Ilala Lodge

Zimbabwe , Victoria Falls
VICTORIA FALLS, Victoria Falls, A8
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2026

Lisa

From the time we arrived at Ilala Lodge we were treated with kindness. When we realized that we mistakenly booked a room with one bed instead of two, we were moved to room with two beds and an amazing view of the Smoke and Thunder. Jane at the front desk did everything she could to make sure we were comfortable. She is an incredible host and I'm so grateful for her kindness.

Then we had our first meal at the restaurant. The music from the pianist was instantly soothing. The food was delicious, and the service was exemplary. I couldn't imagine how things could get better, but that was just the start.

After dinner we decided to have a drink at the bar next to the pool. That's where we met Basil the bartender, and, we later learned, a 30 year employee. This kind and funny man took care of us but also clearly is a mentor and valuable member of the staff.

We used the hotel's concierge to arrange a tour of Victoria Falls as well as a dinner cruise. The guide and the dinner were amazing. But maybe the best part was coming back to the Lodge and hanging out by the pool. Basil and George were so attentive and kind. Over the course of our stay they both made sure we were happy and comfortable. They are both excellent and deserve all the recognition.

When it came time to leave I was honestly sad to go. Ilala Lodge had become more than a place to sleep and eat. Everyone on staff there was so friendly, kind, and just on point. 10/10 - no notes. I really hope I can return someday!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2025

Emily

I enjoyed my time here

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2025

Wonya

Great and helpful staff. Wonderful location. Nothing better than waking up to the sound of the falls! But no precipitation!!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2025

Verified traveler

Menu was limited. Shower makes floor all wet. Never restocked our minibar. Should have a mechanism for late checkout, even if you pay for it. Felt perfectly safe here at all times. All staff were friendly and very helpful. All other aspects were excellent. Would recommend to others and return myself.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2025

Verified traveler

2-night stay - Fantastic

Ilala Lodge is really nice!! Extremely beautiful, friendly, clean, and great food.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2025

Ravinder

Ilala lodge

Very relaxing and calming hotel with lovely gardens. Had hippos visiting at night. Breakfast was excellent. The lunch menu was tasty. The dinner was not so good. The staff were very friendly & welcoming. Would stay there again. 10 minutes to Victoria falls on foot

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2025

LISSI

I enjoined staying at Ilala - this is the second time I have stayed at Ilala and if possible I will be back next year in March.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2025

Robert

A relaxing two night stay.

A lovely hotel near the entrance to The Victoria Falls National park.
Good accommodation. Lovely staff.
I would definitely return to this hotel one day.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

EXCELLENT ALL ROUND

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2024

LaMine

I had a pleasant stay, till next time, thank you.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2024

Bonnie

Great breakfast buffet

Love their breakfast buffet! Best ever

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2024

Robert

The property was amazing. We loved the lodge, we had hippos outside our door 2 nights. Breakfast was amazing and the staff was fantastic. We would definitely come back.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2024

Thomas

Loved it

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2024

Peter

Property was well maintained and the service impeccable.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2024

Michael

Great property.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2024

Jephunneh

A true 5-star resort featuring African luxury and charm at its finest. The exquisite cultural décor within the executive suites is astounding. The free mini-bar at first seems to be too good to be true. It is yours to enjoy. The insect repellent and insect spray awaiting us in the room were greatly appreciated. This is a fabulous property that allows for one to see native animals graze nearby from your room. The restaurant food and staff are excellent. There were a few communication hiccups with hotel personnel. However, the hotel staff works hard to rectify and please.

The Hotel does a good job presenting and explaining the Victoria Falls tours and activities. I would suggest that they update their activities list to make note that all activities are on the Zimbabwe side (same side as hotel) except for the Devils Pool which is on the Zambia side. That is very important to know for ones respective Country Visa requirements. Also, a total time estimate for activities would be helpful.
The IIala is immediately surrounded by noisy traffic, restaurants, and helicopter tours. Perhaps upgrading the patio doors and windows to thicker and/or soundproof glass (for the suites wing at least) would help. The high arching outdoor hallways act as sound magnifiers and that adds to the disturbance. Still a very wonderful stay overall!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2023

Kelley

I stayed here by myself and it was the perfect location right by the falls entrance and you can walk to the cute shops in town. The people and staff were incredible , they had a great activities desk that arranged my airport transfers and activities that I wanted to do, and the rooms were very nice! The pool and outdoor eating areas were also incredible. Great staff and people and overall experience

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2023

Brian

Excellent accommodations in a great location within easy walk to the Falls, shops, restaurants, and center of town

4/10

Poor

18 May 2023

Richard

Food was poor accommodation was average at best but very expensive

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2023

Kathleen

Staff was amazing. Very convenient to Victoria Falls.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2023

Nina Mary

Wonderfully friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond to accommodate and aide in all matters. The lodge is immaculate in every way. My room was huge with cold a/c, a balcony overlooking manicured greenery, and a stocked complimentary fridge/bar, cookies and an espresso machine!

