Reviews of Lilayi Lodge

"What a great place, and a place that we want to re-visit in September 2025

We got to know Scott, the General Manager and his entire family quite well + a wonderful guy called Billie-Guest Manager or something like that, and again, we are keeping up a lovely e-mail relationship with Billie and his lovely wife

We had many discussions with Scott about the lack of "foreign guests" and he agreed, and said that this is an area that he would like to expand

We said that it was a wonderful experience to go from the remote "bush", into another type of "bush"-tamer, but superb with its 640 hectares of land and 410 animals wandering around everywhere and 300 species of birds -rather than go straight from the remote "bush" onto ghastly International airports, delays and many flights!

So hopefully, he will begin to attract more foreign clients-we really believe that they miss out by not staying here en route to wherever-but then again, I suppose that it's all about peoples' money and time-it all adds up to more days out of the UK / other countries + more costs-and that is just not possible for everybody-but we feel that people would really benefit from staying here for a few days, to wind down and to relax

We highly recommend Lilayi and hope that you continue to offer this lodge for the reasons above, to your clients

One piece of feedback is with regard to the transfer from Lusaka Airport to Lilayi Lodge

We believe that you need to ensure that there is about one and three quarters hours transfer "time-wise" to transfer from the airport to the lodge and vice versa

On the return on a Sunday, leaving the property at 1830, for a flight leaving at 2040, we were told that that leaving at 1830, was sufficient time

Our poor driver, was under huge pressure from us, as the traffic was horrendous, and he had to keep trying to find alternative, less busy routes, to try to avoid the traffic-even on a Sunday evening-and it was a very stressful transfer, as the clock ticked on, as did the traffic

So our suggestion is that this one a three quarter hours transfer time, is noted by you." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia

"Perfect for a start to the trip. Lovely staff and very relaxing.

We were treated to a dinner with wine on our stay which was extremely generous of the host.

Would recommend and return." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia; 5n in Malawi

"The hotel was very flexible and accommodating, the room was very good and the food in the restaurant was very good." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

"Really great lodge - however, not for one night unless you want to see the city and life in the capital. The lodge, the food, the setting were great!" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 5n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa

"As our previous review" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"Our only comments are that the menu for lunch and dinner was the same and seemed to be the same each day so quite limited and a lighter lunch menu would have been better, also the lodge is a good hours drive from Lusaka airport." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"Lilayi Lodge is an excellent place to start a safari. Being able to walk around the grounds and see wildlife by yourself is an added attraction.

As is the elephant orphanage at the end of the road which the lodge are happy to drive you to.

The lodge is relaxing, quiet and friendly. The chalets are very well appointed.

We would definitely return." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

"A great place, loved seeing baby eles.

Super room, very good food.

Restaurant gets rather busy at weekends." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 8n in Zambia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe

"Enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. Had no plans to do any activities. Took great pleasure in the grounds and whatever wildlife happened to be there.

Food - Breakfast adequate. I was happy with fruit, yoghurt etc. so did not try cooked breakfasr. Light lunch and dinner very pleasant especially venison carpaccio. Bar staff very cheerful and waiters always willing if a little haphazard at times.

Housekeeping - above and beyond. I had forgotten to pack a hair item (inconsequential to most but not for me). One of the housekeeping staff said she would go to market at the end of her shift and send it back with the staff bus. It was delivered to my door a couple of hours later. Exemplary.

Room - Overjoyed to see a fan heater. I put it to good use! .Everything provided except a bathrobe which was a slight disappointment. (Provided everywhere else.)

A great stopping -off point in extremely nice surroundings.. Manager very welcoming..." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia

"just very nice" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 5n in Mozambique; 2n in Zimbabwe