Reviews of Ilala Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
269 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
53% success
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14% success
"Ilala Lodge review"
It was here that we sampled unusual dishes such as crocodile, ostrich and impala, all cooked to perfection. The food really was one of the highlights of our stay here.
The service was friendly and courteous. We had one concern about this place and that was about the safe in our room. We discovered, having placed our valuable inside, that it wasn't actually secured to anything. It was literally a box that you could lift and carry out of the room. We reported it to management who obliged by assuring us it would be fixed with some secure sticky tape. We returned later to find that something akin to sellotape had been used but was totally ineffective - you could still lift the box.
This is the only concern we had with this place, very easily remedied with a couple of bolts to attach the safe to the wall.
I would highly recommend this lodge to anybody wishing to see the Falls, it is beautiful, comfortable and only a ten minute walk form the Falls.
We did a sunset cruise along the Zambezi river which was wonderful. We saw crocodiles, many beautiful birds and a hippo. We were provided with snacks and drinks and later deposited outside the sister lodge set on the river where we had a delicious meal." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Hippo
1 sighting
"Ilala Lodge review"
The staff were exceptional. It's not the fastest service but you're in Africa so you need to adjust to African time!!
The room was excellent, the food was incredible, the ambience was relaxing and perfect.
The reception staff were beyond helpful
A wonderful hotel that I would recommend to everyone." See all these reviews: 4n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
"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"
The rooms are beautiful, spacious, and very well-maintained. The staff are welcoming and always ready to help with whatever is needed. The food is excellent. And on top of all that, the wildlife visiting your porch is amazing. We saw hippos, impala, monkeys, and a variety of birds.
The staff knew it was our birthday, so a birthday cake was waiting for us in the room upon arrival—a sweet (pun intended) surprise." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Hippo
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
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