Category: Victoria Falls

10 Things That May Surprise You About Victoria Falls
You’ve booked a holiday to Victoria Falls, which means something about this remarkable destination captured your imagination. We applaud your excellent taste, but even the most stunning photographs can’t prepare you for everything that awaits.

Some of the most memorable moments here are the details you don’t expect, the encounters you never planned for, and the experiences that only make sense once you’ve lived them.

At Ilala Lodge Hotel, we’ve been welcoming guests to Victoria Falls since 1991 and over the years, we’ve watched thousands of first-time visitors arrive with high expectations, only to leave a few days later with an even deeper appreciation for this special place.

So, in no particular order, here are ten things that may or may not surprise you about Victoria Falls.

1. Town is Walkable

Victoria Falls town covers roughly between 20 and 30 square kilometres and has a population of around 35 000. Most of what a guest needs, like the Victoria Falls National Park entrance, the main street, restaurants, craft markets, and our hotel, sits within comfortable walking distance of the town centre.

Guests of Ilala Lodge Hotel are five minutes from the Falls on foot. This compactness is one of our destination’s great practical advantages: you spend your time here, not in transit.

2. You Hear the Falls Before You See Them

The first thing that often surprises visitors is that you hear The Smoke That Thunders long before you see it. On still days, the distant roar carries all the way to the terrace at Ilala Lodge Hotel. On quiet nights, many guests even drift off to sleep to its steady rumble.

Of course, it makes sense that more than a kilometre of cascading water would make a tremendous sound. But knowing that and actually hearing it – feeling its deep, resonant power in your chest – are two very different things.

3. Wildlife Doesn’t Stay in the Park

The boundary between Victoria Falls National Park and the town is a porous one. Elephants wander through the streets with enough regularity that it is simply part of life here, warthogs are a permanent fixture on hotel lawns (including ours) and vervet monkeys occupy the trees along the main road.

The advice for any encounter with a wild animal is the same as it is in any game reserve: give them space and don’t approach. The presence of wildlife in town is not a hazard to be managed so much as a reminder of where you are. Overall, wild animals avoid human settlements, and at no point will you feel threatened by their presence.

4. The Difference Between Seasons

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls? It is the most common question we are asked, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you want to see.

At peak flow (March to May), the Zambezi is running at full force and the Falls are thunderous, the mist rising high enough to be visible from kilometres away. The spray from the waterfall is so dense that walking the cliff path feels like walking through warm rain, colours are extra vivid and moonbows appear on full moon nights. The trade-off is visibility. At high flow, the mist can obscure the view of the Falls.

By July and August, water levels have dropped and the Falls look entirely different; quieter, more defined, with the full rock face of the gorge visible and the cliff path walkable with minimal spray. This is also peak safari season, with wildlife concentrating around the river and game viewing in Hwange National Park and Chobe National Park (Botswana) at its most rewarding.

Neither season is better – they are simply different, and both are worth the trip.

5. Low Water is Beautiful

Many guests who visit in July and August worry, having read about the spectacle of peak flow, that they are seeing the falls at the ‘wrong’ time. They are not.

For photography, game viewing, gorge activities, white water rafting, clear skies and cool mornings, low water season is arguably one of the best times to visit Victoria Falls.

6. The Moonbow is Real

On the three nights surrounding each full moon, between roughly March and June, a rainbow forms in the mist of Victoria Falls after dark. It is called a “moonbow,” formed by moonlight rather than sunlight, and visible as a pale, luminous arc rising from the gorge.

To the naked eye it appears white or silver, but long-exposure photography reveals the full spectrum of colour within it. Victoria Falls National Park opens on these nights for guided lunar rainbow tours. Most first-time visitors have never heard of it.

For a full guide to the moonbow and when to see it, see our dedicated blog post on the lunar rainbow experience.

