Tonino Lamborghini S.p.A. is entering Africa for the first time through a partnership with Zimbali Lakes Resort, where the group will help develop a R1 billion ($60.5 million) luxury hotel and branded residences on South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, 40 kilometers from Durban.

The project will include a 200-room hotel and 73 branded residences within the 400-hectare estate, which is backed by IFA Hotels & Resorts. The development is positioned as a mixed-use destination combining hospitality, leisure, and residential living.

Coastal estates attract affluent buyers

Pricing for the residences is expected to reach as much as R100,000 ($6,100) per square meter, according to Werner Burger, chief executive of IFA’s South Africa unit. Based on current projections, total sales could reach R1 billion ($60.5 million).

The project adds to a growing pipeline of high-end developments along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, including new international resort entries and expanded lifestyle estates. The region has been drawing interest from affluent buyers looking for coastal living, warmer weather, and a quieter alternative to Cape Town.

Zimbali Lakes already includes large private homes, a beach club, and an Ernie Els-designed golf course. Planned additions include a marina, a retail center, and a supercar dealership, part of a broader effort to build a self-contained luxury destination.

Africa’s luxury real estate expansion

Tonino Lamborghini said Africa represents a growing market for high-end real estate and hospitality, pointing to South Africa’s mix of international appeal and natural setting. He said entering new markets early has long been part of his company’s approach, adding that the Zimbali Lakes project aligns with that strategy.

IFA Hotels & Resorts said the partnership marks a key step in positioning Zimbali Lakes as a premium global destination, blending Italian design influence with South African coastal living. Burger said the Italian brand’s decision to launch its first African project at Zimbali Lakes reflects confidence in both the development and the wider North Coast property market. He added that the project represents a milestone for the estate and the region’s hospitality sector.