In addition to the hotel room/property itself, a highlight is being walking distance to the Falls as well as shops and restaurants. I feel this is a BIG bonus over more out of the way lodges. In my room, all I felt was the tranquility of the hotel grounds - but a brief and safe walk put me at artisan craft shops and restaurants.

In all, Ilala offers the serenity of nature without the dependence on cars and taxis to visit anything beyond one’s lodge.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2022

William

Nice room, clean facilities and great breakfast and bar during the evenings.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2021

Peter

Stunning spot with a great atmosphere.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2020

Leigh

WOW Wonderful stay.

This is a fantastic place to stay. Staff is great! Rooms spacious. View out the window or from our deck is wonderful and we see wildlife up close. Today we saw a mother warthog and her three babies.Wonderful experience. Recommend it highly.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2019

Eric

Loved our stay here. Lovely architecture, friendly helpful staff, excellent food, comfortable accommodation and right in the Wild. Frequent animal visitors

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2019

Jude

The rooms all have views, there is a wonderful restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining available, the grounds are beautiful, the common areas are large and a there is a very nice outdoor pool and bar. This lodge is centrally located to Victoria Falls and downtown shopping. Ilala Lodge was an added bonus to our trip to the Falls!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Closest hotel to Victoria falls. Comfortable helpful staff

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2019

Scott

Great hotel. Wonderful location with easy access to Victoria Falls.

Family

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2019

Verified traveler

A wonderful position in the town and close to walk to shops and the Falls. The hotel is stylish and set within beautiful gardens. It is well presented with and the open air dining is wonderful.
The only improvement cold be the quality of the meat served at dinner

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Very nice property, well maintained and excelent staff.

8/10

Excellent

30 Oct 2018

David

Great stay, best location

Overall my stay was wonderful. It was a bit disappointing the pool was not available every day due to renovations, but management went out of their way to arrange access to another hotel pool. When things go wrong it is the way they are handled that matters, and for this they get top marks. Very nice lodge in the best position in Victoria Falls. I will return.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Excellent location, very nice property, excellent caring staff

10/10

Exceptional

07 Sep 2018

Barry

Fantastic location,great staff,delicious food!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2018

R W

Excellent stay, very helpful staff advising on my onward bus trip to Bulawayo; fantastic breakfast watching the sun coming up through the spray from the Falls.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

Kruger Hotel

Amazing location. Would definitely stay there again. Service and food also was excellent.

Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Apr 2018

PEDRO

Very good hotel closest to the Victoria falls

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Apr 2018

Bridget

Beautiful hotel close to the Falls

Ilala Lodge is a beautiful property overlooking lush landscape near the Falls (only drawback of being so close is you hear the constant helicopters during daytime). Service was great, room very comfortable. You are right in town so a short walk to the Falls, shops and restaurants.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2018

Grace

Classic hotel

Ilala is well placed in the heart of the Vic Falls town, close to everything. The hotel itself is beautiful with historical decor and detail. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The room I stayed in had a nice view of the front lawn where animals walked through and I had a veranda to sit on. The staff is friendly and helpful. If I return to Vic Falls again, I would definitely consider staying here again.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Dec 2017

Israella

Choose this hotel in Victoria Falls national Park

This is a charming hotel with alot of character and old world style decor. The rooms ( I stayed in two different rooms) were spacious with comfortable bed and very good linen. The fact that you're given a first fill bar fridge contents for free is a plus. I had a great view of the white mist from the falls. The food was delicious with breakfast a delightful selection of foods to choose from. The Chef there needs to be commended for the delicious meals at night. The hotel itself is spacious with lots of places to lounge about and relax in between activities. Now, my complaint is that the front desk staff are slow to deal with your complaints and in my case I was given the wrong room. It took them two days to sort this out. Also, they dont try to troubleshoot issues such as when I needed cash I was told that the hotel couldnt help me but on my checking out the reception lady told me I could have crossed to Zambia and obtained USD as I had a Univisa. \"Thinking outside the square\" must be encouraged by management so as to help guests have an enjoyable stay. Overall, if you're thinking of Vic Falls, Ilala Lodge is the place to stay.

