The State of Environment Report reviews the prior year’s ecological performance, and results of ambitious goals set and projects undertaken.
Latest Report:
View the 2024 Zimbali Estate State of Environment Report here.
Historic Reports:
View the 2023 Zimbali Estate State of Environment Report here.
View the 2022 Zimbali Estate State of Environment Report here.
Located on the eastern coast of South Africa, overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Zimbali Estate, the Zulu meaning for ‘valley of flowers’ – is a residential lifestyle estate unlike any other.
Unspoiled and lush, marked by endless beaches and clear skies, Zimbali Estate exceeds your imagination’s ultimate expectations.
There is the seamlessly integrated, relaxed ambience of outdoor living in the bushveld, with all the modern conveniences expected of a world-class and multi-generational family-orientated estate.
A strict conservation ethos was implemented to harness and restore the heritage of this region. The estate has acted as a conservancy for the re-establishment of many threatened indigenous species.
Click here to view our impressive list of 265 birds, 34 mammals, 78 butterflies, reptiles and more.
Zimbali Estate has an ecologically rich sub-tropical forest and contains the biological diversity of indigenous wildlife with well over 260 species of birds.
Experience the indigenous forest and its rich bird life from a completely different angle as you encounter some of the species that inhabit this area.
The gentle rise and fall of dolphins silhouetted against the early morning sunrise is a familiar sight at Zimbali Estate. These amazing sea creatures are like old friends that keep coming back to our shores – sometimes even catching a wave or two with the surfers.
And every year, residents and visitors get a front row seat to one of the most beautiful whale shows in the world, as thousands of the world’s largest mammals head to breeding grounds in the temperate and tropical waters along our coastline. Southern Right and Humpback whales are the most frequently viewed but if you are lucky, you may spot a pod of Orcas launch themselves out of the water and forget to breathe until they crash down again. And realise how incredibly privileged you are to have these majestic sea creatures right on the shores of Zimbali Estate.
The enchanting coastal forest extends to the Indian Ocean and beaches. The secluded beach pool is equipped with umbrellas, loungers and provided refreshments. While this stretch of coastline is not designated for swimming, other bathing beaches are located nearby.
Zimbali Estate’s natural waterways and dams create a beautiful habitat for the birds, a host of butterflies and a wide variety of indigenous plant life. Animal life within the forest reserve includes bushbuck, blue duiker, bushbaby, vervet monkey, banded mongoose and even porcupine.
Click here to view the Estate Map and Trail Map.
Zimbali Estate has for many years been regarded as one of the world’s best eco-estates. Known for its beautiful coastal forest, free-roaming wildlife, plethora of birdlife and conservation spaces, Zimbali Estate is a sanctuary for the incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna that can be found there. The estate has been a haven to many breeding pairs of bird species, including the African crowned eagles that nest there, offers an indigenous plant nursery cultivated by the Environmental Department, and remains committed to restoring and improving the natural environment through ongoing projects like the Grassland Restoration, to promoting sustainability and fostering ecological restoration into the future.
The Zimbali Estate Nursery is situated on Holy Hill, and is a magical gardening haven, open to all residents. Here, many species of indigenous plants are cultivated, from wild orchids to water-wise plants, which residents can choose for their own gardens.
At Zimbali Estate, our deep connection to the natural environment extends beyond the coastal forest and pristine landscapes we call home. As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are proud to support The Sea Starts Here campaign – an initiative designed to protect our oceans and raise awareness of the vital link between human actions and the health of our seas.
The Sea Starts Here is a global movement focused on educating communities about the direct impact of stormwater pollution on our oceans. It reminds us that every piece of litter, chemical, or contaminant that enters storm drains flows into rivers and oceans, threatening marine life and ecosystems. By fostering this awareness, the campaign encourages responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.
As custodians of an eco-sensitive environment, Zimbali Estate has embraced The Sea Starts Here campaign with a phased rollout of signage across the estate, to ensure that this important message reaches every corner of our community. These informative signs, strategically placed near stormwater drains, are a visual reminder to residents, guests, and staff that small actions on land can have a big impact on our oceans.
By installing these signs, we aim to:
• Educate our community on the importance of preventing litter and pollution from entering our stormwater systems.
• Reinforce our ongoing efforts towards environmental sustainability and marine conservation.
• Inspire collective action to protect the coastline that makes Zimbali Estate such a unique and treasured destination.
By supporting The Sea Starts Here campaign, Zimbali Estate continues its mission to safeguard the natural beauty that surrounds us. We invite you to join us in this effort by being mindful of the waste we generate and how it is disposed of. Simple actions like picking up litter and avoiding harmful chemicals can contribute to the preservation of our precious marine environment.
The sea starts here – at Zimbali Estate – and together, we can protect it for future generations.
At Zimbali the overwhelming vista is one of natural beauty, ecological richness and biological diversity.
First impressions count. At Zimbali the overwhelming vista is one of natural beauty, ecological richness and biological diversity. The luxuriance of this reserve is reflected in its eight different vegetation types ranging from pioneer dune vegetation through to towering dune forest. All this provides a......
Zimbali Estate is home to an impressive variety of raptors, many of which are either breeding residents or annual summer visitors. This remarkable abundance is sustained by the estate’s extensive natural habitat, which provides a rich prey base of mammals, birds, fish, and insects. As......
It has often been said that bees are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. Most crops grown for their fruits (including vegetables such as squash, cucumber, tomato and eggplant), nuts, seeds, fibre (such as cotton), and hay (alfalfa grown......