7. Four Countries Meet on Your Doorstep

Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia converge within a short drive of Victoria Falls town.
- Livingstone in Zambia is 11km away across the Victoria Falls Bridge.
- Chobe National Park in Botswana is 80km via the Kazungula Border Post.
- The Namibian border at Katima Mulilo is around 210 km away.
This geographic position makes Victoria Falls one of southern Africa’s great travel hubs – a base from which to extend a trip in almost any direction.

8. Seamless Border Crossings

Here in Africa, we’re used to logistical quirks, if you will, but the Victoria Falls Bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia is one of the most straightforward international crossings out. A simple bridge pass, collected at no cost from the immigration counter at the Zimbabwe side, allows you to cross the bridge on foot, take in the gorge views from the middle, and return without formally entering Zambia.

For a full day trip to Livingstone, the crossing itself takes minutes. The KAZA Univisa, which covers both countries and allows a day visit to Botswana, is available at the airport and the border post and removes most of the administrative complexity.

9. Solo Travel Works Well Here

Victoria Falls town is structured in ways that suit solo travellers. The town is walkable, English is spoken everywhere, and virtually every activity on offer – river cruises, helicopter flights, game drives, guided walks – operates as a group departure. You book a seat, show up, and spend the day alongside other travellers from around the world. The social infrastructure of the destination is built in.

For a full guide to solo travel in Victoria Falls, see our dedicated blog post.

10. Where You Stay Matters

The question of when is the best time to visit Victoria Falls matters, but not as much as where you base yourself. We think that the closer you are to the Falls, the more spontaneous and immersive your visit becomes. Our hotel, within easy walking distance, means returning for a second visit on a whim, stepping out before breakfast to hear the thunder of the water, or wandering back at sunset without needing a transfer.

Ilala Lodge Hotel is the closest hotel to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side, meaning that the ambience it creates is a consistent part of your stay.

Stay With Us

Ready to experience Victoria Falls for yourself?

Ilala Lodge Hotel is a luxury, family-run property with 73 rooms, a pool terrace, an activities desk, and a restaurant that looks out towards the rising mist of the Falls.

Browse our rooms and check availability online, or get in touch with our reservations team directly at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com and we’ll help you plan the rest.
August 7, 2026
The Legendary Victoria Falls Lunar Rainbows

Most travellers arrive at Victoria Falls expecting the extraordinary and, make no mistake – the Falls deliver. There is little that can prepare you for the thundering wall of water as it crashes into the gorge and the resulting spray that rises from it like smoke. It’s truly awe-inspiring, especially when you see all the small rainbows dancing in the droplets; a result of the sun and water that create conditions for their near consistent presence.

But there is another phenomenon here, one that takes place after dark and that far fewer visitors know to look for: lunar rainbows.

Also known as “moonbows“, these are exactly what they sound like – rainbows formed by moonlight rather than sunlight. And Victoria Falls happens to be one of the best places on Earth to witness one.

What Exactly Is a Lunar Rainbow?

A moonbow forms through the same process as a daytime rainbow: Light is refracted through water droplets suspended in the air. The difference is that the light source is the moon rather than the sun. Because moonlight is far less intense than sunlight, the colours of a moonbow are much fainter, often appearing as a glowing white or silver arc to the naked eye. Long-exposure photography, however, reveals the full spectrum of colour hidden within.

For a moonbow to appear, three conditions must align: A full moon, clear skies, and a generous volume of mist. Victoria Falls provides that third ingredient in abundance, making it one of the most reliable locations in the world to witness the phenomenon.

When to See It: Timing Your Visit

The lunar rainbow is only visible on a handful of nights each month, and then only when conditions are right: The night before, the night of, and the night after the full moon. Outside of these three nights, the moon rarely casts enough light to produce a visible arc.

In terms of the best season to see a moonbow during your stay with us, March through June is widely regarded as the prime window. This coincides with the high-water period on the Zambezi, when the river is running at its strongest following the rainy season. The result is a tremendous volume of rising spray, which makes for large, powerful moonbows.

