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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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
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
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
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge | Kruger National Park
28 Oct 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
Located on an ancient elephant route on the Mluwati River in a private concession within the Kruger National Park, this unique lodge boasts a breath taking blend of ethnic luxury encompassing both warmth and style.
The lodge is steeped in modern day comfort and blends into the surrounding bush perfectly. The opportunity to immerse yourself into some of the rich culture of the Shangaan heritage and traditions will ensure an unforgettable safari experience. The luxury air conditioned ‘beehive’ suites, with earth coloured walls, king size beds, en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers and private game viewing decks are charmingly decorated with African fabrics, décor and object d’art that are sourced from the local Tsonga community.
Designer menus offer a traditional taste delicately balanced with European flair. Activities include open vehicle safaris, guided bush walks and Nomadic African Spa treatments.
Guests are accommodated in six circular air-conditioned suites with traditional brightly earth-coloured walls, tapered thatched roofs and folding glass doors that allow one to fully experience the wilderness.
Tsonga tradition runs throughout these comfortable suites; the warm glow of brightly coloured walls, traditional ornaments and little embellishments on lamps, door handles and mirrors bringing this local culture to life.
Relax on your private deck looking out on to the bush, take a long, leisurely shower in the open air or melt in to your comfortable king-size bed for an afternoon siesta. It’s your relaxing, informal bush experience on your terms.
Room facilities and amenities include:
Safe Hairdryer Separate large stone bath and outdoor shower Bathroom amenities Insect repellent Umbrellas Air conditioning Tea and coffee making facilities
Property Facilities
Pool, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Massages, Safaris
Activities Nearby
As one of the first private concessions in the Kruger National Park, Mluwati has worked tirelessly to ensure the sustainability of this pristine wilderness that for over 100 years has been a sanctuary for over 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians and 147 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five. With some of Kruger’s most spectacular landscapes and an extraordinary variety of wildlife, bird life and plant life within the concession, each safari experience is unique.
Guests can enjoy a morning and afternoon safari in open 4 x 4 vehicles. The early morning safaris are very rewarding with light for photography. Lions are still lively and on the move at this time, antelope are more energetic and an abundance of birds may also be seen. The afternoon safaris provide an opportunity to see nocturnal animals and perhaps even the elusive Leopard.
During the winter months the morning safaris depart at 06h00 and the afternoon safaris depart at 16h00. In summer the times change to 05h00 for the morning and 17h00 for the afternoon safaris.
Tea and coffee is served before the morning safari departs and in the afternoon you will enjoy high tea before setting off.
The guided bush walks allows one to get close up and have an intimate experience of the local flora and fauna. Walks are available on request. The safety of guests is top priority so guided bush walks may be unavailable if the guide deems the conditions to be unsafe for walking.
Guests with their own vehicles can do a self drive during the day in the Kruger National Park. The Park is home to many different mammal, reptile amphibian species and many hours can be enjoyed watching these animals in their natural habitat.
Dining and Cuisine
Your rewards for a hard day’s safari are the delicious dishes created by Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge’s talented chef. Homemade baked goods, light salads and local specialties such as beetroot salad and ostrich steak are served in relaxed surroundings; the sounds of the bush providing all the accompaniment you need for a memorable dining experience.
Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast with a variety of fruits, nuts, yogurts, bread, pastries, and cheese or opt for a full English breakfast with bacon, sausage, and eggs; freshly squeezed orange juice and strong coffee at the ready after your morning safari.
Lunch is a light, informal affair with a buffet laden with tasty salads and meats. Followed not long after by High Tea with tea or coffee to wash down a delicious selection of cakes and pastries baked freshly at the lodge.
After a rewarding evening’s safari, warm yourself around Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge’s open-air fire and enjoy a magical three-course dinner under the stars. Good wine and good conversation flow while you listen to the enchanting sounds of the surrounding bush coming alive at night.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
Fast Facts
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Big 5, Flora, History & Culture, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife