Ila Safari Lodge | Central Kafue
Ila Safari Lodge is an exclusive eco-luxury retreat set on the banks of the Kafue River in Zambia’s largest national park. With just 10 stylish safari tents, including two family suites, the lodge accommodates a maximum of 24 guests, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience. Each tent is positioned for panoramic river views, featuring en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers or bathtubs, and extra-length beds for ultimate comfort.
Sustainability is at the heart of Ila. As the first Green Safaris property, the lodge operates entirely on solar power and is home to Zambia’s first electric game drive vehicles (e-Cruisers) and a silent, solar-powered e-Boat—offering unique, low-impact safari experiences. Game drives, river safaris, and walking safaris provide diverse opportunities to explore Kafue’s vast wilderness, home to an incredible variety of wildlife.
The central boma is a striking blend of eco-conscious design and modern African style, offering exceptional dining, an infinity pool, and a firepit for starlit evenings. The lodge’s commitment to conservation and community initiatives makes it an ideal choice for travellers seeking an authentic, sustainable safari in one of Africa’s most remote and untouched landscapes.
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Ila Safari House
The Ila Safari House, owned by our Green Safaris founder Vincent Kouwenhoven, is a gorgeous thatch design situated in a charming riverside location adjacent to the Ila Safari Lodge. Featuring a private pool and seven rooms (sleeping 14 people) all connected to the main deck, along with a main lounge area, dining space, and private kitchen, the house offers a unique level of exclusivity that you deserve.
Each room offers a stunning view of the river and the national park, five rooms are equipped with showers, while two master suites boast interior baths and showers. Designed by Vincent himself, the house incorporates elements from his memories, furniture sourced from his home in the Netherlands, and beautiful antique pieces to create a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of home.
Contemporary African style and sustainability meets the essence of the traditional bush safari experience in our 10 Ila Luxury Tents. Built carefully around existing mature trees, the tents are mounted on raised decks made from environmentally friendly wood that extend over the Kafue River. With nature’s generous help, the Ila Luxury Couples Tents bestow upon you and your loved one privacy, tranquility and a touch of romance. Double vanities set in local woods with brass and copper fittings finish off the open, river-facing en-suite bathroom. We promise your only neighbours will be the hippos wallowing below!
Six of the eight tents allow for twin bed configurations so are great for friends travelling together.
Panoramic views across the Kafue River make you feel the immediacy of your surrounds, while modern outdoor and indoor furnishings bring you the comforts of home in the Ila Luxury Family Tents. Enclosed in our Family Tents are two bedrooms separated by a curtain so that each tent can sleep a family of four. An extra bed can be added for a third child. The bathroom and toilet are separate from the bedrooms and both tents have a luxurious indoor bath and shower. Sleeping in a tent in the African bush is a memorable experience for both big and small. These tents are also ideal for two couples sharing as both rooms can comfortably fit king size beds.
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, River Cruises, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Blend into the quiet of nature in our e-Cruiser, which allows you to experience all the sights and sounds of the bush in near silence and with a deep sense of environmental care. Our expert guides are masters of their craft, and spending a morning or afternoon with them will reveal the park’s diverse wildlife. Regular sightings include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and a variety of antelopes such as roan, sable, and zebra, as well as hippo, crocodile, warthog, genet, jackal, mongoose, and lively baboons and monkeys. For those seeking rarer encounters, you might spot wild dog, cheetah, honey badger, civet, serval, bushpig, porcupine, or bushbaby.
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Experience a tranquil boat cruise at dawn or sunset on one of our serene vessels. Embracing sustainability, one of our boats is power by the African sun (solar).
There's nothing like gently gliding down the majestic Kafue River, absorbing the natural beauty and sounds with a refreshing breeze in your hair. Enjoy a peaceful few hours as you follow the riverbank, observing the wildlife that inhabits the water or comes to drink. A sunset view from the water is especially breathtaking! Sunset cruises with your favourite sundowners and even a river lunch are a must-experience!
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Join a walking safari with one of our seasoned guides and an armed Zambian Wildlife Officer. Discover the excitement of tracking wildlife on foot, using footprints and spoor (animal droppings) as your clues. This hands-on experience brings you closer to nature, revealing the subtle details often missed from a vehicle. You’ll find that the small wonders of the bush are just as captivating as the larger game. While you might encounter majestic creatures like elephants and big cats, rest assured that our expert guides will ensure your safety and preparation before each adventure.
