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
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67% success
54% success
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13% success
"Ilala Lodge review"
Sure, Zimbabwe needs income from tourism, but I still found it a bit hard to swallow that they charged $50 per person for the entrance fee.
Since 2016, the lodge added a new wing with substantially more rooms. The food here is as flawless as it was in 2016, and one of the nicest features is that in contrast to other accommodations in town the Falls are in walking distance.
On one evening we saw two hippos wandering across the lawn in front of the lodge. I just mention this, because hippos aren’t listed in your wildlife survey." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe; 11n in Botswana
"Ilala Lodge review"
We were allocated a room with a pleasant view, allowing us sightings of the mist from Victoria Falls and beautiful sunrises from our balcony (room 33).
Very comfortable and spotless room; quiet hotel with beautiful decoration; very good service, including support to book activities and pass information; large choice of food and beverages for breakfast. We did not eat lunch nor dinner there. Easy access on foot to the falls themselves and the town center." See all these reviews: 5n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
Elephant
1 sighting
"Ilala Lodge review"
I wish they'd reminded me that breakfast was included when I checked in." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
The grounds are not fenced so you can watch the local wildlife. While I was there a pair of Cape Bushbucks visited daily as well as a large family of mongoose.
The restaurant is excellent and the staff friendly and efficient." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
A nice garden, 2 small pools, very nice food, good Wifi. Postoffice next door.
One thing to take into consideration: during the day you constantly hear the helicopters fly over. Luckily they don't fly at night." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
From another hand we learned next morning how they are trying to fight this situation which is not depend on them and they also settled an issue with us by moving us to the sister hotel Palm River with with very quiet surroundings.
Regarding the location relative to the waterfall - it's perfect walking distance.
So, we would recommend to check about loud music if you sensitive for the matter and go there at weekend or holiday (as we did)." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya; 3n in Rwanda; 3n in Botswana; 3n in Tanzania; 2n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
"Ilala Lodge review"
It's a conviently located and beautiful hotel and a good place to spend a day without having to go out. The rooms are spacious and clean, the restaurant is excellent with the piano player as a charming bonus.
Two points of critcism:
- rooms are expensive
- the all-day-long helicopter rides are a bit of a nuisance" See all these reviews: 7n in Zimbabwe
"Lovely Ilala Lodge"
The sales guys trying to sell you stuff on the way is a bit of a hassle but they are harmless enough, just trying to make a living.
The hotel is delightful and the restaurant for breakfast and dinner very good. We booked the sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane and it was brilliant. A small wooden boat, there were 8 of us plus the captain and a chap serving drinks and snacks. The captain was very knowledgeable about the wild life and the Falls, and really enhanced the experience.
We went for a walk but felt quite hassled with everyone wanting to sell us something, we were told later that if you say you are from Zimbabwe they leave you alone.
Thehotel has 2 pools which are great for catching some sun.
Staff were friendly and helpful. We had to keep our windows shut when not in the room as the baboons can be a pest. We saw 2 hippos on the lawn after the cruise just happily eating the grass." See all these reviews: 5n in Zimbabwe; 4n in South Africa
"Ilala Lodge review"
Staff were professional and helpful, food was good, and there was plenty to do and see for my stay.
I visited Zambia to go to the Devil’s pool and also saw Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe.
A delicious lunch at the Lookout cafe was worth it for the views as well as the food.
All transport and transit arrangements worked like clockwork.
Lovely pool and a chance to see some local wildlife including baboons, hippos , antelopes, meerkats, warthogs, giraffes and elephants." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
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Other lodges in Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Victoria Falls Hotel
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Sprayview Hotel
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The Elephant Camp
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Old Drift Lodge
A lovely addition to the options in Victoria Falls, the stylish Old Drift has a great location in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with a range of activities.
Victoria Falls Club
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Palm River
Palm River Hotel offers a high-quality stay in a picturesque location on the banks of the Zambezi, with excellent food and a shuttle to the Victoria Falls.
Pioneers
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Gorges Lodge
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Zambezi Sands
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528 Victoria Falls
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Matetsi River Lodge
Situated in the private Matetsi Reserve, Matetsi River Lodge offers luxury suites, game drives and river activities within reach of the Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Suites
Just out of the town, Victoria Falls Safari Suites offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base from which to explore.
Mpala Jena
In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.
Matetsi River House
Situated in the Private Matetsi Reserve Matetsi River House offers families and small groups privacy, game drives and access to the falls.
