Tranquil Escape at Ilala Lodge

Safari summary

Nestled just a short walk from one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, Ilala Lodge Hotel offers travelers an unparalleled experience of elegance, comfort, and adventure at the edge of the mighty Victoria Falls. Known as the closest hotel to the Falls, this boutique property blends classic safari lodge charm with refined hospitality, providing a tranquil sanctuary where guests can unwind after thrilling days of exploration. For those seeking a seamless balance between relaxation and discovery, the Tranquil Escape package is designed to immerse you in the beauty, culture, and adventure of Victoria Falls and its surrounding wilderness.

Your three-night stay in a luxury executive lounge suite provides the perfect base for this unforgettable journey. These suites are exquisitely furnished with a combination of classic and contemporary décor, and each offers a private balcony with sweeping views over manicured lawns that attract grazing wildlife, often including warthogs and impala. From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in Ilala’s understated luxury. Soft linens, warm tones, and attentive service make you feel instantly at home. The lodge is intimate, never overwhelming, with just the right amount of elegance to make you feel spoiled yet still deeply connected to the natural setting.

Each morning begins with a full breakfast served on the terrace, where you can watch the mist rising from the Falls in the distance as the sun paints the skies with gold and orange hues. Breakfast at Ilala is not simply a meal but an experience: freshly baked pastries, exotic seasonal fruits, farm-fresh eggs, and aromatic coffee create a perfect start to days filled with adventure.

Your arrival is made effortless with return transfers from Victoria Falls Airport, ensuring that every detail is taken care of from the moment your plane touches down. This sense of ease and comfort continues throughout your stay, as the package seamlessly blends carefully curated experiences that showcase the region’s wonders. The journey begins with the rhythmic beats of African culture at the Traditional Boma Dinner and Drum Show. Set in an open-air restaurant, this vibrant evening introduces you to Zimbabwe’s heritage through an interactive culinary and musical celebration. Guests are treated to a generous buffet featuring a fusion of local and international flavors, complemented by lively drumming performances. For the adventurous, the tasting of traditional delicacies like mopane worms offers a memorable cultural highlight.

On your second evening, the magic shifts to the river with a luxury sunset cruise on the Zambezi. Aboard a stylish vessel, you’ll glide along the tranquil waters of the mighty river, sipping on sundowners as hippos grunt from the banks and elephants wade in the shallows. Few experiences rival the beauty of watching the African sun sink into the horizon while the Zambezi reflects fiery shades of pink and orange. Your itinerary also ensures you experience the grandeur of Victoria Falls itself with a guided walking tour. Strolling through rainforest trails, you will hear the thunderous roar long before you see the curtain of water plunging into the gorge. The guide enriches the experience with fascinating stories, geology, and legends of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya—the Smoke that Thunders. Entry fees are excluded, giving guests the flexibility to purchase them on-site.

Early risers are rewarded with an early morning game drive into the surrounding wilderness. Accompanied by expert guides, you set out in open safari vehicles as the first rays of sunlight stretch across the savanna. The cool morning air is alive with bird calls, and predators such as lions and leopards are often still active after a night of hunting. A pause for refreshments mid-drive allows you to soak in the serenity before continuing the adventure. Lunch on one of the days is hosted at the spectacular Lookout Café, perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. With its panoramic views and fresh menu featuring local and international dishes, this meal becomes more than just a culinary experience, it is a feast for the senses, as you dine above the rushing Zambezi River.

The highlight of your safari adventure culminates with a full-day trip to Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana, a world-famous destination for its vast elephant herds and extraordinary biodiversity. The day includes a river cruise on the Chobe River, where crocodiles bask on the banks and buffalo drink at the water’s edge, followed by an afternoon game drive in open vehicles across the park’s varied terrain. The contrasts between water and land safaris ensure remarkable wildlife encounters and diverse photographic opportunities.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Botswana Zimbabwe
	Parks	Chobe Victoria Falls Zambezi

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Night game drives
• Photography safari—with professional guide

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Alcoholic beverages
• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas