Ilala Lodge Hotel

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Ilala Lodge Hotel, is a family run 4-star boutique style hotel and is the closest hotel to the actual Victoria Falls, so close in fact that often you can see and feel the mist from the falls falling when dining al-fresco in their gardens off the restaurant patio. 

The lodge was named after the Ilala palms that grow in the area and also has the most beautiful Indian Laburnums trees, known as the ‘Golden Trees’, planted at the entrance to the lodge. Ilala is most famously known for its award-winning restaurant, the Palm Restaurant which offers scrumptious gourmet cuisine.  One of the perks of dining here is the wildlife viewing, animals such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during their meals.

Aside from the restaurant located in the main entertainment area, there is also a recently renovated swimming pool area, offering a choice of 2 pools, both with stunning views across the bushveld towards the falls themselves.  The lodge bar is conveniently located adjacent to the pools with the décor of the lodge being specifically chosen to “evoke an era of early adventure and the quest for discovery in Africa.”

The lodge has 24-hour reception services and complimentary Wi-Fi in all the rooms and public areas. Ilala is a multi-story facility, with various wings offering a variety of accommodation options.  The rooms on the upper tier open out onto a private balcony, while the lower floor rooms open onto the manicured gardens.  Guests can choose rooms in the Deluxe Wing, the Garden Wing or the Pool Wing.

There are 73 rooms/suites in total, which consist of:

  • 32 x Twin/Double Standard Rooms
  • 36 x Deluxe Rooms
  • 2 x Standard Suites
  • 2 x Executive Suites
  • 1 x Strathearn Suite

All rooms are non-smoking, with their own private patio, a mini-bar (which is opened upon request and for the guest’s account).  There is room service, laundry and baby sitters also available upon request.

The Standard Rooms have:

  • En-suite bathrooms with bath and separate shower;
  • 2 by ¾ beds OR 1x King Size Bed;
  • Satellite television, hair dryer, ceiling fan and air conditioner;
  • Tea & coffee making facilities, safe.

*Children can only share with parents in a standard suite.

The Deluxe Rooms have: 

  • En-suite bathrooms with shower only;
  • Twin/double rooms with 2 by ¾ beds OR 1 King Size Bed;
  • Satellite television, hair dryer, ceiling fan and air conditioner;
  • Tea & coffee making facilities, Coffee machine, minibar fridge, safe.

The Standard Suites have: 

  • En-suite bathrooms with bath and separate shower;
  • 1 by king-size bed & 1 by ¾ bed in each suite;
  • Satellite television, hair dryer, ceiling fan and air conditioner;
  • Tea & coffee making facilities, Coffee machine, minibar fridge, safe.

The Strathearn Suite has:

  • 1 by king-size bed;
  • Satellite television, hair dryer, ceiling fan and air conditioner;
  • Tea & coffee making facilities, minibar fridge, safe;
  • Private lounge;
  • Kitchen;
  • En-suite bathroom with double vanity basins, walk-in shower and an indulgent bathtub;
  • Private balcony, with a large spa bath;
  • Espresso Machine; and
  • Robe & Slippers.

Guests will also receive an inclusive private balcony dining experience prepared for by the lodge chefs, a complimentary in-room couples’ massage, and an intimate breakfast or lunch cruise onboard the hotel’s luxury cruise boat, the Ra-Ikane. The suite can be transformed into a comfortable and spacious family villa, via a pair of interleading doors into a secondary suite and deluxe guest room.

Ilala Lodge is unique in that it owns and hires out their own beautiful boat called the Ra-Ikane, which operates cruises on the Zambezi River above the mighty falls (not exclusive to Ilala guests). 

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positiverecommends
We had a fantastic experience with Bryony and her team. Bryony is clearly knowledgeable about the region and guided us through our options and the Lake Kariba houseboat booking and choices. We had a fantastic time and I would thoroughly recommend using Heartveld.
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Denise Jackson
23 days ago
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What an incredible holiday we just had in Zimbabwe. Thanks Bryony & Heartveld Adventures. Camp Mana was definitely the highlight for us.
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Patrick Campbell
43 days ago
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We have just had an amazing 6 nights on Tambarara houseboat organised by Heartveld Adventures. The boat was very comfortable and the staff were excellent. The captain, Reg, was very professional and helpful, the chef cooked delicious meals, the barman kept our drinks flowing, the cleaners left animals made from our towels on our beds at night and the guys on the tender boat were so good with the boys aged 3, 5, 7 and 9 showing them what to do and putting on worms, for us as well. Highly recommended.
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Debbie Davies
421 days ago
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Good range of houseboats and friendly, helpful response
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Vicky Grant Bird
429 days ago
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The trip was all you could ask for when you want to relax and forget about the world. Captain Godrey and his team consisting Pilot, Chef Takesure and Silas made our stay comfortable and easy. The food was flavourful and filling. You couldn’t say no to Chef Takesure’s meals. Silas kept our cooler box ready every day because he knew we loved our drinks cold and first thing in the morning. Pilot and Captain Godfrey took us to amazing views, magical sunset cruises and helped me find all the crocodiles I was looking for. I totally recommend Heartveld Adventures for all your Kariba fantasies! ☀️⛴️🍹#February2025
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Ashleigh Chamboko
595 days ago
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Right from when I started researching the trip in November last year, Bryony has been an absolute star. Nothing was ever too much hassle, especially with the rigours of trying to effect payment then! Then the houseboat in Kariba! What an amazing trip we had on the Ponty, and once again Bryony organised transfers and things on the spot, awesome and a big thank you to you and Char, the Ponty was the highlight of our Zim Epic! I cannot recommend Bryony and Heartveld Adventures enough, was so good to meet you at Charara, Cheers and thanks again Glenn and Family.
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Glenn A Armstrong
741 days ago
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Yes I recommend Heartveld Adventures. Great customer service and quick responses
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Tatenda Antony Mhene
883 days ago
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Great service, nothing was too much trouble, quick replies and responses🤙
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Wils Raubenheimer
904 days ago
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Heartveld Adventures really goes the extra mile when it comes to customer service. They really think of everything that would be needed for a great holiday. We've been on Driftwood Houseboat twice and am going on the African Queen in September 24. Really is an amazing experience with amazing staff, very helpful and caring about your comfort and enjoyment. Thank you so much 💖
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Magda Gillwald
924 days ago
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Came across Heartveld Adventures blog by chance whilst trying to plan a holiday adventure in Zimbabwe.Offloaded my thoughts to Bryony, and a well sorted package with more than I asked for was presented.Stopped looking all over the internet for any possible deals, as this was the DEAL.If your intention is to go to Zimbabwe and enjoy its hidden treasures whilst accommodated in places you wouldn't have thought of and known existed, then save yourself the trouble, and get hold of Heartveld Adventures. Their service is what makes the country keeps going.Well done Bryony
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gadgetsnzawesome
1048 days ago
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