Reviews of Ilala Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
276 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
64% success
56% success
13% success
13% success
"Ilala Lodge review"
Too noisy with constant stream of helicopters all day.
Would likely choose a quieter location if we were to go again.
Food service was remarkably slow." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge May 2025"
It was great watching wildlife from our patio which included impala, elephants and hippos.
The food was excellent with a very good choice both at breakfast and in the evening. We enjoyed the live pianist, Miles, who played a very varied set list each evening, and was lovely to chat to about music in general.
We had an early departure on our final day and the lodge organised a delicious packed breakfast for our onward journey." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
2 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
Elephant
Multiple sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
On the negative there was considerable helicopter noise throughout the day which impacted on using the hotel’s outdoor areas." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
The hotel is very comfortable and well maintained and the location is excellent within a short walk of the falls.
The rooms were quiet and comfortable and the staff extremely helpful.
We ate most of our meals there and they were all excellent." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
3 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
Very helpful staff and great food. Very nice pool too.
We walked to the Falls from the Lodge, about a 10 minute walk and walked at our own pace along Falls.
Did sundowner cruise in the evening which was lovely but very touristy!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
3 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
Our room was superb (we were upgraded) with views out over the grounds where we were entertained by elephants pushing over trees!
Breakfast was great with a fantastic choice of food and lots of fresh coffee.
We enjoyed the sunset river cruise and had the opportunity to have an evening meal at the sister hotel." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
Multiple sightings
"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"
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