- Info
- Images
- Video
- Tents
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
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.
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.
For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact marketing@greensafaris.com.
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!
For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact marketing@greensafaris.com.
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.
For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact marketing@greensafaris.com.
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.
For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact marketing@greensafaris.com.
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.
For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact marketing@greensafaris.com.
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.
For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact marketing@greensafaris.com.
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.
