Ilala Lodge Hotel | Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Ilala Lodge is a friendly small hotel which is the closest hotel to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The National Park borders the front of property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background. So the Victoria Falls are just an easy walk away. So is the town with its array of adventure activities, restaurants and shops on offer.
There are 49 pleasant rooms and suites spread out on two levels. There are 32 standard rooms, furnished with railway teak furniture. These lead out onto the well-kept gardens where you may see warthogs and hippos grazing. All have a full bathroom with bath and shower, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, safe, complimentary wifi and tea/coffee facilities. Plus two rooms are interleading which make them perfect for families. On the upper level are two standard suites which have a private balcony and can accommodate an extra bed for children or even a young adult, in its own alcove area of the suite. These have amazing views over the Victoria Falls. As well as the standard facilities there is also a writing desk, minibar and nepresso coffee machines.
There are also 12 deluxe rooms in the new wing, each with a private patio with views of the sun rising over the Victoria Falls. Note that the deluxe rooms are en suite with walk in shower only. Also in the new wing are two executive suites. These have a full bathroom with walk in shower and bath, private patio some with jacuzzi hot tub as well as a separate lounge and bedroom. All rooms have air conditioning, overhead fan, tea and coffee facilities, safe and satellite TV.
Facilities at Ilala Lodge include a large swimming pool, pool bar and a la carte restaurant, The Palms, which is known for its good food. You can also choose to dine alfresco and enjoy the views of the beautiful gardens and natural surroundings.
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Ilala Lodge Virtual Tour
26 twins, with 2 large three-quarter beds in each room.
All rooms have en suite bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV hair dryer, safe and have individual coffee, free WiFi, room service and tea facilities. The rooms are spacious with railway teak furnishings. Complimentary initial stocking of mini bar is also included.
All rooms look towards the Victoria Falls, and the National Park. There are often wild animals grazing on the lawn, and the windows and doors rattle from the force of the water from the mighty Victoria Falls.
All rooms have either a private patio or their own seating area on the lawn, facing the Falls.
6 x double rooms with 1 king size bed in each. 2 of these rooms are inter-leading with Classic twins rooms so ideal for families.
Like the Classic Twin rooms, all double rooms have an en-suite bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV hairdryer, safe, room service and have individual coffee and tea facilities and free WiFi. Complimentary initial stocking of mini bar is also included.
The rooms are spacious with railway teak furnishings. All rooms face the mighty Victoria Falls and the Zambezi National Park, so you'll often see wild animals grazing on the hotel lawns - while seated comfortably on your private patio area.
8 Twin rooms with 2 x 3/4 beds in each room. Like the double rooms, these all have an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, twin vanity basins (no bath). Air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV, hairdryer, safe, free WiFi, room service and individual coffee and tea facilities. Complimentary initial stocking of mini bar is also included.
Private patio with sliding doors from the bedrooms, with magnificent views of the sun rising over the Victoria Falls.
12 Double rooms with 1 x king size bed, with an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower (no bath), twin vanity basins. Air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV, hairdryer, safe, free WiFi, room service and Nespresso machine and tea facilities. Complimentary initial stocking of mini bar is also included.
Private patio with sliding doors from the bedrooms, with magnificent views of the sun rising over the Victoria Falls.
2 Classic Suites with 1 x king-size bed & 1 x ¾ bed in each suite. The Classic Suites are situated at the very top of the hotel with amazing views of the Victoria Falls.
All Classic Suites have en-suite facilities with a bathtub, separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV hairdryer, safe, free WiFi, minibar fridge with complimentary stocking, writing desk, room service and have individual coffee, Nespresso and tea facilities.
A private patio where morning tea & coffee can be enjoyed while watching the sun rise over the mighty Victoria Falls.
2 Executive Suites in our new wing. Each suite has their own separate lounge area with satellite TV, Nespresso coffee machine, as well as tea making facilities, air conditioning, fan, lounge suite, writing desk, mini bar fridge, room service, private patio with sliding doors that lead off the lounge.
Separate bedroom adjoins the lounge but has a sliding door separating the two rooms. A king-size bed, clothes closet, hairdryer, safe, robe and slippers. En-suite facilities with walk-in shower, twin vanity basins and separate bath. Minibar fridge with complimentary stocking.
Own private patio with sliding doors leading off the bedroom.
Magnificent views of the sunrise over the mighty Victoria Falls.
The suite comes complete with a private lounge, kitchen, en-suite bathroom with double vanity basins, walk-in shower and an indulgent bathtub. There is a private balcony, where guests can indulge in a large spa bath while enjoying world-class views of the spray rising above the mighty Victoria Falls waterfall.
