Reviews of Ilala Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
275 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"
Pool area nice and clean. Staff very attentive. Evening meal very good. Next day walked to the falls. No trouble there. Would happily stay again. It is pricey and everything is in american dollars but a lovely lovely hotel." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
The Falls themselves are, of course, quite stunning; awesome in fact at any rate in late February when the waterflow is high. I deliberately courted a drenching, and duly got soaked to the skin. We went to the Falls in the morning and took the helicopter flight in the afternoon. We are convinced that that is the best way to get the full experience of the Falls. We ate one evening in the Vic Falls Hotel. We dined, satisfactorily, in the restaurant on the terrace. The main restaurant was completely deserted!
As to the town itself, we particularly liked the Elephant's Walk Shopping Village (in which there is a pleasant open-air restaurant at which we had a good light lunch)." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
"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
Holiday styles & special interests in Zimbabwe
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zimbabwe.
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.
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.
Victoria Falls Club
Just outside of Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base to explore the area.
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.
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.
Zambezi Sands
Zambezi Sands is a stylish new camp with a range of activities on a remote stretch of the Zambezi River.
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.
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.
Mpala Jena
In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.
