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
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54% success
18% success
18% success
"Ilala Lodge review"
All the staff were very helpful and welcoming, ensuring we had a lovely stay. The Lodge is very peaceful but ideally located to visit the falls.
We enjoyed watching the wildlife from our balcony.
Would particularly recommend the early morning boat trip on the Zambezi and dinner at the restaurant." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in South Africa; 3n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
2 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Ilala Lodge review"
A hippo was a regular night time visitor below the balcony, and many birds were seen flitting around the trees before and above us. The staff was personable and professional. The woman who plans the trips was extraordinary, she goes the extra mile to be sure the trips are a good fit for the guests. We were a party of 6 and the meals were so good we had dinner every night at a table outside. Breakfasts were both buffet and by order, and these were well-prepared and offered many choices. My husband had a short gastrointestinal illness requiring an extra nights stay, and even though rooms were all booked for that night, Peter managed to find a way to allow us to stay in our room and not have an awkward move. Staff checked in with us to see how he was doing or whether we needed anything. We felt cared for and looked after in a way I didn’t expect. There was an easy walk to the Lookout Cafe with a good view into the gorge, and just beyond the entrance to the park. The hotel was adjacent to the market and Elephant Walk shopping area as well as to several restaurants and hotels. There were comfortable sitting areas on the terrace, near the outdoor bar, and inside as well. It was a bit cool to use the small pool, but it would be very inviting during the hot weather." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 4n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
"Ilala Lodge review"
We took the morning River Cruise on the Zambezi organized by the lodge. It was a great experience and we saw lots of birds. Our boat guide was very knowledgeble. We did the Botswana day trip to the Chobe park. The facilities were lovely. Our guide on that trip was only mediochre in terms of friendliness and knowledge." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 4n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
"Ilala Lodge review"
Breakfast was wonderful. Dinner was less inspiring--not as much flavor.
Fabulous location with walking distance to the falls. We also had great concierge help and scheduled some fantastic tours." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
A pity we couldn't stay in our room a little longer than 11 o'clock as we were not picked up for the airport until 2.30 hours and there was no public place to shower and change before the long flight home." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 3n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"A 'roar-fully' good place to stay"
The staff were nice but service in the restaurant was a bit haphazard, a flurry of service; then absolutely nothing. Definitely needs more staff or more training or both. The food itself was very good, whether for dinner, breakfast or bar-food by the pool.
One down side for me was there didn't seem to be any room service (or at least there was no indication in my room) although the 'free' mini bar was very handy and a nice touch.
Overall it's a great choice to see the Falls and I would highly recommend it." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
1 sighting
"Ilala Lodge review"
Immediately expressing my concerns to the Front Desk, the team graciously found another room on the first floor with easy access to the dining room and other facilities.
The Front Desk staff were also very helpful in arranging a private guide for my morning 3km guided tour of Victoria Falls, and assisting with arrangements at Livingstone Airport, Zambia.
My housekeeper, Patricia, was a gem." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
4 sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
A couple items stood out for us. We ate breakfast 3 times and dinner twice while staying there. Both the service and the food were outstanding.
We also greatly appreciated being able to borrow a wheelchair from the lodge for our visit to Victoria Falls. It was critical to being able to fully enjoy the experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
Elephant
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
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