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Zimbali Lakes, the North Coast’s flagship master-planned estate, continues to surge ahead with unprecedented momentum.
This year has marked a series of landmark milestones from the opening of the 18-hole Ernie Els Signature Course to the bold launch of Avanti Residences and the TSC Supercar-centric development.
On-site progress is transformative, from major earthworks and services to the construction of the highly anticipated Zimbali Lakes Clubhouse. Confidence across both market and industry continues to soar, bolstered by IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR) reaffirming its long-term commitment through a significant reinvestment into the estate.
Powering Ahead with Confidence
All bulk earthworks and services are projected for completion by December 2026, with major progress already visible across Phase 3A, scheduled for delivery by December 2025, paving the way for property transfers to begin in early 2026.
IFAHR, the master developer’s principal investor, has deepened its commitment with a further R1.2 billion investment into Zimbali Lakes. This strategic funding will accelerate development across the estate over the next 18 months, fast-tracking key assets including the Clubhouse, Zimbali Square Retail Centre, Zimbali Sports Club, Ernie Els Suites, Avanti Residences, and the TSC Supercar Showroom & Vault, all set for completion by 2028.
Zimbali Lakes has achieved its highest-ever sales, recording a historic R280 million in the first nine months of 2025. With a strong pipeline of deals under negotiation and only 161 land opportunities remaining, demand for this exclusive coastal estate continues to intensify.
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Iconic Residential & Lifestyle Developments
The year began with the successful launch of the Ernie Els Suites — a collection of 57 luxury residences, now 80% sold. Priced from R1.75 million, and with no transfer duty when purchased directly from the master developer, these residences continue to attract discerning investors.
In August 2025, Zimbali Lakes unveiled Avanti Residences alongside the TSC Supercar Showroom & Vault — a first-of-its-kind, supercar-centric lifestyle concept in South Africa. Setting a new benchmark of R60 000 per sqm, Avanti redefines North Coast luxury real estate. The collection features one-bedroom units, two-bedroom duplexes, and two- and three-bedroom penthouses, ranging from R2.45 million to R17.5 million.
Central to this bold vision is the TSC Supercar Vault, a climate-controlled facility operated by RACE! — leaders in secure supercar storage, detailing, and asset management. Zimbali Lakes’ partnership with RACE!, who also operate Ducati’s flagship dealership in Johannesburg in partnership with Volkswagen Group Africa, cements the estate’s position as a hub of global luxury lifestyle.
The Ernie Els Signature Course
Since its grand opening in April 2025, the Ernie Els Signature Course has become a destination of prestige and performance. More than 7,800 golfers have already experienced its challenge and charm, with high-profile tournaments including the Sharks vs Saracens Charity Day, SA Rugby Union Invitational, and the BCX SuperSport Shootout solidifying its reputation as one of South Africa’s premier golfing venues.
Zimbali Square Signature Retail
Poised to redefine North Coast convenience and sophistication, Zimbali Square spans 15 000 sqm of contemporary, open-air retail and dining space. Anchored by Checkers, Dis-Chem, and Woolworths, the precinct will feature a curated selection of premium tenants, blending shopping, leisure, and lifestyle in one destination.
Strategically positioned alongside Avanti Residences and the TSC Supercar Vault, Zimbali Square is designed as a vibrant social hub, where community, convenience, and opportunity converge to create an unrivalled gateway to luxury living on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast.
A Legacy in Motion
“Zimbali Lakes is exponentially growing and expanding — we feel the euphoria,” says Werner Burger, CEO of IFA Resorts & Hotels SA. “More importantly, we are demonstrating our commitment through immense financial and resource investment to create an estate that offers both luxury and legacy — a destination that will serve the North Coast community for generations to come.”
“Absa is proud to partner with Zimbali Lakes Resort, a bold and visionary development that reflects our commitment to unlocking growth in South Africa’s property market. Our R1 billion funding underscores our confidence in the project and its potential to redefine living and investment on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast” said Somaya Joshua, Managing Executive: Commercial Property Finance, Absa CIB
About IFA Hotels & Resorts
Listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) is a global leader in mixed-use hotel and residential resort developments, with a portfolio spanning Europe, Africa, and Asia. The group focuses on delivering superior products in established markets while expanding into residential operating companies and strategic partnerships.
About Zimbali Lakes
Spanning 300 hectares on South Africa’s North Coast, Zimbali Lakes is a premier lifestyle estate that blends luxury living, natural beauty, and world-class amenities. Key features include:
- 20 hectares of lakes for kayaking, catch-and-release fishing, and leisure activities.
- The Ernie Els Signature 18-Hole Golf Course and Els Performance Golf Academy.
- The Zimbali Sports Club, home to world-class sports and leisure facilities
- Zimbali Square Retail, a 15,000sqm open-air signature retail and dining destination.
- A pet-friendly environment with nature trails and open spaces.
- Cutting-edge 24-hour security and seamless estate management.
- Prime location, just 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and close to schools, highways, and shopping hubs.
