Reviews of Ilala Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
257 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
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Jul-2019, 46 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Ilala Lodge.

Leopard
0% success

Elephant
54% success

Buffalo
18% success

Zebra
18% success
Mr & Mrs S
Nevada
"Ilala lodge"
2 nights Arrived 14 Oct 2011
"There was miscommunication about our transfers to and from the airport that caused some stress. Otherwise, our stay was excellent.
The activity staff was very nice and helpful." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
The activity staff was very nice and helpful." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs P
Harrow
"Ilala Lodge review"
3 nights Arrived 8 Oct 2011
"We stayed in a downstairs room, which was a tad "tired". An upstairs room with a terrace would have been preferrable. We stayed three nights-two might have been sufficient.
Close to the Victoria Falls Hotel and we would recommend having high tea and lunch there. Servise was in general good, but there was one major slip when the wine arrived after the meal." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Close to the Victoria Falls Hotel and we would recommend having high tea and lunch there. Servise was in general good, but there was one major slip when the wine arrived after the meal." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
R, M, A & P
W Sussex
"Ilala Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 2 Oct 2011
"This is more of a hotel than a lodge. Some of the staff were "just going through the routine" in their dealings with guests, others were excellent and put themselves out to help us and sort out problems. The river cruise was good and of course its brilliant to see the Falls. The restaurant was excellent.
Our experience of the boarder crossing into Zimbabwe was not good, about 2 / 2.5 hours, two long queues and in high temperatures, at one point queuing in the full sun. In reality there is nothing that can be done about this and it is a reality that "needs to be experienced" as part of visiting Zimbabwe. It may therefore be worth giving a bit more information to prepare people for what may happen." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Our experience of the boarder crossing into Zimbabwe was not good, about 2 / 2.5 hours, two long queues and in high temperatures, at one point queuing in the full sun. In reality there is nothing that can be done about this and it is a reality that "needs to be experienced" as part of visiting Zimbabwe. It may therefore be worth giving a bit more information to prepare people for what may happen." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Northwood
"Lovely Ilala Lodge"
3 nights Arrived 30 Sep 2011
"Glad we chose this over Vic Falls Hotel. Much quieter and more personal. Friendly and helpful staff. Even tried Warthog Fillet which was excellent.
We were more than happy with our experience of Ilala Lodge. 'Excellent' is a difficult box to tick as there is always room for improvement." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
We were more than happy with our experience of Ilala Lodge. 'Excellent' is a difficult box to tick as there is always room for improvement." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Mr C & Mrs M
Cheshire
"Great small atmospheric hotel"
2 nights Arrived 20 Sep 2011
"2 great days here. a lovely way to finish our holiday. Would recommend this to anyone.
Brilliant location for the falls and all activities can be booked at the hotel and include transfers." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 6n in Zimbabwe
Brilliant location for the falls and all activities can be booked at the hotel and include transfers." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 6n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Family L
Sevenoaks
"Ilala Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 20 Sep 2011
"Excellent central location 15mins from Falls.
Excellent service from front desk staff & activities agent, slightly let down by slowish service in restaurant." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Excellent service from front desk staff & activities agent, slightly let down by slowish service in restaurant." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Mrs M
Luxembourg
"some problems at Ilala Lodge"
1 night Arrived 17 Sep 2011
"I arrived at Ilala Lodge late in the afternoon and had a positive first impression. My room was spacious, clean with everything you might need in the bathroom. I made reservation at their well known Palm Restaurant and enjoyed an excellent dinner. But, some hours later, the problems startet with cramps etc. Fortunately, my transfer to the airport was scheduled around noon, that left me some time to recover. But it also meant, that no morning visit of the falls and no shopping was possible.
After this unpleasant experience I can recommend Ilala Lodge Hotel, but not their restaurant." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
After this unpleasant experience I can recommend Ilala Lodge Hotel, but not their restaurant." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Dr G & Dr E
UK
"Ilala Lodge review"
1 night Arrived 16 Sep 2011
"Back to the land of luxury after "roughing it" in the bush. So nice to have a bath!! Couldn't beat the location.
Slightly shocked at the American food prices though..." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
Slightly shocked at the American food prices though..." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr W & Ms W
Worcs
"Ilala Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 29 Aug 2011
"Perfect for a short stay at Victoria Falls. Uncomplicated with helpful and polite staff.
If a little pampering is required then visit the Victoria Falls Hotel for tea and cakes." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe
If a little pampering is required then visit the Victoria Falls Hotel for tea and cakes." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
The D family
London
"Ilala Lodge review"
3 nights Arrived 19 Aug 2011
"Very comfortable friendly hotel with good food. Our 2 rooms were separated by a connecting door which was perfect for a family & we had a small patio which looked out over lawns populated with warthog & baboons.
The spray from the Falls was just visible in the distance & the walk to the Falls was 10-15 minutes. There was a helpful receptionist available to book trips & my daughter did a zipwire over the Zambezi & a gorge swing which she loved.
We visited the Victoria Falls game park & used a guide recommended by our guide in Vundu called Charles. He couldn't take us himself as we booked at short notice but we went on a night drive with one of his team which was excellent. The guide was very knowledgeable." See all these reviews: 7n in Zimbabwe
The spray from the Falls was just visible in the distance & the walk to the Falls was 10-15 minutes. There was a helpful receptionist available to book trips & my daughter did a zipwire over the Zambezi & a gorge swing which she loved.
We visited the Victoria Falls game park & used a guide recommended by our guide in Vundu called Charles. He couldn't take us himself as we booked at short notice but we went on a night drive with one of his team which was excellent. The guide was very knowledgeable." See all these reviews: 7n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
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.