The State of Environment Report reviews the prior year’s ecological performance, and results of ambitious goals set and projects undertaken.
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 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......
Due to the success of its strict conservation policy, Zimbali Estate has acted as a conservancy for the re-establishment of many threatened indigenous species, by providing a secure home to a variety of local flora and fauna, including predatory birds known as raptors....
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......