The upcoming full moon dates to note are:

• 2 April 2026 (Pink Moon): Typically the strongest month for water flow and mist
• 1 May 1 and 31 May 2026 (Flower Moon and Blue Moon): A rare double opportunity in a single month

One practical note: While abundant spray makes for a bigger moonbow, extremely heavy mist at peak flow can sometimes obscure the view entirely. The sweet spot is a strong, but not overwhelming, mist, which tends to fall in the weeks either side of absolute peak, making late March and early April a particularly good window.

Where to Stand: The Best Viewing Points

Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side opens on specific nights for lunar rainbow tours, typically the three nights surrounding the full moon. Entry to the rainforest is included with a guided tour, which can be arranged directly through the hotel. To see the moonbow, you need the moon behind you and the Falls’ spray in front – this means positioning yourself to look westward in the hours after moonrise.

The advantage of staying at Ilala Lodge Hotel is proximity; a short walk (5 minutes) brings you to the entrance of the national park, and the sound of the falls (never entirely absent from the hotel grounds) will already be your companion as you set out for the night.

Get Lunar Tour times here.

What to Expect

Arrive after dark, torch in hand, and follow the path through the rainforest. Remember to bring a waterproof later and a dry bag for your digital items and camera.

When the conditions are right, your moonbow will appear as a pale, luminous arc rising from the gorge, with some visitors even describing it as “ghostly”. Though not mandatory, guided tours add context to your experience, with guides explaining the science of how it forms and going a little bit into the history of the Falls.

Photographers should bring a tripod and be prepared for long exposures of 15 to 30 seconds or more. This is where the colour of the moonbows, which the naked eye cannot see, reveals itself.

Good to Know

The activities desk at Ilala Lodge Hotel can arrange everything on your behalf, including your pass for a guided tour. Just pop past during your stay and our friendly team will assist!

Remember to take a waterproof jacket, closed shoes, a torch, and a camera with manual exposure settings if you want to photograph the lunar rainbow.

Plan Your Victoria Falls Lunar Rainbow Experience

A stay at Ilala Lodge Hotel puts you within walking distance of one of the natural world’s most extraordinary after-dark spectacles. With full moon dates falling across April and May 2026, there has never been a better time to plan a visit around the Victoria Falls lunar rainbow.

Browse our suites and contact our reservations team at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to book your stay. Alternatively, you can make use of our online booking platform to secure your own dates.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Victoria Falls!

March 16, 2026
5 Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Victoria Falls

There are few destinations in the world that feel as effortlessly romantic as Victoria Falls. Here, nature stages a spectacle unlike any other, with thundering water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge, mist rising like a veil into the sky, and the rumble of the Falls as your constant companion. At the heart of this cinematic scene sits Ilala Lodge Hotel, perched within earshot of this natural wonder and within sight of its spray.

For couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day, or any moment dedicated to togetherness in the month of love, Ilala Lodge Hotel provides a gateway to a few unforgettable experiences.

From elegant dining to serene river cruises, here are five ways to make your romantic escape truly extraordinary.

1. Dinner Beneath A Golden Canopy

For a truly unforgettable date, step into a world of romance at Ilala Lodge Hotel, where golden Cassia Fistula trees form a stunning canopy over the al fresco dining area. As the flowers sway gently in the breeze, you and your partner can share a meal in a setting made for intimate conversation and magical photographs.

Enjoy exquisite cuisine paired with a carefully selected wine list, all while the distant rumble of Victoria Falls provides a natural soundtrack to your evening. As the sun sets and the stars appear overhead, the soft lighting and serene ambience create the perfect backdrop for celebrating love.

Reserve your table and let the romance of Victoria Falls unfold around you!

2. An Intimate Escape Upriver

For couples looking to celebrate love beyond Victoria Falls town, Palm River Hotel, Ilala Lodge’s sister property, offers a selection of romantic experiences just a short drive away.

