Ilala Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel nestled in the heart of Victoria Falls town, only 8 minutes from the Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls, and geographically the closest hotel to the waterfall in Zimbabwe. A fond favourite of visitors to Victoria Falls for over 30 years, the hotel is renowned for its authentic Zimbabwean hospitality, offering a warm, welcoming and attentive five star service.
The hotel is equipped with 73 stylish and well-appointed rooms and suites consisting of Classic Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Classic Suites, Executive Suites and the Strathearn Suite named after the hotel founder. All exude a calming sense of sophisticated old-world charm, elevated by modern comfort and luxury.
All room and suite varieties offer garden-facing views that merge with wilderness of the national park bordering the hotel grounds. The hotel’s unique location affords guests panoramic views of the mist that rises from the mighty waterfall, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or the ‘smoke which thunders’. From the comfort of their room or the idyllic situation of the hotel’s restaurant, pool and bar area, guests can hear the thunderous rumble, and delight in views of the mist that plumes high into the sky as a result of the falling waters of the mighty Victoria Falls.
The hotel’s award-winning Cassia Restaurant is famous for its gourmet cuisine and is rated ‘Excellent’ on TripAdvisor. Guests can see the spray and hear the thunder from the world-renowned Victoria Falls waterfall while enjoying al-fresco dining at the Cassia Restaurant. The restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.
Family owned and run, Ilala Lodge Hotel offers a perfect combination of old world charm enhanced with modern touches of luxury and attention to detail. The hotel’s history dates back to 1991 where it first opened as a boutique hotel with just 16 rooms, owned by the Brown family. The family have continued to develop Ilala Lodge Hotel into one of Victoria Falls most sought after accommodation offerings. They continue to drive Ilala Lodge Hotel towards success, delivering a welcoming home-away from home, without compromising on attention to detail and outstanding hospitality service.
Ilala Lodge Hotel is part of the Palm Hospitality Group, who also operate sister hotel, the Palm River Hotel, which opened in December 2021 just upstream from the Victoria Falls waterfall.
Reviews 5
Sian M (via Tripadvisor)
9 February 2026
We couldn't fault this beautiful hotel, it's stunning grounds and wonderfully helpful and friendly staff. We would definitely recommend it. Fabulous location a few mins from Victoria Falls and easy walking distance to local restaurants, bars, shops and craft markets. Superb cleanliness. Rooms are light, spacious and comfortable. We slept well with no noise disturbance. Good value accommodation. The pool is lovely and not too crowded. We loved sitting on our terrace and watching the wildlife in the grounds. We also used the spa for a massage which was very relaxing and excellent value.
SianAR (via Tripadvisor), UK
9 February 2026
We could not fault this beautiful hotel, it's stunning grounds and wonderfully friendly and helpful staff. We would definitely recommend a stay here.
NickC (via Tripadvisor), UK
9 February 2026
Fabulous location, wildlife in the garden and views of the mist rising from the falls, great staff and easy access to the falls and river cruises plus day trips to game parks.
tarynjames2026 (via Tripadvisor)
31 January 2026
Stayed at the hotel for a few nights. Staff were warm and friendly and couldn't do enough to help. Rooms were clean and bright and the overall ambience of the hotel was so welcoming. Food was excellent and staff very attentive. I would thoroughly recommend a stay here to experience Vic Falls and Vic Falls town that are both within walking distance, so hotel very well located.
Good afternoon from Victoria Falls! Thank you for choosing Ilala Lodge Hotel as your base in Victoria Falls and for taking the time to review us. I am delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay with us and that the hotel and staff met your expectations. I do hope we are able to welcome you back soon for a longer stay.
apvalzyl2026 (via Tripadvisor), South Africa
30 January 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, staff and service at the hotel was excellent, location perfect, can highly recommend.
Good morning from Victoria Falls! Thank you for choosing Ilala Lodge Hotel as your base in Victoria Falls and for taking the time to review us. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay with us and that the hotel and staff met your expectations and we look forward to hosting you soon.