Within easy walking distance of the Victoria Falls, Ilala Lodge is a small upmarket hotel offering spacious rooms, excellent facilities and personalised service at very affordable rates. Recently expanded from 30 to 56 rooms, Ilala would perhaps be better categorised as a modest-sized hotel rather than a safari lodge, but it has a relaxed, congenial atmosphere, managing to feel both private and intimate thanks to its secluded location and elegant design.
Ilala Lodge is our preferred choice of accommodation on the Zimbabwean side of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, thanks to its modest rates and generous service. It provides better value than comparable lodges across the border in Livingstone, Zambia, and, being in Zimbabwe, enjoys a different angle on the Falls. Of the lodges in Zimbabwe, it is the closest to the Falls, which are within 15 minutes walking distance and visible from the hotel.
Accommodation
Ilala Lodge's 56 rooms are situated on two levels, and split between two wings which extend across the landscaped gardens. The ground floor rooms open onto a small verandah with access onto the hotel lawns, while the upper floor rooms open onto a private balcony and patio area - the rooms are cleverly designed in such a way that the upper floor rooms are set back from the lower floor, allowing for a small rooftop patio area.
Of Ilala's 56 rooms, 30 are standard and 26 deluxe. The standard rooms are older and slightly smaller, while the recently built deluxe rooms occupy an entirely new wing of the hotel. All offer the same basic amenities - en-suite bathrooms with both bath and separate shower, satellite TV, safe, AC, tea/coffee tray.
Ilala Lodge's public areas contain a relaxed lounge and reception with bar. The Palm Restaurant opens onto the patio and garden, and is set up for indoor and outdoor dining. Typically booked on a B&B basis, Ilala offers a generous morning buffet with cooked English breakfast. Lunch and dinner are a la carte.
Separate to the main lodge is a large swimming pool and open-air bar.
Facilities
Palm Restaurant
Swimming Pool
Pool bar
Activity centre (where you can book activities taking place in and around the Victoria Falls area)
Activities
Victoria Falls tours
Various adrenalin activities (white water rafting, bungee jumping, etc)
River boat safaris
Child Policy
Children under the age of 12 are accommodated at reduced rates if sharing with parents.