High Tea on the Zambezi invites you to a luxurious afternoon by the river. Begin with a sparkling glass of hibiscus prosecco, then savour artisanal teas, rich cappuccinos, and a curated assortment of delicate treats like velvety panna cottas, finger sandwiches, mini macarons, and buttery scones with jam and cream. Set beneath the shade of indigenous trees, with the tranquil river flowing past, this is a leisurely, sun-dappled escape perfect for couples looking for something low-key, but elevated and special!

Alternatively, choose the Riverside Dining Experience for an enchanting evening out. Feast on traditional African barbecue dishes infused with authentic Zimbabwean flavours, expertly prepared over open flames. Lantern-lit skies, attentive service, and the chance to spot wildlife along the riverbanks create a setting of excitement and experience, where it also just happens to be Valentine’s Day. We bet that none of your friends have sat around a fire beside the Zambezi and under the open African sky on any of their dates recently.
So, whether you prefer a sunlit afternoon or a starlit dinner, shuttle service between Ilala Lodge and Palm River Hotel makes it effortless to enjoy this special outing.

Reserve your experience today by emailing fnb@palmriverhotel.com or calling +263 867 719 6873. You could also swing past our reception desk – the friendly team there would be happy to make the necessary arrangements for you.

3. Walk Through the Rainforest

Sometimes, romance is found in simplicity. Take a hand-in-hand stroll through the lush rainforest trails surrounding Victoria Falls, a mere 5-minute walk away from Ilala Lodge Hotel in Victoria Falls National Park.

Don’t underestimate the thrill of this adventure – the roar of the Falls, getting soaked by the spray of water, marveling at the many views and little rainbows peeking out between the foliage. It’s a sensory experience worth sharing with the one you love most!

4. A Sunset Cruise Along the Zambezi

Step aboard Ra-Ikane River Cruises and let the Zambezi River be the backdrop to your romantic evening. While cruises are available at various times of the day, we recommend the sunset voyage. (For obvious reasons. What could be more romantic than being out on one of Africa’s mightiest rivers as the sky is bursting into fiery colours?) Elephants, hippos, and exotic birds should visit the riverbanks during your excursion, adding a touch of wildlife wonder to the experience.

Savour gourmet canapés and a selection of premium beverages, sharing quiet moments or laughter together as every bend in the river reveals a new view.

The sunset cruise is a gentle, immersive way to celebrate love while soaking in Africa’s natural splendour – the launching dock is on the riverbank outside Palm River Hotel.

5. Couples’ Treatments At Our Spa

After a day of adventure and indulgence, step into the tranquil sanctuary of our spa for a shared moment of calm. Choose from soothing massages, aromatherapy treatments inspired by the surrounding wilderness, or beauty rituals like manicures and pedicures—each designed to help you unwind and reconnect. The serene setting and expert therapists create a private space where you can relax side by side, leaving both body and mind refreshed for the adventures ahead.

Afterwards, why not unwind beside one of the pools with a cocktail in-hand?

Stay With Us

No matter the occasion, Victoria Falls sets the perfect scene for celebrating love, and Ilala Lodge Hotel puts you right at the heart of it all. From golden blooms and al fresco dinners to sunset river cruises, rainforest strolls, and soothing spa escapes, every experience is designed to create lasting memories together.

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply a moment to say “I love you,” there’s never a wrong time to plan a romantic getaway here. After all, where better to celebrate love than amid the majesty, drama, and beauty of Victoria Falls?

Discover our rooms and suites, and let us help you plan your romantic escape. Contact us at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to reserve your dates. Alternatively, feel free to make use of our online booking platform.

