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"
The restaurant terrace was delightful and we enjoyed our dinners and breakfasts here. There is clearly an excellent chef here, and a live piano player during dinner. There were Bush Bucks in the garden.
The Lodge is a short, safe walk to the Falls. Definitely an excellent choice for this part of the holiday.
The turn down service was excellent - they virtually re-did the room!" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
Buffalo
1 sighting
"Ilala Lodge review"
One comment: our room on the lower floor was affected by noise from both neighbouring rooms and/or upstairs rooms and also the balcony/walkway outside serving the next level of rooms (it moves and makes a noise when walked on) but this was not severe" See all these reviews: 15n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"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
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