Reviews of Ilala Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
260 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
53% success
17% success
17% success
"Lovely"
We were concerned when we got there to find out there were building works immediately to the left of our balcony view. Thankfully this stopped soon after we arrived and didn't continue as we were there over the weekend. It should have been mentioned to us in case we felt we needed to move room or even our hotel given that we had specially arranged a suite for my husband's 50th birthday." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
Very convenient for walking to the falls and into the town. Pool and bar area very relaxing, good way to start our holiday" See all these reviews: 10n in South Africa; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
News that this was our ruby wedding celebration had obviously been passed on (thank you Nick) and we were greeted with champagne and flowers in our room - both much appreciated." See all these reviews: 15n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
"Ilala Lodge review"
Information on how to avoid the curio touts would be most helpful.
I would follow Nick's advice and wait to arrange any tours after arriving at the lodge. I had thought of doing it ahead of time but, as Nick suggested, there was no need.
The only complaint we have is that the dinners were not good at all. We did not eat our main course the first two nights because the beef on the first night had a strange, unappealing taste. The vegetarian curry dish the following night was too spicy to eat - and we usually enjoy food made with curry. Just too spicy hot to eat. At our first camp, the manager told us Ilala Lodge had recently lost its chef which seems the most likely cause for the poor food. But the breakfasts were outstanding!
Because it is pitch black at night and because there are so many men along the walkways trying to get us to buy things from them, we were too uncomfortable to leave the lodge at night to find a different spot to eat." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala; great location for a day at the falls."
It is a short walk to the park, and though I never felt intimidated by any beggars, be prepared to be asked.
We were delighted to see microlight flights offered, until learning there was a significant transfer fee, plus needing to repay the entry visa to Zimbabwe. Never mind. Maybe the next time we visit Zambia." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 14n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Manager"
"Very nice hotel"
The rooms are nice with little patios on the lawn where you could sit and watch the little deer and warthogs. We also enjoyed sitting in the bar area near the pool and relaxing." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
"Ilala Lodge review"
We walked to see the Falls and we did the helicopter flight (the shorter one -12min-Flight of Angels) - it was expensive but felt worth it, just to see the Falls, so close from above-amazing. We booked it from the lodge which seemed competitively priced and felt safer in that we were staying there. Although there were other activities to choose from, we chickened out of the zip-wire rides, having watched them and the Devil's pool was not possible as the water was too high. We had done so much throughout the trip though,so it was great to chill in such a lovely lodge.
The breakfasts were great as was the outside bar to chill beside the well maintained pool. The evening menu was not that adolescent-friendly, so we only ate here once (but was delicious). We didn't find a restaurant in Victoria Falls for evening eating to recommend for families." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
Staff attentive and pleasant.
Food disappointing- think they were trying too hard and it didn't come off.
It's the nearest lodge to the Falls ." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
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