Guests receive a complimentary in-room mini stocking of breakfast offerings such as yoghurt, cereal cheese, mini bread loaves etc. as well as a relaxing river cruise - subject to availability.
In addition to offering an ideal romantic retreat, the suite can also be transformed into a comfortable and spacious family villa, via a pair of interleading doors into a secondary suite and deluxe guest room.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Laundry Service (Available), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), ATM, Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service, Travel Desk
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cycling, Fine Dining, Game Viewing, Game Viewing Hide, Horse-back Safaris, Massages, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Elephant-back Safaris, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Massages, Rhino Tracking, River Cruises, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Squash Court, Tennis Court, Tree-top Canopy Tours, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Experience gourmet dining in Victoria Falls at the top-rated Cassia Restaurant. Centrally located only minutes from the Victoria Falls at Ilala Lodge Hotel, the newly-renamed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.
The Cassia Restaurant delivers an unmatched menu, paired with an extensive wine list comprised of carefully selected wines from South Africa’s top vineyards. The calming and tranquil ambience is further complemented by the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the background. A truly unforgettable dining experience not to be missed.
You know what they say about the early bird? If you are a passionate birdwatcher, don’t miss out on this river cruise! Keen bird lovers will delight in marking off their sightings in the birding booklet provided on board while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast including fruit platters, fresh pastries and a variety of cheeses and biscuits. Rare birds such as the African Pitta and the Narina Trogon have been sighted here, as well as hundreds of other bird species. The knowledgeable and experienced guides conduct these early morning river cruises.
Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a continental breakfast as you cruise up the Zambezi River towards Kandahar Island while enjoying the sounds of the diverse birdlife and the African bush come to life in the early morning. Breakfast includes freshly baked pieces of bread and pastries, fresh fruit platters, jams, yoghurts and cheeses as well as an assortment of teas and coffee.
Sit back and relax while sipping a cold drink and enjoying a few quiet hours along the banks of the Zambezi River. Our lunch buffet includes cold meats, fresh salads and a wide selection of biscuits and cheeses, all catered by the award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel. The fully stocked bar is available throughout the cruise and the attentive crew is at your service.
There simply is not a better way to enjoy the dazzling African sunset than from the comfort of a Ra-Ikane boat on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Our ever-popular sunset cruise offers a unique way to explore the channels of the river and to get an up-close view of the pristine wilderness and African game along its banks. Enjoy an array of canapés, a full bar and a charming crew who can impart a bit of interesting Victoria Falls history with you on board the Ra-Ikane.
The Cassia Restaurant
Experience gourmet dining in Victoria Falls at the top-rated Cassia Restaurant. Centrally located only minutes away from the Victoria Falls at Ilala Lodge Hotel, the newly-renamed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.
The Cassia Restaurant delivers an unmatched menu, paired with an extensive wine list comprised of carefully selected wines from South Africa’s top vineyards. The calming and tranquil ambience is further complemented by the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the background. A truly unforgettable dining experience not to be missed.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 73
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Wildlife, Wine
Chobe Bakwena Lodge | Chobe River Front
Chobe Bakwena Lodge is an eco-luxury retreat on the banks of the Chobe River practicing sustainable tourism. Bakwena – from Setswana meaning ‘people of the crocodile’ one of the largest tribes in Botswana – embraces the surrounding culture and country as inspiration for its style and hospitality. The well-trained and very friendly staff are all members of the local villages.
Bakwena Lodge comprises 15 simply furnished chalets. All situated under the shady canopy of Acacia trees. Each has a river view and is surrounded by indigenous riverine bush. Built around both ecological and traditional African principles. Each chalet offers laid-back luxury with its own raised deck overlooking the river. Built-in daybeds offer ample opportunity to absorb the changing moods of the Chobe. The en suite bathroom offers both indoor and outdoor shower. 2 chalets can be used as family units.
The family chalet has two en suite bedrooms. The Villa on the other hand is suitable either for couples wanting a little more space and luxury or families with small children as the day beds in the sitting area can be used for children.
Game activities include game drives or river cruises in the Chobe. But there are also activities on offer for the middle of the day such as guided bike rides to Kazangulu where the 4 countries meet (Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia) as well as guided village walks. Activities available at extra cost include fishing trips, and visits to Impalila Island with its giant baobabs.
Relax in the inviting public sitting and dining areas or cool off in their inviting swimming pool. The personal touches by the owner-managers, Adam and Jen, can be felt from the hand selected furniture to the good food.
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STANDARD CHALET means the unit is either a Treetop or a Riverine Chalet. Guests will find out on arrival which room type they have been allocated.
