Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located only 8 minutes away from the spectacular Victoria Falls, making it geographically the closest hotel to the waterfall on the Zimbabwean side. As a family-run hotel, Ilala Lodge has 73 stylish, well-appointed rooms, that offer the ultimate in comfort and luxury. The hotel’s location affords guests unique views of the mist that rises from the mighty waterfall, known as the ‘smoke that thunders
Experience gourmet dining at Ilala Lodge Hotels' top-rated Cassia Restaurant. Centrally located only minutes away from Victoria Falls, the newly-renamed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.
Relive the historical journey embarked by David Livingstone exploring the mighty Zambezi River aboard the Ra-Ikane fleet. Named after his instrumental guide, the boats represent the grace of a bygone era honouring the rich history of Victoria Falls and its explorers, adventurers and heroes. The Ra-Ikane offers a variety of cruises, including birdwatching, breakfast, lunch and sunset, as well as private charters.
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Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Restaurants
Ilala Lodge HotelCredit: Ilala Lodge HotelAerial Ilala Lodge to Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge HotelCredit: Ilala Lodge HotelArial view pool area
Ilala Lodge HotelCredit: Ilala Lodge HotelRa-Ikane River Cruise
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
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
African Bush Camps Bumi Hills Safari Lodge | Lake Kariba
Nestled within the secluded hills of northern Zimbabwe, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge offers breathtaking views of the vast and shimmering Lake Kariba – the largest reservoir in the world. Here, embark on an unforgettable safari experience, where refined luxury meets the serenity of one of Africa's most breathtaking remote destinations.
On its own private safari concession, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is surrounded by rich wildlife thanks to its proximity to Matusadona National Park. Expect incredible game viewing as you witness Lake Kariba teeming with hippos, crocodiles and an impressive array of bird species, while the surrounding bush is home to lions, leopards, elephants, and more. At the Lodge, enjoy a variety of activities including boating, game drives, fishing, sunset cruises, walking safaris, star gazing, night drives, bird watching, and a unique sleep-out experience under the stars.
The Lodge is adorned with wooden elements and natural textures that integrate the local Tongan influences. At its heart is the elegant viewing deck that offers sweeping views of the lake and its bustling wildlife habitats, as well as a canvas-covered bar and open dining area. Refresh your mind and energize your body from the comfort of the on-site wellness spa and fully equipped gym.
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Activities and Services
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsRelaxing afternoon in the pool
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsBreakfast at Bumi Hills
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsMain Area with View of Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsLake View Room with a View of the Lake
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsViewing Deck
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsPool Area
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsIconic View from the Pool Area
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsMain Area
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsMain Area
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsMain Area
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsMain Area
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsMain Dining
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsViewing Deck Overlooking Iconic Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsPool Area
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsFire Pit and View of Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsMain Drinks Area
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsFirepit on Deck
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsBedroom with View
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsVilla Baobab Bedroom with View
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsBedroom with View
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsRomantic Dining
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsTwin Bedroom
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsDining on Deck Overlooking Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsBedroom and Wardrobe
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsBathroom
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsPrivate Balcony Overlooking Iconic Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsVilla Baobab's Private Lounge
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsPrivate Dining at Villa Baobab
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsPrivate Dining at Villa Baobab
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsBedroom
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsVilla Baobab Bathroom
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsBoat Cruises on Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsFishing on Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsPetrified Tree Forest
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsWalking Safaris on Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsSafari Walk on the banks of Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsSpa
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsGym
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush CampsGame Drive on the Banks of Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: Simon WatsonFish Eagle
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush Camps
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush Camps
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush Camps
Bumi Hills Safari LodgeCredit: African Bush Camps
The Lodge houses eight spacious suites, each complete with air-conditioning, a freestanding bath, an indoor and outdoor shower, a mini bar, and a private viewing deck extending out towards Lake Kariba.
The private Baobab Villa is the perfect family retreat or friends’ getaway - featuring two large suites, a living room, and an outdoor and indoor dining area. The Villa also comes with the personalized services of a butler, a guide, and the exclusive use of a safari vehicle - ensuring every aspect of your experience is tailored to perfection.
The Lodge houses interleading luxury suites, with two bedrooms each complete with air-conditioning, a freestanding bath, an indoor and outdoor shower, a mini bar, and a private viewing deck extending out towards Lake Kariba.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Bird Watching, Boating, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Health and Fitness Centre, Massages, Safaris, Sailing, Walks (Guided)
Explore Lake Kariba in an open 4x4 vehicle, driven by your safari guide. Encounter the region's wildlife during early morning and late afternoon drives – the times of day when animals are most active. Learn about the wildlife, their tracks, and the surrounding plants from your expert guide as you experience close-up encounters. On your game drives, enjoy morning coffee, snacks, and evening sundowners set against the beautiful backdrop of a savanna sunset.
