Reviews of Ilala Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
265 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
100% success
55% success
15% success
15% success
"Wonderful stay near the falls. "
This hotel offers comfort and style.
A worthwhile additional experience if time allows, is the sunset evening cruise which is highly recommended." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
"Comfortable stay"
Unfortunately, our experience and memories of our visit were spoilt a little at checkout when several bar bills were included in our bill, but were clearly not ours (different handwriting and names given on the bills). It didn't come to very much (about $15) but the responsible waiter was called and accused us of having the drinks, which really cheapened our experience.
Seems like all the hotel really cares about is money (we had actually been quite generous in our spending anyway, so the $15 was really peanuts to them). They need to tighten up their payment systems and think a little more about the lasting impression they make on their guests. For this reason we probably would not stay with them again, which is a shame." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Botswana
"Systems Manager & Senior Africa Specialist | Southern Africa"
Elephant
1 sighting
"Good stay at Ilala Lodge"
We walked around ourselves - an organised trip was not necessary. Probably the afternoon light is better for photographing the falls. We arrived about 9 AM by which time the sun was often in our eyes.
We were very happy with this lodge as a base for visiting the Falls - it was a good place to relax after our busy trip.." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge closest hotel to Victoria Falls"
There was some confusion as their records of the rooms occupants had not been updated but this was sorted out. However, there were no reservations for dinner in spite of receiving an email from one of the Managers confirming that a table had been reserved for both evenings which caused a problem for the restaurant staff.
They were very apologetic and helpful and managed to find a suitable table for us. Apart from this confusion we enjoyed our stay at the hotel and would stay there again. The food was excellent and the staff were very pleasant and helpful." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Ilala Lodge review"
The highlight of our evening safari drive was spotting an aardvark and black rhinos, and having a close encounter with an elephant!" See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 3n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Peaceful haven in busy Victoria Falls"
A nice place to rest between safari camps, short walk to the falls and the bridge.
Shops are very touristy and nothing special, lots of begging and you felt a little uneasy if you ventured off the main street, there were guards and police in evidence.
Main drawback to Victoria falls is the constant noise of helicopters and microlights in the sky all day long
A highlight was the early morning breakfast cruise in the Ilala Lodge's own boat, lots of elephants, crocodiles and birds to see." See all these reviews: 17n in Kenya; 9n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Tanzania; 5n in Botswana; 5n in Zambia
Elephant
3 sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
Staff were very friendly and delivered a high level of service.
Highly recommended." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Excellent location with helpful staff"
The dining experience here is excellent and very popular. Most people eat outside, but you can eat inside if you prefer. A pianist played inside the dining area each night we were there. Breakfast is a mixture of buffet and waiter service. There are a number of hot food options that you order from a menu, but there are also a number of continental items on the buffet. We chose to eat all our evening meals in the hotel and were very happy with that choice. During our stay, it was cold in the evenings and mornings, so mosquitos were not a problem.
If you have any free time during the day, there are plenty of loungers in the small pool area and outside bar. The hotel booked a number of activities for us before our arrival, including a helicopter ride. We found all the staff pleasant and helpful.
You can see both sides of Victoria Falls in a day, but we were pleased to finish our holiday at a relaxing pace and stayed at the hotel for three nights. When we stayed, the hotel had a package for guests staying three nights. In the hotel's restaurant we had one complimentary dinner ( food only) and a complimentary river cruise on the hotel's own boat ( price is usually $85.)" See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Namibia
Elephant
Multiple sightings
"Ilala Lodge review"
Great location, a short walk to the falls. We didn't take part in any other activities on offer as we only stayed 1 night." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
"Excellent stay in all respects"
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