Reviews of Ilala Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
265 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
100% success
55% success
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15% success
"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"
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
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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.
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.
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
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.