February 7, 2026
Full Flow: Green Season in Victoria Falls

For many first-time visitors, Victoria Falls is imagined in the dry season: Clear skies, gentle spray, and postcard-perfect views. Dry season is an excellent time of year to visit, make no mistake, but it’s not the only time worth visiting…

From November to April, the landscape around Victoria Falls shifts into what is known as the Green Season. At the start of summer, seasonal rains arrive and the Zambezi begins to swell. The full river makes for an absolutely tremendous crash of water over the Falls and gives you a true sense of why Victoria Falls is called “the smoke that thunders” in local languages. It also means that the surrounding landscape is green, the weather is hot and humid and everywhere life seems to be bursting at the seams – from birdlife to larger animals.

Staying at Ilala Lodge Hotel, just a short walk from Victoria Falls National Park (about 5 minutes on foot), allows you to experience this season in its entirety. It also means you have a convenient respite from your explorations and can pick them up again any time you choose. No travel time means more leisure time and we think you’ll soon discover that Victoria Falls in Green Season is a destination in and of itself!

You want to visit Victoria Falls, so what does the Zambezi in full flow entail?

Visit Victoria Falls: Understanding The Green Season

The Green Season coincides with the summer rains in Victoria Falls. Showers tend to arrive as short, dramatic cloudbursts, most common in December and January, before clearing to reveal warm, luminous afternoons. Between rainfall, the days are bright, humid and generous with sunshine. In other words, you’ll love spending plenty of time in our swimming pool, or letting the spray from the waterfall drench you from top to toe.

With the rains, dry grassland turns into thick green growth, trees fill out with leaves and our gardens and lawns flourish. It’s also a less crowded time of year, making it well suited to travellers who value space, time, and a more unhurried pace.

At Ilala Lodge Hotel, this seasonal shift is felt in the movement of wildlife through the gardens, and in the gentle contrast between the power of the Falls nearby and the calm of the hotel itself.

For a little context: Our grounds are in the heart of Victoria Falls town, but entirely fenced off and private. You won’t know about the bustle of the townsfolk going about their business until you step outside the gates, and yet, you can feel the marvelous energy of daily life happening all around you.

The Drama Of The Falls

Victoria Falls is shaped entirely by the Zambezi River, and the Green Season is when the river begins its annual transformation.

As rainfall increases upstream, river levels rise steadily from January onward, usually reaching their peak between March and May. (Remember, water takes time to travel downstream, so the peak level of the Falls doesn’t coincide exactly with the peak levels of rain, though there is a rough, delayed correlation.) This rise changes not only the volume of water pouring over the edge, but the entire experience of the Falls.

During high-flow months, the Falls become a continuous, thundering curtain of water. Mist rises in great plumes, drifting across the rainforest and often carrying with it a full spectrum of rainbows. Visibility varies from viewpoint to viewpoint, but what you lose in sharp definition, you gain in scale, sound and atmosphere.

It’s difficult to describe the sheer might of this body of water. We suppose that’s why it was named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!

From Ilala Lodge Hotel, the entrance to Victoria Falls National Park is just a five-minute walk away. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon allows you to experience changing light, shifting spray, and quieter moments between the day’s visitors. Waterproof jackets and camera covers are part of the experience, as is returning to the comfort of the lodge afterwards, where you can let your shoes dry out in the sun.

Walking The Rainforest

One of the Green Season’s quiet pleasures is walking through the Victoria Falls rainforest.

Fed by rainfall and the constant spray from the Falls, this pocket of forest remains green year-round, but in summer it becomes especially lush. Leaves gleam, pathways feel cooler beneath the canopy, and birdsong carries through the trees.

Even in the dry season, this rainforest is sustained by mist alone, but during the Green Season, it feels fully awake.

We recommend you visit the Falls more than once during your stay; the first time for the awe, and the following times to notice small details you didn’t before, and to really get to “know” this spectacle at your own pace.

Cruise On The Zambezi River

When river levels rise, the Zambezi River takes on a slower, broader presence upstream of the Falls. This is an ideal time to experience the river itself.

