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Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#12 of 23 hotels in Victoria Falls
Location
4.8
Rooms
4.5
Value
4.3
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.7
Sleep Quality
4.6
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel nestled in the heart of Victoria Falls town, only an 8 minute walk away from the Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls, making it geographically the closest hotel to the waterfall in Zimbabwe. Its unique location affords guests panoramic views of the mist that rises from the mighty waterfall. The hotel is equipped with 73 stylish and well-appointed rooms and suites that exude a sense of sophisticated old-world charm. As a fond favourite of visitors to Victoria Falls for over 30 years, the hotel is renowned for its true Zimbabwean hospitality, offering a warm, welcoming and attentive five-star service. Experience the hotel’s top-rated Cassia Restaurant, serving a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky. 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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
A8, Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Ilala Lodge Hotel
2,081 reviews
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Ilala Lodge Hotel is often recognized for its impeccable cleanliness, with guests regularly complimenting the well-maintained grounds and spotless rooms. While opinions on value vary, many appreciate the reasonable pricing for certain services. The staff's friendly and attentive service is frequently lauded, enhancing the hotel's serene atmosphere, accentuated by a beautiful pool and African-themed decor.
Spacious rooms offering wildlife views are a hit among travelers, as is the hotel's prime location near Victoria Falls and local attractions. Amenities that facilitate exceptional wildlife viewing and a range of activities also garner praise.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Inconsistent
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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It's difficult to find something to write that others have not already commented on. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, in a large standard room with a very comfortable bed and good quality bedlinen we had a terrace where you could watch the warthogs and small impala/deer. The bathroom had a large walk in waterfall shower, all spotlessly clean. However I will echo other reviews that booking activities for each day does add up! In addition to the Falls and the sunset river cruise we did the Lion experience which I would highly recommend. A free experience is to walk across the bridge to Zambia. It takes approx an hour (there and back) and you must take your passport. One evening we ate a the 3 monkeys restaurant just behind the hotel which was a very enjoyable, casual dining experience with a great atmosphere.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Masibanda77, Guest Relations Manager at Ilala Lodge Hotel
Responded Feb 8, 2020
Thank you very much for taking the time to review Ilala Lodge Hotel. We are glad you had a great experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I cannot say enough about this lodge. My husband and I are from the United States and came to Zim to visit with his family who live here in Zim. On short notice we were able to book rooms enough for 16 people and were accommodated without any issues. We were able to easily arrange airport transportation to and from the Vic Falls airport through the hotel (for an extra charge) as well as the Sunset River Cruise, which I highly recommend (the ambiance is luxurious and we saw so many hippos!) The concierge was also able to arrange taxis for us to other parts of the town - the drivers were all professional and wonderful people.
The rooms were beautiful. We visited in winter, and though there is no heat in the rooms - with the bedding and blankets we were not cold at all! The bathrooms are well equipped. We had no issues with hot water. The rooms overlook a well kept lawn that antelopes, impala, and warthogs graze on!
There was one evening when the internet was spotty, but this was easily remedied with obtaining a new access code. The WiFi signal was reasonable throughout the lodge.
The on-site restaurant serves top quality food. The staff was wonderful and attentive. The concierge also can make reservations to other area restaurants (we tried Dusty Roads and Boma, both of which serve traditional Zimbabwean food and we highly recommend as well).
Overall I cannot say enough good things about this lodge. We and the family loved the experience and would happily travel here again.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Originally our travel agent had suggested Victoria hotel but reading the different TA, I asked for Ilala instead and considering the service we got, the location of the hotel, the accommodation, lovely pool area, we made the right choice.
Our room was spacious with a lovely balcony overlooking a green area where animals would come and drink at the waterhole.
The hotel is very well situated, restaurants and shops nearby including the Elephant market (with many shops). It is located as soon as you go out the side entrance…do not mix with the market a little further down the street which is a large area with vendors harassing you to buy), 10-15 minutes walking distance to the entrance of the Victoria Falls. We did go visit the Victoria hotel but preferred our choice. We were there March 21st and 22nd when the world was fast moving into lock downs due to the corona virus. The hotel only had 10% capacity but nevertheless the lovely Palm restaurant was opened for us and we were served impeccably by Barrington under the management of Calvin who did all he could to make our stay pleasant.
We had quite a few issues with internet but Washington was ever so patient trying to sort out the difficulty with the help of Kanyika both at the reception. They even called the service provider to ensure that our problem be resolved.
