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"
Elephant
2 sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
Victoria Falls was amazing. I am glad we decided to see the Falls from the Zimbabwe side. Running a gauntlet of vendors on the way to the Falls was only a minor annoyance.
Another wonderful birding spot, and a very relaxing and lovely place to end our trip." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 8n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
3 sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
We've stayed previously at the historic and grand Victoria Falls Hotel and while it was lovely, we much prefer Ilala's medium size and elegant yet relaxed dining, bar and pool areas. Plus it is even closer to the falls.
The location can't be beat and the food and service were also outstanding. We enjoyed seeing warthogs and monkeys on the property too." See all these reviews: 5n in Seychelles; 3n in Rwanda; 3n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge Victoria Falls"
The evening river cruise was a highlight as was the walk around the Falls, thanks to Soul and Robbie for their guidance and helpful information. Last but not least the helicopter flight over the falls was well worth the cost, views were awesome and wish I could have taken better pictures of the falls from above, but it was an experience not to be missed.
The food in the lodge was good, but didn't change, but I was only staying two nights so maybe the menu altered later in the week. The service was excellent and efficient throughout the lodge, and I would gladly stay there again.
I stayed in the older part of the lodge, and it was interesting to see some the wildlife from my room, the warthogs were especially funny to see running away when the thunderstorm started !
Thanks to Tracy for organizing this element of my trip and I hope to visit again in the near future." See all these reviews: 2n in Zimbabwe
"Excellent with wonderful staff"
The staff were so helpful. We had a deluxe room looking out on to the well kept grounds where we could watch the warthogs and various antelopes. Although the hotel is on the edge of the town it was very peaceful. The location was perfect - we could walk to the falls and also to the shops, bars and restaurants in town.
We went on the Ra Ikane river cruises and would recommend them too." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
We stayed in a standard room which was great and I would actually prefer over the deluxe rooms as these were a bit further from the main lodge (the standard rooms are under the main lodge on a lower floor). We had deer and warthogs grazing outside our balcony.
Would definitely go back." See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Botswana
Elephant
Multiple sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
Both of these activities we undertook unguided but supervised activities could easily have been arranged by the Lodge, if wanted. Ilala was also very convenient for the facilities in town, although we found the street vendors to be too attentive to permit us to venture far! Despite this, within the confines of the Lodge, the ambience was peaceful, the staff welcoming and helpful and the facilities (including swimming pool) and catering excellent.
We did book a helicopter viewing of the Falls and a Zambezi sunset cruise through the Lodge, both of which are highly recommended and provided additional perspectives of the natural phenomena." See all these reviews: 16n in Botswana; 10n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
5 sightings
"Very nice"
Elephant
1 sighting
"Wonderful stay near the falls. "
This hotel offers comfort and style.
A worthwhile additional experience if time allows, is the sunset evening cruise which is highly recommended." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
"Comfortable stay"
Unfortunately, our experience and memories of our visit were spoilt a little at checkout when several bar bills were included in our bill, but were clearly not ours (different handwriting and names given on the bills). It didn't come to very much (about $15) but the responsible waiter was called and accused us of having the drinks, which really cheapened our experience.
Seems like all the hotel really cares about is money (we had actually been quite generous in our spending anyway, so the $15 was really peanuts to them). They need to tighten up their payment systems and think a little more about the lasting impression they make on their guests. For this reason we probably would not stay with them again, which is a shame." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Botswana
"Systems Manager & Senior Africa Specialist | Southern Africa"
Elephant
1 sighting
Holiday styles & special interests in Zimbabwe
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Other lodges in Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Victoria Falls Hotel
With its unique setting, authentic style and excellent service, the Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most iconic hotels.
Batonka Guest Lodge
Small, comfortable and in lovely gardens, Batonka Guest Lodge is a perfect base for exploring the Victoria Falls away from the bustle of the town.
Victoria Falls Lodge
High on a plateau a short distance outside Victoria Falls Town, the comfortable Victoria Falls Safari Lodge overlooks its own waterhole.
Sprayview Hotel
In close proximity to both the town and the Victoria Falls themselves, Sprayview is a value-for-money hotel in a convenient location.
The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp is a luxury tented camp in its own private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, just 15-minute's drive town.
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
Just outside of Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base to explore the area.
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.
Gorges Lodge
Gorges Lodge has spectacular views from its perch on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. Although it is out of town it isn't too far from the main attractions.
Pioneers
Located a five-minute drive from the buzz of Victoria Falls town, the mid-size Pioneers offers a relaxing stay in one of Zimbabwe's most iconic destinations.
Zambezi Sands
Zambezi Sands is a stylish new camp with a range of activities on a remote stretch of the Zambezi River.
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.
528 Victoria Falls
528 Victoria Falls is a charming, owner-run, boutique B&B in a leafy suburb of Victoria Falls town, offering an oasis of calm in an often-busy location.
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.
