Reviews of Ilala Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
273 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ilala Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
0% success
67% success
54% success
14% success
13% success
"Ilala Lodge review"
On the negative there was considerable helicopter noise throughout the day which impacted on using the hotel’s outdoor areas." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
The hotel is very comfortable and well maintained and the location is excellent within a short walk of the falls.
The rooms were quiet and comfortable and the staff extremely helpful.
We ate most of our meals there and they were all excellent." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
3 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
Very helpful staff and great food. Very nice pool too.
We walked to the Falls from the Lodge, about a 10 minute walk and walked at our own pace along Falls.
Did sundowner cruise in the evening which was lovely but very touristy!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
3 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
Our room was superb (we were upgraded) with views out over the grounds where we were entertained by elephants pushing over trees!
Breakfast was great with a fantastic choice of food and lots of fresh coffee.
We enjoyed the sunset river cruise and had the opportunity to have an evening meal at the sister hotel." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
Multiple sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
It was here that we sampled unusual dishes such as crocodile, ostrich and impala, all cooked to perfection. The food really was one of the highlights of our stay here.
The service was friendly and courteous. We had one concern about this place and that was about the safe in our room. We discovered, having placed our valuable inside, that it wasn't actually secured to anything. It was literally a box that you could lift and carry out of the room. We reported it to management who obliged by assuring us it would be fixed with some secure sticky tape. We returned later to find that something akin to sellotape had been used but was totally ineffective - you could still lift the box.
This is the only concern we had with this place, very easily remedied with a couple of bolts to attach the safe to the wall.
I would highly recommend this lodge to anybody wishing to see the Falls, it is beautiful, comfortable and only a ten minute walk form the Falls.
We did a sunset cruise along the Zambezi river which was wonderful. We saw crocodiles, many beautiful birds and a hippo. We were provided with snacks and drinks and later deposited outside the sister lodge set on the river where we had a delicious meal." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Hippo
1 sighting
"Ilala Lodge review"
The staff were exceptional. It's not the fastest service but you're in Africa so you need to adjust to African time!!
The room was excellent, the food was incredible, the ambience was relaxing and perfect.
The reception staff were beyond helpful
A wonderful hotel that I would recommend to everyone." See all these reviews: 4n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
"Great location for the falls"
We booked various activities from the hotel and they all happened smoothly and on time.
The area is more busy than we had previously experienced on the holiday as quite touristy but the falls are excellent - a must see and in the helicopter gave a different perspective" See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
1 sighting
Hippo
1 sighting
"Ilala Lodge review"
Our room was on the second floor and had a lovely view of the spray from the falls and the gardens which attracted a lot of birds and once a female bush-buck. The room was large and comfortable with complimentary drinking water, kettle, tea, coffee and milk. There were plenty of charging points, both international and USB, and a big bathroom. The gardens are beautifully laid out and maintained and the public rooms are large and nicely decorated. The food, both breakfast and dinner, were very good with a wide range of options including game.
The Lodge is very conveniently located for the falls, a 10-15 minute walk. However, on our way there and back we got pestered by persistent young men selling things much more than previously and on our way back 2 elephants were feeding in the undergrowth close to the path. We were told by 2 local people it was ok to walk past but not to slow down or stop but it was still a little alarming.
We had booked the Ra Ikane sunset cruise as we had such a good experience previously and seen a lot of wildlife. Unfortunately, the experience was not so good this time. There appeared to be many more boats on the river and the captain on this occasion did not seem so interested in maximising the experience for the customers so it was rather an anti-climax.
In fact we found the town of Victoria Falls much busier and with a lot of new buildings, including more hotels and lodges than we had seen previously. We don't think we will return but would recommend Ilala Lodge as a comfortable, convenient, well run place to spend a couple of nights." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
1 sighting
"Ilala Lodge review"
The rooms are beautiful, spacious, and very well-maintained. The staff are welcoming and always ready to help with whatever is needed. The food is excellent. And on top of all that, the wildlife visiting your porch is amazing. We saw hippos, impala, monkeys, and a variety of birds.
The staff knew it was our birthday, so a birthday cake was waiting for us in the room upon arrival—a sweet (pun intended) surprise." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Hippo
1 sighting
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