We left we great memories of this hotel and would definitely recommend it as the number one in Victoria Falls.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Ask for a room in the new wing
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had an excellent stay at the Ilala Lodge which is a perfect base for exploring both the falls and the town. Our room was very comfortable with air conditioning and a very good shower and bathroom facilities. The complimentary mini bar drinks was also a nice touch. The staff are very friendly and courteous, the breakfast had plenty of choice and can be served either inside or out. The pool area was well maintained with comfortable beds and the bar was stocked (although it could have stayed open a bit longer!). The lodge is located just a 5 minute walk from the entrance to the falls and is also on the doorstep of shops and restaurants of the town.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the Ilala Lodge and they told us that for about $30 we could upgrade our included breakfast to a breakfast cruise. it was well worth it, we saw tons of birds, hippos and other wildlife. The boat is small and intimate anyway, but the morning we went, we were the only passengers. It was so nice to observe the wildlife in a quiet environment where you could hear as well as see them. The captain and our spotter offered names, animal behaviors and other information, which was great. Plus we were back early enough to still have a full day touring the falls.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Some rooms have views of the mist from the falls. We were there right before things were closed...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was my sixth visit to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe but my first time staying at Ilala Lodge - I will never stay anywhere else again! The grounds of the hotel are stunning and the common areas are so inviting. The rooms are spacious and well appointed, and the F&B offerings are far superior to any of my previous accommodation choices. The Palm Restaurant offers excellent food with beautiful presentation with the mist and rumbling of the falls setting the perfect mood to enjoy your meals. The entire staff at Ilala went above and beyond to ensure that my wife and I had a magical stay, and they succeeded. We spent an unforgettable 3 nights and I wish we had longer. Finally, the location of the property could not be better - less than 1,000 steps to the Falls and a gate leading right into the Elephant Walk markets. I cannot recommend Ilala Lodge Hotel enough to any traveler visiting VFA!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Heather Kay, General Manager at Ilala Lodge Hotel
Responded Jun 29, 2021
Dear David K, Greetings from Victoria Falls! Thank you for your incredible review of Ilala Lodge Hotel. We are thrilled you had such a wonderful stay with us. We enjoyed getting to know you both and look forward to your next visit. Warm Regards The Ilala Lodge Hotel Team.
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Went during a lock-down special for a group so fair value for our stay but would not consider the 'normal' price good value. Service and food was very good and main hotel is lovely. Rooms are large and comfy but can't leave windows or verandah doors open due to baboons and monkeys (tho staff do try to keep them under control) and the walk to any of the end rooms is irritatingly long.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Not too far from main hotel unless you want a long n boring walk
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is truly special. The grounds are impeccably kept, the pool and bar area are gorgeous, the dining rooms (inside and out - complete with a piano player some evenings) are just so perfect it’s unreal. Our rooms were really spacious and spotless with amazing views across the grounds and we were visited each evening by a herd of elephants coming to drink from the waterhole. Sublime. The vibe here is relaxing and welcoming. It is a mere 5 minutes walk from the Victoria Falls which are - as you’d expect - breathtaking. An absolute must for your stay at the Falls. Peter, Lucky, Prince and all the team: THANK YOU for a perfect few days at the start of our Zimbabwean adventure (booked in 2019, postponed in 2020…). It was well worth the 3 year wait to finally get here!
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Make sure you visit River Brewing Company a 2 mins walk away. Lovely bar, great staff and SCRUMMY...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a first class hotel close to Victoria Falls. Staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms were well appointed, very comfortable and clean and the balconies all overlook the gardens where we saw elephants, hippos, antelopes, monkeys and various exotic birds. At least that's what we saw during a stay of just a couple of days.The food was also good so we ate all our meals in the hotel.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I celebrated Valentines Day at Ilala Lodge and wanted for nothing the entire time we were at the hotel. We were welcomed with complimentary champagne decorated in rose petals; we were supported by a truly exceptional staff corps in every single way; and overall, we were spoiled rotten! The occasion was relaxing, refined, romantic, and so peaceful. Location, location! Ilala is in the vicinity of everything for which you travel to Victoria Falls -- you can walk to the falls, the shops, and the restaurants. Activities can be organised at the reception. Nothing was too much for the staff, who helped us from hailing taxis, giving directions, to assisting us on food choices, and pouring the perfect G&Ts! In addition, the rooms were very comfortable and spotlessly clean. Much gratitude for such a wonderful spoil, Ilala!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Eldah Mbetu, Guest Services / Front Office at Ilala Lodge Hotel
Responded Mar 7, 2020
Thank you very much Annabel; for the great review and rating. We are glad you had a great time while at Ilala Lodge Hotel.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sorry, I don't know about the laundry for sure, as I didn't need it, but I think I have seen something.
The Wifi is free and worked very well for me (but I have not streamed any movies during my stay).
Hi there - it is always suggested to have a rough itinerary pre-booked before you arrive, that way you are guaranteed not to miss out on anything. Please contact our online reservations for assistance with booking these.
Hi Shirley,
The hotel doesn’t have a self service laundry available - however, our team in the hotel laundry are happy to wash and iron your personal items. There is a small fee for this service which can be billed to your room and settled upon checkout with cash or credit card.
There are more places to choose from in the Victoria Falls area.
PRICE RANGE
$324 - $437 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
ilala hotel victoria falls
LOCATION
ZimbabweMatabeleland North ProvinceVictoria Falls
NUMBER OF ROOMS
73
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ilala Lodge Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Ilala Lodge Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Victoria Falls Theatre (0.1 miles), Victoria Falls Snake Park (0.08 miles), and Elephant's Walk Shopping And Artist's Village (0.10 miles).
