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
"Ilala Lodge review"
Slightly shocked at the American food prices though..." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
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
"Ilala Lodge review"
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
"Ilala Lodge review"
It was great being able to hang out on the veranda and watch the Baboons, Vervet monkeys and the Warthogs on the lawn below. The Baboons were particularly entertaining. The breakfast was excellent and the evening meal good but lacking in variety. If I was there again I would try out a few other places for evening meals. We would definitely return to Ilala Lodge and highly recommend it.
The extra activities (not included in our package ) brokered through an agent with a representative based at the hotel were over priced. We did not understand that they was a deal of three activities for the price of two as this was not explained. However, we chose the sunset cruise down the Zambezi which was really enjoyable and well worth the cost. If I went again I would try other agents in the town to get a cheaper deal or I would read the pricing more carefully. Others who spotted this gave good feedback on walking with lions and riding elephant. We just chilled out and visited the Victoria Falls hotel which has an interesting colonial history and an excellent view of the Victoria Falls Bridge with the Falls behind." See all these reviews: 14n in Zimbabwe
"A wonderful place to stay"
The room was excellent and the tea/coffee making facility was a bonus (we could even use tap water for the kettle!). We were glad to be on the ground floor which, we think, provided the best experience. The food was good, though not as good as that on the Zambezi Queen.
They were very helpful organising the helicopter ride and everything went to plan. It was lovely to sit in the outside bar and hear the roar of Victoria Falls in the distance. Equally we loved seeing its "smoke" from our bedroom window." See all these reviews: 3n in Namibia; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
The location is excellent – shopping and the Victoria Falls Hotel are all within a few minutes walk. They also have a computer in the lobby for free internet access. Wireless access is available for a fee.
My room was on the ground floor and had french doors that led out into the backyard of the hotel. Of interest, there was a small sounder of warthogs munching on the grass out there every day." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia; 2n in Zimbabwe
"close to the falls"
"Ilala Lodge review"
The location was great - close enough so that we could walk everywhere - great recommendation !
The breakfast (Included in our package) was plentiful with a great variety of choice. We did not have lunch but found the dinner was pricey and 'OK". We worked out it would've been better value (especially with a 6 year old) to order from the bar as the toasted sandwiches etc were better value.
We booked our safari drive and sunset cruise through the hotel and thoroughly enjoyed both activities - the staff were once again friendly and informative.
The only thing that we felt let the hotel down from being excellent to good was the lack of interaction between the higher Management and the guests. We watched each morning as the Manager walked through the dining room and said hello and stopped to talk to the same 2-3 people whilst ignoring all others. This is a petty comment - but it would've made a difference." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia; 5n in Mozambique; 4n in Zimbabwe; 2n in South Africa; 2n in Botswana
"Ilala Lodge review"
The Victoria Fallls were magnificent.
Although there were ' Tourist Police ' to escort you to the Falls and back and around town we found they were not available on our walk back and were badly harrassed by one young man all the way back to the hotel." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
We enjoyed shopping at their local products shop on site and used their booking office for activities. Because their booking office is not the actual operator, we didn't book in time for a microlight tour (turns out the operator was already full), so instead we booked a family helicopter ride. Despite the expensive price tag, the helicopter ride over Victoria Falls was worthwhile (as the view from the ground was too misty in many places).
Note to ExpertAfrica: We found out after we got there that the microlight flights only operate on the Zambia side, which means that we would have had to exit Zimbabwe and then re-enter, thus incurring more visa costs. Should your clients require visas into Zimbabwe, it would be helpful to suggest the double entry Zimbabwe visa if clients are interested in activities such as microlight or tours into Chobe." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 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
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Victoria Falls Lodge
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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.
Victoria Falls Club
Just outside of Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base to explore the area.
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.
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.
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.
Little Gorges
Set high above the Zambezi River, Little Gorges Tented Lodge is a tranquil spot to watch black eagles and from which to visit the Victoria Falls.
Zambezi Sands
Zambezi Sands is a stylish new camp with a range of activities on a remote stretch of the Zambezi River.
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.
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.
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 House
Situated in the Private Matetsi Reserve Matetsi River House offers families and small groups privacy, game drives and access to the falls.