STANDARD CHALET (Riverine)
All eight of Bakwena Lodge's Riverine Chalets are nestled in the indigenous riverine forest. The chalets are tailored to blend with the natural environment while ensuring a cool and comfortable stay. All chalets were built with locally sourced materials using eco-beam and sandbag technology.
All chalets include the following:
Private verandah
King bed or 2 x 3/4 Twin beds
En suite bathroom
Indoor & Outdoor Shower
Ceiling fan
Air conditioner
Plug Sockets next to the beds
Tea/coffee station
Hairdryer
Mosquito Net
Complimentary Wi-Fi
International Adaptor (hired from reception)
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Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wardrobe
STANDARD CHALET means the unit is either a Treetop or a Riverine Chalet. Guests will find out on arrival which room type they have been allocated.
STANDARD CHALET (Treetop)
All five of Bakwena Lodge's Treetop Chalets are elevated on 3.5 meter stilts and perched within the tree canopy. The chalets are tailored to blend with the natural environment while ensuring a cool and comfortable stay.
All chalets include the following:
Private verandah
King bed or 2 x 3/4 Twin beds
En suite bathroom
Indoor & Outdoor Shower
Ceiling fan
Air conditioner
Plug Sockets next to the beds
Tea/coffee station
Hairdryer
Mosquito Net
Complimentary Wi-Fi
International Adaptor (hired from reception)
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Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wardrobe
Bring the family! The Family Room is tailored to blend with the natural environment and designed to comfortably host two adults and two children with an option to add a camping bed for a third child.
The Family Room includes the following:
Private verandah
King bed in one bedroom
2 x 3/4 Twin beds in the second bedroom
Option to add a camping bed for a third child in the second bedroom
En suite bathroom
Indoor & Outdoor Shower
Ceiling fan
Air conditioner
Plug Sockets next to the beds
Tea/coffee station
Hairdryer
Mosquito Nets
Complimentary Wi-Fi
International Adaptor (hired from reception)
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Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wardrobe
The Honeymoon Suite is tailored to blend with the natural environment and is designed to create a romantic and relaxing atmosphere for couples to create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Honeymoon Suite includes the following:
Beautiful River view
King Bed
Separate lounge
Large private outdoor seating area
Stand alone bath
Indoor & Outdoor Shower
Ceiling Fan
Air conditioner
Plug Sockets next to the beds
Tea/coffee station
Hairdryer
Mosquito Net
Complimentary Wi-Fi
International Adaptor (hired from reception)
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Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Air conditioner, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Credit Card Facilities, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Internet Access (Complimentary), Internet Access (Paid/free), Internet Access, Laundry Service, Licensed, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Parking, Pool, Power Generator , Secure Parking, Smoking Section, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Camp Beds, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), LED Camp Lights, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Stretcher Beds, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wardrobe
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, High Tea, Natural History Tours, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, General Sightseeing, Golf, Historical Tours, Natural History Tours, River Cruises, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
An optional paid for extra or you can exchange 2 x lodge activities for this trip (3-night stays + only).
A full day activity to experience the magic of the Falls in neighbouring Zimbabwe. You will be transported from the lodge to the entrance of the National Park for a tour of the Falls at your own leisure. You will then be collected and transported to lunch, into town, to the local markets or for a spot of shopping, as you wish. Please note that although we will happily make suggestions this is an unguided activity and excludes Victoria Falls Park fees, Zimbabwe Visa fees (USD$ cash only for Visa fees) and lunch and the transfer may be shared with other guests).
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Bakwena is the proud owner of seven custom built game viewers.
While offering the usual early morning and evening game drives we aim to maximise the game viewing experience.
Chobe can get busy during high season and our guides are always finding new ways of innovating . Our goal is a quality experience through extended drives and exploring new areas of the Park. Our experienced, hand picked guides are, we believe, the finest in Chobe. From insects to bird specific experiences these professionals never disappoint.
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There are boat cruises then there are Chobe cruises. Exquisite and beyond comparison, the Chobe river boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. Dry season brings a game viewing bonanza well capitalised on by the resident Lion prides.
Our guides currently have the option of three boats to showcase the river experience to our guests. Without a doubt the most sedate game viewing experience to be had in Botswana. Being metres away from the legendary Chobe Elephant, herds of thirsty buffalo or the myriad of waterbirds is unparalleled.
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Guided Village Tour either on foot or by bicycle.
Experience the Botswana Culture. A guided exploration of the local village provides an opportunity to experience and understand the local customs and culture and take a little slice of village life back home with you.
This activity offers a unique experience to cruise along the Chobe River to the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers where four countries - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet - a distinctive geographical point.
Dining
Dining is available for inhouse guests only.
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Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 15
Special Interests: Birding, Flora, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