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Set out on the Kafue River with a rod, tackle, and one of our expert fishing guides to discover the prime fishing spots. Whether you’re an experienced angler targeting specific species or a beginner eager to catch a big bream, our guides will provide invaluable assistance. We offer basic equipment on site, but for the best experience, we recommend bringing your own gear if you have it. The Kafue River is teeming with catfish (barbel) and the formidable tiger fish, known for their impressive teeth. You might also encounter tilapia and other diverse freshwater species, ensuring a rich and varied fishing adventure.
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Our infinity boma features a dedicated stargazing deck, where guides are eager to show guests the wonders of the night sky. Thanks to minimal light pollution, the skies in Kafue National Park are exceptionally clear, offering breathtaking views of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena. You can marvel at Southern Hemisphere constellations like the Southern Cross, Centaurus, and the Magellanic Clouds. Depending on when you visit, you may also have the chance to witness special astronomical events such as meteor showers, eclipses, or planetary alignments.
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Enjoy a day of relaxation by booking a treatment at our floating spa, then unwind by our infinity pool, basking in the African sun. Both the spa and pool offer stunning views of the Zambezi River, where you might be joined by resident elephants and hippos that come to the water’s edge to drink, play, and wallow.
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Ila Community Garden: Located at Nalusanga Gate, the entrance to Kafue National Park, this project supports local communities by helping them grow and sell fresh produce. Lodge guests and travellers can purchase these products as they enter the park.
Chunga School: If you have extra space in your luggage, consider bringing supplies for the Chunga Community, such as pens, educational books, medicines, and sports equipment. Chunga School, which serves children aged 6 to 16, would greatly benefit from these donations.
Conservation Itinerary: We also actively support conservation efforts through partnerships with organisations like By Life Connected, Panthera, and the Zambian Carnivore Project. Ask about our Conservation Itinerary to learn how you can contribute to these impactful initiatives during your visit.
For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact marketing@greensafaris.com.
The dining area at Ila Safari Lodge is set in the Infinity-shaped boma on the edge of the Kafue River offering guests a beautiful view at Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
We serve flexible meals that revolve around activities and we serve primarily international fusion food with a local influence. A typical day will be as follows:
Kindly note times differ seasonally but this will be communicated to you on arrival.
Early Morning:
Wake to the gentle sounds of our night porter calling “knockie, knockie”. He would have delivered a flask of hot water to the rear of your tent in case you would like to take a moment and enjoy a hot beverage on your deck amidst the wakening calls of the birds. You will then be collected by your guide and escorted to the main building.
Here you will enjoy a sumptuous continental breakfast around a fire where fresh toast is prepared on the coals and a pot of porridge bubbles away. Shortly afterwards you will set off on your game drive or walking safari (available May to November).
For those of you enjoying a later activity a full African breakfast will be available in the main restaurant until 10h00.
The Lazy Midday Hours:
After returning from your adventure in the wilderness you will have a chance to freshen up after which a brunch/lunch will be served from around 11h30 until 14h00.
For those of you who don’t want to waste a moment please feel free to arrange a stroll around our green facilities or an energetic walk to the road with your guide. If you are booked on an all-inclusive basis you are welcome to book the boat for a midday boating safari or even try your hand at a bit of fishing.
For those who which to soak up the peace and tranquility either relax on your tent deck or join us in the main area for a swim or a catch up with friends and family over wifi.
At 15h30 an afternoon tea will be served to replenish your energy levels before starting off on your afternoon activity.
After dark:
Dinner is served in the main restaurant from 19h30 until 21h00. Dine by romantic candle light high above the river and listen to the night sounds while being spoilt by splendid cuisine proudly prepared by our team of chef.
Please feel free to invite either your guide or any member of the management team to join you if you wish to swop tales of your adventures and life away from the bush.
Retire to the crackling fireplace under the stars in the bar area for a night cap and feel yourself relax and unwind after a thrilling day in the African bushveld.
CHEFS
Our chefs are locally born and all have had many years experience living and working remotely. Morris heads up the kitchen and is a star chef.
DIETARIES
We cater for all dietary requirements including limited Halaal.
We invite guests to experience unique dining experiences with us, such as bush meals and e-boat lunches.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Sindabezi Island Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Rated by Fodors as one of the top 10 eco lodges in Africa, Sindabezi Island is unique. An idyllic, exclusive camp on a private isle on the Zambezi River, it is the only luxury bush camp in the Victoria Falls area. Sindabezi has only five open-sided thatched cottages, allowing guests to soak up the sights and sounds of the African bush in a perfect, pristine setting. Views across the floodplains of the Zambezi and into the nearby National Park complete the experience. Sindabezi Island is also the perfect private venue to book for small groups.