The Bumi Hills Wildlife Area is bordered in the north west by the Chalala and Mola communities, which are home to the Tonga, a delightful and very spiritual people who have resided in this area and along the length of the Zambezi river for centuries. They have preserved ancient traditions and still live a largely subsistence lifestyle that is reliant on fishing, livestock and small scale farming. In the village of Chalala these customs have melted together with the inevitable infiltration of modern ways of life. However the luxuries of a permanent electricity and water supply to homes are still absent, leaving the communities still largely reliant on the surrounding environment for their livelihood.
Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area’s rich diversity of avian life, with chances to spot incredible species like the Squacco heron and Collared pratincole. Listen for the distinctive call of the Giant kingfisher or try to capture a photo of the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. Whether you're admiring their beauty or simply soaking in their songs, African birdlife is a marvel to behold.
Enjoy dinner from atop the hills overlooking Lake Kariba. This iconic view is the undoubtedly the best in Kariba.
Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kariba to experience the thrill of a catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a simply a beginner eager to learn the basics, the Zambezi River offers a wonderful fishing adventure. Relax, sit back, and enjoy the serenity of nature, surrounded by the majestic beauty of this iconic African river.
A sunset cruise down the iconic Lake Kariba offers incredible wildlife sightings in the most tranquil setting. The calm waters mirror the spectacular sunset, creating a beautiful backdrop as you enjoy sundowners and spot elephants, birds, and other amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Walking safaris in Zimbabwe present a rare opportunity to explore the African wild on foot. By stepping away from the safari vehicle, you can fully immerse in the environment, awakening your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Our expert walking guides will accompany you through the African bush, offering fascinating insights into wildlife, animal tracks, insects, native plants, and the region’s geology.
Children under 16 can experience nature walks around the camp led by our child-certified walking guides as part of the Cub Club.
After an day in the bush, relax next to the camp fire and allow yourself to get lost in the starry night above. At night the stars utterly dominate the land; their brilliance and immediacy are totally arresting. Our guides have a growing passion in astronomy and are able to show you show you several star constellations including those which make up the Milky Way.
"Ngwana," the Setswana word for “explorer,” is the name of our young adventurer program at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The Ngwana Club offers a variety of safari adventures for children of all ages, including nature walks, cooking classes, traditional storytelling, and arts and crafts. Children’s safari activities are tailored to each family's unique needs and preferences, considering ages and any special interests or requests.
After a morning boat game viewing, enjoy a delicious lunch on Starvation Island
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Fast Facts
Luxury Tented Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Watersports, Wildlife
Hideaways Elephant's Eye, Hwange | Eastern Hwange National Park
The best Zimbabwe has to offer: Elephant's Eye, Hwange offers an unforgettable experience with the African wilderness.
The camp comprises of 8 tented chalets. Every chalet has a double or twin beds surrounded by mosquito netting, an en-suite bathroom with a bath and basin, a glam outside shower and wrap-around veranda. The Elephant's Eye, Hwange lodge can host a maximum of 16 people at any given time and all meals and most drinks are included.
Activities at Elephant's Eye include game viewing, a fully operational spa, guided educational walks, bird watching, night game drives with trained field guides; swimming or enjoying sundowners while relaxing near the pool are also pleasurable activities. Elephant's Eye has a waterhole which offers unlimited opportunities to view game at close range.
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Rooms
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Breakfast outside at Elephant's Eye
Elephant's Eye main area
Pool side at Elephant's Eye, Hwange
Relax in the bath with a view overlooking the concession
Enjoy breathtaking sun downers at Elephant's Eye, Hwange
The lodge
The lodge has 8 romantic tree-house style chalets that all face the waterhole. Each chalet has a private wrap-around veranda with a luxurious outside shower as well as lovely bath inside the open plan room (toilets are behind a closed door for privacy). All rooms have tea and coffee stations, a fireplace, a fan, a mosquito net covered King size bed and an in-room safe for guests' ultimate convenience. Guests can enjoy panorama-style vistas of the water-hole via floor-to-ceiling 'windows' perfect for game viewing from the comfort of their bed.
The Eye, Our Sleep Out Deck.
The Eye is a raised star bed about 15-minutes drive from the main lodge. The sleep-out deck, with its luxurious star bed, is positioned right by a waterhole offering the opportunity to see a variety of animals coming and going, especially in the early morning! The deck is on 2 levels, with a bathroom underneath and a luxurious queen bed up top, protected by a mosquito net. Guests can enjoy the most amazing views of the sunset and sundowners over the waterhole and the surrounding bush.
Guests are escorted at sunset to the deck for sundowners, before being left to enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding bushveld as the day turns to night. After a night under the stars, guests will be collected in the morning and taken back to the lodge to enjoy their morning breakfast.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa