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
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64% success
56% success
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13% success
"Ilala Lodge review"
Service levels were good." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa
"Convenient location."
They were excellent in trying to set up activities for us, but the girl in charge of booking spoke so softly she was impossible to hear. We were able to a arrange a trip to Victoria Falls very spontaneously as he was about to leave with a prebooked group. Although falls were close to hotel, it was just too hot to walk.
The main drawback was the very steep staircase with dangerous footing. Pool beautiful. Nice to have air conditioning as we adjusted to heat. Very close to shops, but the young guys descending on us to buy stuff was tiresome; they were very persistent. Service was excellent and they allowed me direct access to refrigerator for my medicine." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in Mozambique; 2n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Luxurious"
Only one night here and to be honest we were happier to spend time in Botswana as once you have seen the falls and maybe managed to fit in an activity you feel like your time is better spent elsewhere esp if you are looking for wildlife experiences." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 1n in Botswana; 1n in Zimbabwe
"Good lodge near Falls"
We had a garden room with access to the lawned area and had a lot of bird visitors, plus warthogs, baboons and monkeys
Would definitely use this lodge again." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Great location for Victoria Falls"
We did think the bedroom and bathroom were a little tired and needed updating. But both were clean and this didn't detract from the two nights we spent there.
We were surprised to be starting our wildlife sightings here with mongoose, hippo and warthogs in the hotel garden.
We enjoyed a sunset cruise on the hotel's boat Ra Ikane which, though quite expensive, proved to be a terrific experience thanks to the skipper and his mate." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
Breakfast was excellent.
We felt the evening meal was expensive so found the local pizzeria for the next night.
Nice pool" See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"A Perfect Stay"
The rooms are fine and comfortable although they could use some renovation. I have to say that dinner in the restaurant was superb. I had the crocodile and ostrich. I also enjoyed the buffet breakfast." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Botswana; 6n in Zambia; 2n in South Africa
"Excellent location and really good service."
The location suited us well. Food and service were excellent. Staff were always more than helpful. The manager always checked with us if everything was OK morning and evening. They have free Internet and wifi connections for use by guests. The on-site activities booking office was very efficient with our trips and also our flight confirmations.
This hotel now accepts both VISA and MasterCard credit cards." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
The rooms are slightly dated but this works as the fittings are still of a high quality and reflect the old style colonial feel the place has. Again this works really well. The only thing is the patio doors resemble bars on a door and could be changed to full glass to enhance the views and let more light in. They open onto a deck/grass patio which is open/shared but has nice views and you can see the Vic Falls mist too. We hoped to see some animals here but sadly none were present on our short stay.
Its just a 10-15 min walk to the Vic falls which is great but we did get pestered a little by some street vendors who left us alone after a polite No was repeated. I did see some police type officials who were meant to deter these vendors but they didnt seem to be around when needed. All ok but be aware you are in another country and they don't have much at all but you do.
Vic falls - Truly stunning so glad we went !
After we had a sundowner or two in the lovely open bar at Ilala by the small but smart pool and large open terrace area we watched the sun go down behind the mists of the falls !! Superb...
We had dinner on the terrace of the restaurant and it was excellent, great waiters and no complaints at all." See all these reviews: 4n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
The location is OK, on the edge of town with a view down to the Falls. Everything is within easy (safe) walking distance. The town is relatively busy, and so the hotel's open spaces, balconies and spacious restuarant create a pleasant enough refuge.
The rooms are in good condition and were well serviced (including quick and cheap laundry service). We used the restuarant both evenings having failed to find a local restuarant that could promise a nut free meal to the member of our family with an allergy. The hotel staff by contrast were helpful and worked to make sure our stay was accident free.
The Falls were well worth the visit. Including walking to the view point, crossing the bridge to watch bunjee jumping and talking to the local vendors we spent a full day in and around the park." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
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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.
