IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR) has unveiled its Zimbali Vision 2030 including two pioneering projects, a marina development and the Zimbali Country Estate positioned across the N2 from Zimbali Lakes.

The Zimbali Marina and Zimbali Country Estate mark IFAHR’s third major long-term investment cycle, expanding the brand and the masterplan from R30 billion to an estimated R50 billion and creating a 20-year development pipeline.

The Zimbali Marina, the first of the two concepts, is a response to National Government’s marine-economic initiative, says the developers, with the aim of establishing a vibrant waterside destination that integrates tourism, leisure, fishing, commercial, and hospitality activity with a proposed breakwater structure will convert an unsafe beach into a swimmable, family-friendly shoreline.

The Zimbali Country Estate, the second dimension of the vision, will present new land lifestyle prospects. Scheduled to launch in early 2026, the Zimbali Country Estate will introduce approximately 1 000 new residential opportunities from one-hectare gentlemen’s estates and farm-style acre plots to residential sites priced from under R1 million.

Independent studies of the Othagathi River, Begota Stream, and estuary highlight urgent ecological challenges, says IFAHR, with their Zimbali Vision 2030 to introduce a long-term environmental approach including estuary rehabilitation, pollution control and water-quality improvement and biodiversity and shoreline protection – with ongoing engagement with environmental and municipal authorities. A portion of future sales will be earmarked for long term environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

“Contrary to perception, a well-managed marina can actively enhance ecosystems and improve water quality, restore habitats, and strengthen environmental resilience,” say the developers.

“An inclusive, consultative approach is being followed, with engagement already underway with environmental, wildlife, and municipal authorities. The necessary town-planning and environmental legislative processes will be undertaken, with specialist studies already identified and prepared to commence.”

“The strong pursuit for coastal safety will be achieved through collaboration with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), which is intended to establish a dedicated rescue base and boat-launch facility within the Zimbali Beach Club. This partnership aims to strengthen coastal emergency response for residents, visitors, and commercial operators.”

IFAHR’s commitment over the past 20 years has been demonstrated by more than R30 billion invested across the Zimbali Coastal Resort (Project One) and Zimbali Lakes Resort (Project Two – currently under construction including the Ernie Els Signature Golf Course which opened in April 2025.)