Reviews of Ilala Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
273 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
67% success
54% success
14% success
13% success
"A Great Place to End Our Trip"
The room was comfortable without being luxurious (and a tad noisy at times as they are building an extension to the Lodge!). Bar and restaurant prices were high compared to Namibia. The restaurant setting was lovely and the service excellent.
I don't think they are used to people staying 3 nights as the meat heavy menu did not vary from night to night!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Great for visiting Victoria Falls."
We did a trip of an evening safari in Livingstone and Stanley Park, which is a private estate where rhino conservation is a success. After a sundowner we were taken to an outside dining area and had a lovely meal arriving back at the hotel at 9 p.m.
Zimbabwe is very expensive after Namibia. They have aligned their currency with the US dollar. The local population was keen to barter with us using any spare clothes or shoes we had as they find it hard to buy these things." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
Easy 10 minute stroll to Victoria Falls which has a good trail system with plenty of viewpoints." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"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: 13n 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 & Senior Africa Specialist"
"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
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