8/10

Excellent

22 Nov 2017

Dawn

Quiet, understated luxury

The Ilala is a gentle oasis close to Victoria Falls. If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful, luxury accommodation ... Ilala is a good choice. The pool is a welcome addition to the heat, the breakfast is excellent with (included) options for cooked eggs as well as full continental, and the staff are friendly and professional. Since the hotel is on the smaller size, compared to the hotels in the area, it doesn't feel over-crowded. If you are looking for quiet, understated and low-key - Ilala is a good choice.

8/10

Excellent

17 Sep 2017

Verified traveler

Seattlites Stay At Ilala!

Ilala was very nice and within walking distance of Victoria Falls as long as you're able to handle 80-85 degree heat in September. My only disappointment was the Wi-Fi wasn't working and once it was supposedly up I was restricted from What's App and my emails so I couldn't let Friends and Family know we had arrived safely.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jul 2017

Verified traveler

relaxing, near activities

Wonderful experience. The rooms were very clean although there is no elevator/lift to get to first/third floors. Staff is very helpful and carry luggage up/down stairs for you. If you want to try exotic foods- try the dinner menu- romantic on the veranda. Make sure to have a reservation for dinner (limited menu). Not many options nearby for eating out... Do not venture out at night on your own and mind the craftsmen selling on the street- they can be bothersome. There are 'tourist police/helpers' everywhere to assist. I would stay here again.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Nice Hotel Close to the Falls

This Hotel was pricey - but so were all the Hotels in Victoria Falls and the drinks were cheaper here than at the nearby Victoria Falls Hotel. Room very comfortable with a mosquito net round the bed (although we didn't encounter any mossies ourselves) and it had a nice balcony where you could watch passing wildlife - in particular the local family of warthogs. Food at the Hotel was also good.

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Walking distance to Falls

The hotel was great though in mid refurbishment which had not been stated when we booked which meant the peace and tranquility were disturbed by noisy banging. However apart from that the hotel staff couldn't have done more to make us welcome and the refurbished room we were in was excellent.

8/10

Excellent

02 Dec 2016

Brian

Good location for Vic Falls

Good location, walking distance to Victoria Falls. Good food and service. Greeting was friendly and after over 20 hours flying time was appropriate. Expensive. I would recommend only because there is limited choice in the area

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2016

pat

Great place staff great

its a 4 star hotel in a 5 star location , hotel staff went out of way
you will not be disappointed in any way

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Aug 2016

Verified traveler

Close to the Falls, African ambience

Ilala Lodge Hotel is a charming inviting hotel, a 5-10 minute walk from Victoria Falls in the town of Victoria Falls Zimbabwe. It's probably the closest hotel to the Falls, yet convenient to the town where you can find the usual touristy shops as well as the a selection of dining. The hotel is modern by any standard, yet has a bit of turn of the century charm and ambience to it, with (not overblown) African design and ambience. The wildlife found outside the room (with a door out) included monkeys, an impala, and warthogs (we are warned not to feed or approach the wild animals!) The breakfast buffet is one of the best I've had in Africa, with a wide variety of fruit, hot and cold dishes, eggs cooked to order. I would definitely stay here again.

2/10

Poor

08 Jul 2016

Verified traveler

If you are Asian don't use this hotel

Never using them again

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Apr 2016

carol

GOOD STAY, SOME MINUS POINTS

We wanted to see the Victoria Falls - and Ilala lodge is ideally situated.
Staff very helpful; also in booking the necessary activities.
Some negative points:
1. ON ARRIVAL THEY COULD NOT FIND OUR BOOKING, which was strange as our payment to Hotels.Com had already been taken off our account 2 months earlier!
2. To welcome us we were given some \"iced tea\" of about 40 degree C, no ice! Horrible.
3. our room door jammed terribly. We had to actually kick it to get into our room, and yank it full force to get out.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Mar 2016

Verified traveler

A Classic Victoria Falls hotel

A classic Victoria Falls hotel which encapsulates the African experience with the historical significance of a bygone era. It's many pluses are the ambience matching the significance of the \"falls\" with African bush from the thatched roofs to the nightly dining menu. Unfortunately the menu selection remained the same night after night and offered limited choice to those not comfortable digesting local animals.
Rooms vary according to price but some are up to a half a kilometre from reception. Great if you're seeking privacy but awkward if the electronic room key malfunctions as it did.on at least four occasions!
Service is impeccable ......a unique Zimbabwe characteristic......the best in Southern Africa! But staff are again difficult to find amongst the myriad of passageways..... A reception linked communication system would not go amiss from strategic locations in the hotel and its grounds..
In short one of the top tour establishments with the exception of its nightly dining fare !