Situated in Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls, this hotel has it all - comfortable, stylish accommodation, a stunning location and plenty of unforgettable experiences on offer.
Location
Located in the heart of Victoria Falls, Ilala Lodge hotel is the perfect base for those wanting to experience all that the area has to offer, with easy access to all of the popular activities and historical sites. The hotel is so close to the world famous Victoria Falls that guests can hear the thundering of the water from the dining room, while impala and warthog (regular visitors to the hotel) graze outside. Road transfers from any of Zimbabwe’s main airports can be arranged, or alternatively you can self drive.
Rooms
The hotel offers around 73 well-appointed rooms and suites, spread across three wings - Garden, Pool and Deluxe - with options from Classic Rooms and Suites to Executive and the signature Strathearn Suite. All feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms and either private balconies or patios overlooking lush gardens and the national park beyond. Teak furnishings made from locally sourced railway sleepers add authentic African character, and many rooms afford views of the mist rising from the Falls.
Facilities
Shared spaces at Ilala Lodge are inviting and generous. Two swimming pools with decks and loungers offer places to cool off in the tropical heat, while the Poolside Bar is a great spot for sundowners overlooking leafy gardens and Victoria Falls National Park. The hotel also provides a tours and activities desk, a well-appointed spa for relaxation, and conference and event facilities suitable for small meetings and gatherings. Dining is a highlight at the award-winning Cassia Restaurant, where al-fresco meals under the stars are paired with views and sounds of the Falls.
Activities
From this central base you can explore the very best of Victoria Falls. Guided walks to the Falls itself, Zambezi River cruises at sunset, white water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter flights and scenic day trips to Hwange or Chobe National Park can all be arranged on-site. Closer to home, the lush gardens often attract wildlife visitors such as warthog, impala and even elephants grazing on the lawns — a delightful and unexpected spectacle.
Sustainability
Ilala Lodge participates in environmental stewardship and community initiatives through its Ilala Cares programme and involvement with the Victoria Falls Recycling Project. The hotel has a formal waste management policy that reduces, reuses and recycles materials, offers refillable glass water bottles to reduce plastic waste, and encourages guests to minimise linen changes to save water. Grey water is reused for garden composting, and the lodge also supports local clean-up activities and green tourism efforts in the Victoria Falls area.
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Best places to stay in Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe Trip Inspiration
When to visit Zimbabwe
Find out the best time to visit Zimbabwe with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is an excellent time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives.
February
February is the best time for birders. The days are warm, with the risk of afternoon rain showers, but they clear as fast as they arrive.
March
If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray, it is perfect if you want to see the gorges and geology of the area.
April
The world famous Mana Pools re-open in April. The days feel fresher as the wet season ends leaving the landscapes looking lush green, making it perfect for walking safaris.
May
In May, the days continue to feel fresh and bright making it a perfect time to venture out on walking safaris.
June
June heralds the return of winter, nights turn colder and the temperature dips - take plenty of layers as the temperature can drop below freezing. It is the perfect time for photographers to explore Hwange National Park before the busy holiday period.
July
Winter temperatures continue into July so take plenty of layers. Much like June, it is perfect for photographers looking to view wildlife from a different angle.
August
If you want clear, bright blue skies and continuous wildlife sightings, August is the month for you. Camps are likely to be fuller, however, if you visit private concessions you can still experience exclusivity and no crowds.
September
Much like August, September is an amazing time for wildlife spotting and weather, in particular it is considered the best time of year to see elephant herds in Hwange National Park.
October
In October wildlife sightings are at their peak as the dry season ends. If you travel during this month you can experience hot days with temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees.
November
November is the best time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives. It is low season and one of the best times to go white water rafting at Vic Falls, the volume and speed of the water is reduced exposing the rapids.
December
In December the days are warm with the risk of rain showers mid afternoon. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.
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