seriously neglected and is being turned into a downmarket timeshare resort. On checking in we were told that a) there are no restaurants, no room service and no bars other than a pool bar that opens only during the day. b) the only restaurants were at the Zimbali Fairmont - 3 km away, within the same estate, but that a transfer service was provided (as if this was a benefit!). We found this completely unacceptable and asked if we could upgrade to the Fairmont, but there were no rooms. As we were only there for one night and had had a long drive we weren’t really in a position to start looking for another hotel in the area, but did at least manage to get some lunch in a cafe in nearby Ballito. We would never stay there again in any circumstances and frankly Expedia should be ashamed of marketing it as a “hotel”. I’d be happy to give you a very long list of observations about this dump (including the utter farce of the dinner “arrangement” which didn’t include the ability to sign for the meal-cash or card was demanded. Most tellingly of all, ex Lodge staff who worked at the Fairmont told us it was embarrassing to see a once luxury resort run down like this,
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

2/10 Terrible

FriedrichHoebar

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Sehr schmutzig und abgewohnt, sehr alter Schmutz am Boden, In allen Ecken Spinnweben, Schimmel in Dusche und Waschbecken, Unterbau vom Bett total verdreckt, Vorhänge stehen von alleine vom Schmutz, Tapeten lösen sich von den Wänden, Kühlschrank trotz 2maliger Reklamation außer Funktion, offene Wände bei den Abwasseranschlüssen, wunderbare Zugänge für KAKERLAKEN, haben 2 Stück (ca. 5 cm groß!!) erschlagen / vergiftet! Schade um diese früher bestimmt tolle Location in allerbester Lage, da mangelt es am Management.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2020

6/10 Okay

Tanja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful ....but personally think the estate set up is too large and impersonal. The fact that there is no restaurant or room service at the Lodge was dissapointing and had to wait a very long time for a shuttle to the main resort , so we ended up walking the 2.4kms.....
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good stay at Zimbali Lodge

It was a good stay, our room was very nice. I was a bit upset that staying at the lodge we did not get breakfast and were told we had to pay for it at the Hotel. People should take note of that also. there is a fee charged for travel to the valley of Pools (R50 per person) which surprised us a bit. otherwise going everywhere else is covered.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Location is excellent but the lodge is looking tired. Guests need to use the Fairmont Hotel for food and drink as the main lodge building has been downgraded. Staff on the whole were very good but unfortunately there are some light fingers and property was stolen from the room. The room safe is not big enough for every item, so be wary.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Shobhana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The place was amazing however not much consideration for the guests convenience. We had gotten soaked 3 times as shuttle vehicles were obstructing parking and left unattended, Forcing us to park in the rain before checking inn and out. We did advise the guy at reception on departure however he seemed amused to sèe us wet. The cleaners were noisy and created a disturbance outside the room, so much so that we had to wake and go outside to see what the commotion was about at 7.30am No consideration was shown to guests that are on holiday and want to wake a lilttle late.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tsholofelo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Tsholo

The experience was amazing. There is a guy by the name of Duncan, he made our stay magical. There entire staff is professional
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

6/10 Okay

fathima

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The lodge needs upgrading..
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

okay for a short stay.

It’s okay for a short stay. There’s no breakfast served but the club house is near. I found something so basic as not having a bin in the room The most annoying thing ever. The shower is very small and I found it a bit awkward. The lodge room directions are not marked clearly on the pathways hence you will get lost trying to get to your room if you don’t use the shuttle . Overall it was doable.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Judy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The service and staff were all really amazing and friendly. The rooms need a bit of TLC and possibly an upgrade, but cannot fault service!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Zimbali was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Francois

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place with fine detail

All very good apart from noisy neighbours one evening and early morning the next day in the room next to us. Did not report it as it stopped but the noise continued again the next morning around 8am. The staff was always very professional and efficient. Thank you for a lovely stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful but dissappointed.

the lodge was very average with no view at all. I had a few issues with the room in which I was in. The fridge didn't work.We didn't get a shuttle for over 30 minutes.We didn't get towels for over 45 mins. the duvet feathers were coming out.However the surrounding visits where the hotel and golf course was ,were world class.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Wilhelm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Zimbali Lodge

Very relaxing and comfortable room. Relaxing on the balcony in a tropical garden
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a beautiful place. It's confusing that there is the lodge, and then there is the resort or hotel, both called Zimbali. This causes some issues with pickups and logistics, and at the lodge where I stayed, there are very limited services (ie only the bar for meals, wifi is patchy). However it was less busy than the 'valley of the pools' area, and very beautiful set up a bit from the beach. The room was quite spectacular.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Garden setting. Lots of wild animals and birds. Beautiful wood work and views
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The location of Zimbali lodge was great, tucked away in lots of tropical greenery. The room was lovely, private and serviced daily. The pool and surrounds were really great. There were a few niggles : - we waited in the bar for over half an hour but no-one was around to serve us - one of the staff members in Reception was not very friendly/approachable - it would have been great to have some simple bar food available at the lodge (toasted sandwiches, burgers etc.) - we had to go elsewhere to get our meals
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nozuko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful escape

Amazing stay..
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

2/10 Terrible

MARK

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

very bad service

We were very very disappointed in the service and the way we were treated. I would definitely no recommend Zimbali and anyone.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kholiwe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Royal experience it was!!

It was amazing experience to me and will definitely come back soon.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Misrepresentation on 5 star

The Lodge has been advertised as a 5 star Lodge. This is misrepresentation as we confirmed with staff that it is not. No room service, breakfast facilities, restaurant, Fridge in room empty. Anything but 5 star. extremely inconvenient place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019