Guests of Ilala Lodge Hotel can enjoy river cruises through our sister property, Palm River Hotel, whose Ra-Ikane fleet offers breakfast, lunch and sunset outings. Wildlife is often drawn to the river’s edge and you’re sure to see elephants, hippos resting in the shallows, and migratory bird species during your cruise.

Simply chat to our friendly team at reservations and they’d be happy to organise a shuttle for you.

Wildlife & Safari Experiences

While summer is not traditionally associated with peak game viewing, the Green Season offers its own rewards. With water widely available, animals move more freely across the landscape, and national parks are noticeably quieter.

Zambezi National Park and Chobe National Park remain accessible, offering great safari experiences and excellent birdlife, particularly during migratory months. Elephant sightings are common, and the greenery adds depth and texture to the landscape.

Again, Ilala Lodge Hotel’s reception team can assist with day-trip planning and logistics – there’s no need for you to worry about a thing!

Your Green Season Base

Ilala Lodge Hotel offers a calm, elegant base from which to experience Victoria Falls in full flow. We’re close enough to walk to the Falls, yet removed enough to feel restful. For first-time visitors, it’s an ideal introduction; not only to Victoria Falls, but to this region of Zimbabwe, which is within day trip distance of destinations in Zambia and Botswana as well.

To book your Green Season stay, contact our reservations team a onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com or book directly online.

We look forward to welcoming you – rain, mist, thunder and all!

January 19, 2026
The Perfect Verandah

The perfect verandah seamlessly integrates the indoors with the outdoors. It is a place of transition and relaxation, where slow days can be spent taking in the beauty of your surroundings from the comfort of a beautifully designed space.

A Brief History

The earliest examples of verandahs can be found in an ancient Indian text known as the Vastu Shastra, which means ‘science of architecture’ in Hindi. There are many texts of a similar nature that also originate from this era – between 2 BCE and 6 AD – which speak to the principles of design when it comes to hormonising the indoors with the outdoors.

It is believed that outdoor verandahs, as we know them today, were brought to Britain from India during the colonial era and then spread to parts of the former British Empire by settlers. For this reason, we commonly associate verandahs with colonial architecture, particularly in hot or sub-tropical regions like Durban in South Africa, Queensland in Australia or Victoria Falls, right here in Zimbabwe.

Beauty & Function

Verandahs are roofed, open-air hallways attached to the side of a domestic building. There are many variations, but a typical outdoor verandah is found on the ground floor and may take up one side of a building, or wrap around it entirely.

The verandah’s original function was to create a cool, sheltered space for members of the home to escape the heat; an in-between space, if you like, where you aren’t cooped up inside, but aren’t entirely exposed to the elements either. You will rarely find this architectural feature in cold countries, but in places like Victoria Falls, where days can get balmy, verandahs make perfect sense!

In time, outdoor verandahs became more than a practical feature of the home: They became showpieces of architectural design. Where better to enjoy your house’s beautiful aspects and surroundings than the verandah? Where better to entertain your guests and show off the beauty of your garden? In many ways, a verandah is as much a feature of landscaping as it is a feature of interior design.

Our Outdoor Verandahs

Ilala Lodge Hotel borders on Victoria Falls National Park – a unique and beautiful placement we are compelled to take advantage of. Therefore, in true ‘functionality means beauty’ form, we have incorporated multiple verandahs into the design of our hotel, so that guests may feel connected to the outdoors throughout their stay.

Our award-winning Cassia Restaurant is a fabulous example, where guests can spill out onto the lawned terrace from the verandah looking out over our grounds. From here, you’ll even be able to see ‘smoke’ rising up from the mighty Falls themselves.

Our outdoor verandah is the perfect place to sip on your first cup of coffee of the day, take in the world as it comes to life, or enjoy a dinner al fresco under the starry African sky. The verandah is also flanked by our famous ‘golden shower’ (Cassia fistula) trees – which draw admirers from near and far.

