Simbithi occupies a distinctive coastal setting north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, where the course forms the centerpiece of a residential eco-estate. Peter Matkovich designed the layout to work within the property's natural wetlands, indigenous vegetation, and rolling terrain characteristic of this subtropical region. The routing incorporates environmental corridors and preserves significant areas of natural habitat, reflecting the estate's conservation-oriented development approach. The course navigates varied topography with elevation changes that provide views toward the Indian Ocean and surrounding coastal landscape. Water features prominently throughout the design, both in the form of natural wetlands and constructed hazards that integrate with the estate's stormwater management systems. Matkovich's routing takes advantage of the property's indigenous bush and forest areas, creating holes that move through different landscape zones while maintaining playability for the residential membership. Simbithi serves primarily as the golf amenity for the residential community, with the course and estate developed as an integrated project emphasizing environmental stewardship alongside recreational facilities. The layout reflects design principles common to South African coastal golf, where architects work with dramatic natural features while addressing ecological considerations. The course provides a home facility for estate residents while remaining accessible to visitors, functioning within the broader context of KwaZulu-Natal's golf offerings along the province's developed coastal corridor.