Ilala Lodge Hotel | Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Ilala Lodge is an elegant, intimate and comfortable hotel on the edge of the Zambezi National Park a short safe walk from Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side.
Ilala Lodge is a charming hotel, just minutes from Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side adjoining the Zambezi National Park.
This privately owned and managed hotel guarantees the service is personal and the atmosphere intimate. All the rooms are air conditioned and have patio doors opening onto a balcony or large front lawn - mowed by a regular troupe of warthog and occasional visits from waterbuck, baboons, monkeys and even elephant from time to time. The Deluxe and Pool Wing assure a view of the distant spray of the Falls and the Garden Wing, a view onto the peacefully luxuriant gardens.
Good travel advice is to eat where the locals eat and they eat at Ilala's Palm Restaurant. With tables set under the stars on clear nights or in the high-thatched dining room, the food is unfussy and the atmosphere is relaxed. The croc-pie and ostrich steak are local delicacies worth trying.
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
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
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), ATM, Babysitting Service, Credit Card, Room Service, Travel Desk
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.
African Bush Camps Somalisa Expeditions | Hwange National Park
Somalisa Expeditions is a classic safari camp of old world charm. The essence of a mobile camp with all the additional comforts of a luxurious permanent lodge. In the heart of the Hwange National Park. In a private concession. A real safari adventure that immerses you in the bush and gets you up close with wildlife. Elephants are everywhere.
A sincere Serengeti-style tented camp with a vintage feel. The camp is spectacular, the people even more so and the wildlife continues to raise the bar. There’s more than just something special about this place. It’s everything that makes it what it is.
The way it’s designed to allow you to truly explore the bush. The elephants that come to quench their thirst daily at ‘elephant’s pool’. The service-minded staff and the finer details that make this camp authentic without compromising on comfort. You’ll be left in awe. It’s both humble and proud.
Wood, canvas with touches of copper and gold are a reminder of a bygone era. Perfectly transformed to the modern world without losing the essence of a classic safari camp. You’re in the African bush here and it’s incredible. From your private deck look out onto the dry grass and acacia savannah. You’re likely to spot the elephants and lions have been known to come close too.
This camp is for the wildlife enthusiast. The adventurer who wants it as real as it gets and real it is out here. It’s all about the raw Zimbabwean wilderness along the Kennedy Vlei Line. The seasonal Somalisa pans in a pristine private concession. A game rich area where the highlight is a guided walking safari. That says it all.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Tented Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
With five luxury tents and one luxury family tent, Somalisa Expeditions offers an intimate safari experience by combining luxury and comfort with the beauty of the African bush. Each luxury tent is set atop a wooden deck, raised above the ground to provide breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. Each is equipped with a lavish king size bed draped in mosquito netting (the smaller room of the luxury family tent has two single beds with mosquito netting), and indoor shower, in-room charging facilities, and a wooden writing desk.
With five luxury tents and one luxury family tent, Somalisa Expeditions offers an intimate safari experience by combining luxury and comfort with the beauty of the African bush. Each luxury tent is set atop a wooden deck, raised above the ground to provide breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. Each is equipped with a lavish king size bed draped in mosquito netting (the smaller room of the luxury family tent has two single beds with mosquito netting), and indoor shower, in-room charging facilities, and a wooden writing desk.
Property Facilities
Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Shower
Lead by one of our experienced guides, you’ll see magnificent wildlife indigenous to the area. Your guide will show you the hidden spots best for game viewing and give you an insider’s knowledge. With years of experience our African Bush Camps guides are known for being some of the best in the business.
Awaken your senses and discover all that the bush has to offer on a walking safari. Accompanied by one of our experienced walking guides, explore the wild for one to two hours. For a full day walking safari, a private walking guide will need to be pre-booked with us.
Hwange National Park offers some of Zimbabwe’s best birding. Delight in the call of the racket-tailed roller or the kori bustard, and photograph the majestic Martial eagle. Or simply sit back and enjoy their beautiful songs. There are up to over 470 bird life species in the area.
The African Bush Camps Foundation believes in creating a longlasting, positive impact on the local communities. This is achieved by partnering with these communities to uplift their circumstances through tourism. The ABCF started out in the Dete, Mambanje and Hwange Main Camp communities boarding Hwange National Park. Within these communities, the Foundation focuses on Education, Conservation, Community Infrastructure and Community Empowerment. A visit to these communities takes a day and needs to be booked in advance, however, it is a rewarding day that is worth the trip.
Zambezi Expeditions | Mana Pools National Park
From April through November, Zambezi Expeditions, on the banks of the Zambezi River becomes the most enviable location within the Mana Pools National Park. A mobile camp and an authentic safari experience.
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site based on its untouched wilderness and pure beauty. Zambezi Expeditions is right in the thick of it. On the banks of the river along the shoreline under the winter thorn and ebony trees. For only eight months of the year (in the dry season), this is the place you want to be. In the wild. Among nature.
With only six Meru-style canvas tents. All sides rolled up, you’re in the bush and it’s exclusive. It’s a classic tented camp with bucket showers. Don’t think rudimentary though, it’s rather more civilised with everything you’d need and some additional comforts. Yet it still stays true to being a ‘real deal’ mobile camp in the heart of the African wilderness.
From Mana Main Airstrip it’s a 40 minute game drive to camp. It’s civilised but nowhere near civilisation. It’s a hefty five to six hours drive from Harare and that’s not for the faint hearted. You have got to know how to drive a 4x4 and be comfortable heading off road. This is big-game country and you’re smack bang in the middle of it.
Known for some of the best wild dog encounters. Even better on foot. This area is surreal. The wildlife is amazing and the sunrises and sunsets rival some of the finest. You’re in for an absolute treat here. Not so much in terms of luxury but if you’re happy the basics are well covered and it’s all about the destination for you. Then Zambezi Expeditions is a sure-fire win.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Tented Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Luxury Tents
Six luxury tents. Safari-style rain shower, mosquito nets, accommodating just 12 guests at a time, Zambezi Expeditions is positioned for privacy and solitude, inviting you to embrace adventure and experience Africa, real and remote
Property Facilities
Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pool, Private Vehicle Available
Room Facilities
En-Suite, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary)
One of the main highlights is a game drive along the flood plain in an open 4 x 4 Land Cruiser that takes you into the heart of an Africa dream abounding with the continent’s unique animals − eland, elephant, African wild dogs, water buck, big herds of buffalo, kudu, lion and leopard.
Take a walk in the wild and encounter wild animals up close with Zambezi Expeditions Game Walks. Accompanied by one of our professional and highly-trained field guides, explore the banks of the Zambezi River on foot.
The Lower Zambezi River is the perfect setting for an adventurous canoeing safari. Paddle along the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River and take in the pristine scenery of Mana Pools National Park from a unique angle. On your canoeing safari you’ll get the chance to see wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and incredible birdlife.
The Zambezi River is well-known for some of the best tiger fishing spots in Africa. The slow flow of the Zambezi allows for great catch-and-release tiger fishing and our guides are on-hand to assist in some early morning or afternoon fishing.
Delight in the call of the African skimmer, photograph the Southern carmine bee-eater or the Narina trogon. Or simply sit back and enjoy their beautiful songs.