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Ilala Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Comfortable and unassuming hotel in the heart of Victoria Falls
- Classic open-air dining against the backdrop of spray-filled sky
- Private cruise boats and in-house safari operator
Ilala Lodge is a modest hotel minutes from the falls and within view of the plumes of high-water spray. Charmingly decorated in a turn of the century theme with teak furniture and antique pieces, the hotel combines down-to-earth comfort with friendly and personal service to create a casual atmosphere of timeless simplicity.
The 32 rooms are air conditioned with en suite bathrooms and separate showers, satellite TV, and you can opt for a morning tea and coffee service with a fruit basket. Decor is teak, sepia and lime with artefacts and imagery from early explorer days; all rooms have patio doors that overlook the river and open onto the front lawn – frequented by elephant, buffalo, warthog and bush buck.
The Palm Restaurant offers a familiar array of dishes with some local favourites thrown in, chief among these is the crocodile pie and ostrich steaks; dinner is usually under the stars to the accompaniment of the thundering falls and is a rather pleasant way to spend an evening.
The lodge has two private boats, one a luxurious period-piece, the other a floating bar-cum-restaurant and both offer unrivalled sunset cruises on the upper reaches of the wildlife-infested Zambezi.
If you’re looking for an up-close study of some of Africa’s most fearsome creatures, the lodge has its own crocodile ranch and animal sanctuary. Ilala has the luxury of being the closest hotel to the falls on the Zimbabwean side and offers an in-house safari operator and activity-booking office to help you organise yourself around the overwhelming amount of activities.
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Type: Hotel
Rates from: R3448pp sharing
Status: A Touch of Fairy Dust
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The hotel is within walking distance of both the falls and the town and, being on the edge of the national park, wild animals often come to savour the sweet taste of its freshly watered front lawn.
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Seventh Natural Wonder, adventure capital, wildlife destination and home to some rather splendid hotels, the Victoria Falls will capture your heart.
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