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Paths made in the soft sand or along raised wooden walkways lead you to our three luxury en-suite Chalets, each tucked away in a quiet spot on Sindabezi Island. While the Chalets all share certain qualities, like private river-facing decks, luxurious interiors and double or twin sleeping options, each has its own special feature. The 'loos with a view' are a quirky feature of both Chalets 2 and 3, while the hammock in Chalet 4 is ideal for lazy afternoons. Another special highlight of Chalet 4 are the resident hippos that wallow in the river below, keeping you entertained from the comfort of your deck.
A glorious sunrise view is all yours at Sunrise Chalet 1, the only chalet on the southern side of Sindabezi Island. The other feature that sets it apart from Chalets 2, 3 and 4 is the large, modern outdoor bathtub. Covered by a blanket of bubbles and with a sundowner in hand, you can watch the Zambezi River drifting down to the Falls as the sky turns shades of pink, purple and orange. Sunrise Chalet 1 holds firm to its spot in the ‘romance department’ on Sindabezi Island.
Secreted away on a secluded part of Sindabezi Island with a sandy shoreline and stunning river view all to yourselves, celebrate love as castaways in our Honeymoon Chalet.
Imagine bathing together beneath the stars on your private deck before climbing into a four-poster bed draped in netting. Then, wake to hippos in the river and birds twittering in the trees, knowing another day of relaxed island living lies ahead of you.
The natural beauty of the island is complemented by the luxury of the Honeymoon Chalet. Modern fittings pair effortlessly with locally sourced wooden furnishings and textiles. The neutral tones woven throughout the Chalet reflect the beach cove wilderness in which it sits.
Property Facilities
Bar, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Clothes Press, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Room Service, Travel Desk
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Kayaking / Paddling, Mountain Biking, Museums, Quad Biking, Rhino Tracking, River Cruises, Scenic Flights, Wildlife Tours
Dip your sandy toes into our splash pool while taking in the beauty of neighbouring islands in the Zambezi River. Even the hippos will be a little jealous as you float in the cool water or relax on a lounger under the trees.
Kick back at the Sindabezi Sand Bar in the middle of the Zambezi with that special person (or people) in your life. In true pop-up style, the location of our sandbar in the changes depending on the time of the year as nearby islands appear and disappear. So you never know where on the river we might take you.
Dine in true Sindabezi style while anchored offshore in the Zambezi River on a floating platform. This is a breakfast or dinner experience quite unlike any other. Attended by waiters, each meal is paddled out one course at a time to your private sampan. For breakfast, we advise an early start before the real heat of the day settles in. The sampan dinner is the only activity that will return to the island after nightfall.
Let our guides pick you a shady spot on a sandy island nearby – Sindabezi is not the only magical island on the Zambezi for those that love feeling entirely isolated from civilisation. Good company needs equally marvellous food and drinks, and our picnic lunch or sundowners and snacks match the occasion.
Join one of our guides on a walk around the island with binoculars and a bird book to spot some of Sindabezi’s diverse birdlife. Or if you would prefer to range a little further afield, you can take your talking bird book (Captain Ronald, for example!) into one of the boats and float around the nearby islands to see what you can find.
Set a rod up against your very own river and wait for a nibble – is there anything more relaxing than that? There is no need to leave Sindabezi Island at all, although if you’re looking for a little more excitement, our guides do know the best spots to take a boat and hope for tiger fish.
See one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with a trip to Victoria Falls on the Zambian side and as a non-inclusive activity take a trip to Livingstone Island and a dip in the famous Devil's Pool
There's always plenty to see on the Zambezi River
This is the only wildlife park in the area that provides refuge to white rhinos, which are closely protected by anti-poaching units. While on your game drive, keep an eye out for giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, zebra and diverse bird life.
All guests are invited to visit, engage with, and learn from the Tongabezi Trust School’s 280 bright, talented students, all of who receive free education and nutritious meals at Tujatane. In fact, if you are only going to do one happy thing during your stay at Tongabezi, we’d suggest it is a tour of this school.
Enjoy a short cycle to meet the friendly people from the Simonga village
The Maramba and Mukuni markets are visited daily by hundreds of people from Livingstone and surrounding areas. They come to buy everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to chitenge, the bright patterned fabric characteristic of Southern and East African fashion. One of our team will be there to guide you through the marketplace and will be there to help you with buying from vendors if you need.
A place to learn about Zambia's culture and natural heritage.
Come and explore some of our 1,200 hectares of sweet veld, which is rapidly becoming a fully sustainable, organic community-run farm. You can personally compare our sustainable farming techniques with nearby traditional farming methods.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
