Reviews of Ilala Lodge
(89%) From 56 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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ilala lodge #1
We visited Victoria Falls Hotel and even had a meal there * but other than the view from the terrace, I will take the Ilala over it for cost, convinience, quality of food and friendly and efficient staff that really want to help.
The falls were wonderful and quite an experience. Not there for an extended period but liked the area.
Ilala Lodge review
Our road transfer from Muchenje Lodge in Botswana to Ilala Lodge in Zimbabwe was quite an ordeal. Our driver from Chobezi-Hylton Ross Safari Touring was absolutely invaluable in helping us through the chaotic and intimating Zimbabwe border crossing. The driver Luckson on the Zimbabwe side was also excellent
Ilala Lodge was a pleasant step back in time. The colonial pictures and atmosphere of the public rooms was charming. The bed and bath was comfortable and clean. Front desk staff were very helpful.
We walked from the hotel to Victoria Falls, about 10 minutes.
Ilala Lodge review
We arrived in Ilala Lodge after being in 3 camps in Botswana and it was quite different.
The comfort,design and location of the Lodge is wonderful but the staff a bit less personable than we found in safari camps. This is quite understandable as it is a hotel in a tourist town and has to cater for many different tastes.
The breakfasts were magnificent and the dinners at the restaurant were tasty but slightly fussy and over designed.
We paid a handsome sum to go microlighting over the Victoria Falls from the Zambia side. It was worth digging deep in our pockets as to see the falls this way is possibly a once in a lifetime experience.
We liked Victoria Falls town but fear for it's future. The tourist police are very helpful and do their best to stop tourists being hassled by local people selling anything and everything they can to you. The Elephant Walk shopping centre in town is nice (no hassling) and has a great friendly little cafe where one can escape from the heat and eat some nice food such as Warthog ciabatta! It's quite fun to watch the wildlife including baboons, warthogs and mongoose wandering around town.
Great hotel
Great staff, awesome rooms, great view, AWESOME burgers!
Close to the falls and the bridge.
[Ed: see below for comments on their first stay here at the start of this trip.]
Great start and finish hotel!
Ilala Lodge was close to the Falls and the Bridge to access the things we wanted to see. Great service and lovely staff, we loved just chilling out in the pool or drinking at the bar.
It was a great place to start and finish.
Expert Africa comments
We were delighted that these travellers enjoyed Ilala Lodge so much - if you'd like to read more about their stay here then take a look at their blog.
Ilala Lodge - great location for Vic Falls
Great location, walking distance to Victoria Falls.
Read more about the whole tripIlala Lodge review
The facilities were great.
Staff was excellent. The hotel was conveniently located to what we wanted to see and within easy walking distance to the falls.
We enjoyed our stay there.
great base for Vic Falls
Good recommendation. Excellent location. Actually nicer atmosphere than Vic Falls Hotel which, when we visited for a drink was crammed with bus parties.
Menu also good for two nights dinner
Ian and Michelle - Ilala Lodge Oct 11
Ilala lodge is a wonderful hotel in Victoria Falls, and is just a very short walk from the falls themselves.
The hotel is well maintained and very comfortable. Our main-floor room had a door we could open onto the lawn, where we saw some local animals wandering around, notable warthogs and a family of Banded Mongoose.
Our sole complaint was that the dinner did not meet expectations, largely due to a waiter who must have been new and could not seem to get the order right - but in fairness I should point out that the couple at the table next to us was effusive in their praise of the food and called out the chef to give their complements.
Relaxed feel close and close to the Falls
A very informal Lodge and easy to relax. Nice pool.
Good food in the Palm restaurant both dinner and breakfast.
We experienced difficulty trying to pay by either travellers cheques or credit card. Cash is obviously wanted in Zimbabwe. We eventually managed to sort out the payment machine by getting the battery charged, much to the relief of guests behind us in the queue!
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
