Victoria Falls

Ilala Lodge

A lovely, hotel-style lodge that's so close to the Falls, you can feel the spray!
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4.9 out of 5 stars   Average guest rating
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or call us on: +1 (646) 542 0667
Our guests rate us excellent
4.9/5 (947 reviews)

About Ilala Lodge

This boutique hotel is perched virtually on the edge of the Victoria Falls gorge, and its relaxing atmosphere is offset by the rumble of 'The Smoke that Thunders' and the spray that rises from them day and night. From this magnificent setting, it's just a 15-minute walk to the cascade. The town is close too, with its markets, shops and restaurants – and hustling vendors. This luxury retreat, with its discreetly elegant decor, elegant thatched buildings and beautiful gardens, is the perfect place to stay to visit the falls or take part in some of the adrenalin-spiking activities on offer.

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From $250 person/night

Lodge
73 Rooms

What you'll love

Being within spitting distance of one of the greatest wonders of the natural world (and in rather lovely surroundings).

Insiders tip

Spoil yourself with an upgrade to a deluxe room in the newest wing of the hotel - it's worth the small extra cost.

Something to think about

It's worth noting that hotels near the Falls do hear the helicopters overhead (plus the roaring water!), so if you're a light sleeper, be warned.

The property

The main lodge has comfortable seating areas, the award-winning Palm Restaurant, which has an à la carte menu (ostrich steak is a must) and patio seating accompanied by the roar of the falls. Don't miss the huge and excellent breakfast buffet. The service is friendly and laidback to suit the hotel style. The lovely gardens are regularly visited by warthogs, monkeys and mongoose - and if luck is on your side, an ambling elephant. And the pool provides a spot to cool off with a cocktail.

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The rooms

Ilala Lodge has 73 rooms and suites, all spacious and with en-suite bathrooms. The decor is stylish and understated, the rooms are bright, the beds are comfortable with high-quality cotton linens and lovely toiletries are provided. The polished teak furniture is all made from disused railway sleepers. All have patio doors leading onto either an open lawn or a balcony, and the aircon is very welcome in summer.

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Activities

Victoria Falls
Canoeing
Boat Cruises
Bush Walks

Looking for excitement? Skim the rapids on a raft, kayak on the Zambezi, bungee-jump from the Victoria Falls bridge (it's an 111-metre plunge to the river!), swim in the "Devil’s Pool" (a small rock pool right on the edge of the falls) or view the splendour from above in a light aircraft. Prefer less-frantic adventures? Explore the national parks, cruise on the river (lovely at sunset) or take a heritage rail trip. Activities can be arranged at the lodge.

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Reviews

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About Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

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What our guests are saying

4.9 / 5
Based on 947 reviews
Guest
Mar 2025 • 11 nights in Kenya and Rwanda
Jenna has been so attentive while planning our dream trip to East Africa. Jenna's attention to the details has... Read more
Gwyneth
Mar 2025 • 7 nights in Zimbabwe
We have used Timbuktu and Joanna in particular many times. Great ideas and service. She resolves any issues... Read more
Jena
Mar 2025 • 5 nights in Kenya
It was perfect! Jenna and Nadine were super responsive and everything was so simple and easy. They had great recs... Read more
MARK
Mar 2025 • 13 nights in Uganda
Just booked our 2nd trip through Timbuktu. Dealt with Tessa on both occasions and could not recommend her enough.... Read more
Paolo
Mar 2025 • 10 nights in Kenya and Uganda
I’ve planned several trips with Timbuktu—Southeast Asia, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, and Uganda—and each experience has... Read more
Guest
Mar 2025 • 10 nights in Rwanda and Tanzania
Joanna Rigby-Jones and Nadine Levers have been excellent sources of suggestions, bookings, and ideas to help our... Read more
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