Stay With Us

Join us and enjoy our various outdoor spaces during your stay at Ilala Lodge Hotel, where the beauty of nature reigns supreme.

Nowhere is this beauty better enjoyed than from our masterfully designed verandahs – and ode to the past and place from which to sink into the present.

ENQUIRE NOW

Sources: www.natalia.org.za, www.britannica.com

April 15, 2024
Top 10 Restaurants in Victoria Falls

Eating out is about more than letting somebody else do the cooking for a change – although that is a definite plus.

On holiday, the restaurants and eateries we pick have a tangible impact on our experience of the place we’re visiting. Chosen wisely, these establishments can offer us a glimpse into the culture, life and atmosphere of a town.

This is as true in Vic Falls as it is anywhere else, and below we have a list of locally beloved spots for you to try, each lending a new set of eyes to the diner.

From easy and laid-back to sophisticated and sleek, here is our round-up of the top 10 restaurants in Victoria Falls!

1. Cassia Restaurant

We start this list with our very own Cassia Restaurant – one of the most popular restaurants in Victoria Falls.

We pride ourselves on having created a space where guests can truly relax – be it inside the elegantly decorated dining space, outside on the terrace beneath the Golden Shower trees (Cassia fistula), or by the pool-side bar.

Sitting outside, your meal will be accompanied by the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the background as you soak up the serenity of our lush gardens.

You couldn’t ask for a better dining experience when it comes to food. We have á la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, respectively, as well as a snack menu for those in between times. These menus are frequently updated to suit the season, but also offer classic fare like burgers, wraps, kebabs and fish.

We stock a wide selection of hand-picked South African wines from award-winning vineyards – the perfect accompaniment to an al fresco dining experience under the starry African night sky – and local and international beers.

Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience at one of the highest-rated restaurants in Victoria Falls on TripAdvisor!

BOOK ONLINE

2. Palm River Hotel Restaurant

Our sister hotel, Palm River Hotel, serves eclectic fusion fare with a quintessential Zimbabwean twist!

The dining space is modern and airy, with an old-world feel. The vaulted ceilings create a seamless transition between the dining hall and the veranda – both beautiful areas in which to enjoy a meal as you gaze out on the Zambezi River.

BOOK ONLINE

3. Riverside Dining Experience

For a fun foodie activity, consider the Palm River Hotel’s Riverside Dining Experience.

During this experience you’ll taste authentic African barbecue dishes with Zimbabwean flavours – all cooked over open fires.

Attentive staff will see to your every need as you dine by lantern light on the banks of the Zambezi – you might even spot wildlife while you eat!

This offering is exclusive to guests of Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge Hotel – be sure to book ahead to secure your spot.

Email fnb@palmriverhotel.com or call +263 867 7196873 to make a reservation.

4. The Lookout Café

Owned and operated by Wild Horizons, The Lookout Café is one of the most iconic restaurants in Victoria Falls.

Why? Well, the name says it all! Here you’ll be treated to an incredible view of Victoria Falls Bridge as you gaze down upon the gorge and Zambezi River below.

They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, combining traditional favourites with more adventurous menu items – crocodile, for instance. Their list of cocktails is also extensive, making The Lookout Café a wonderful sundowner location.

They even present a Full Moon Dinner which may coincide with your visit!

BOOK ONLINE

Image Credit: Instagram | the_lookout_cafe

5. The River Brewing Company

If you’re a lover of beer, you can’t miss out on a visit to The River Brewing Company!

This quirky establishment has everything you want in a craft brewery – quirk, eccentricity and a staff dedicated to creating brews as unique as our incredible African setting.

You’ll find their beers at several outlets in Vic Falls, but nothing beats going to the source and enjoying a meal at their very own bar – where the magic happens!

Be sure to buy a few cans – like Siyabonga Session IPA and Painted Dog Pale Ale – to take home with you.

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Image Credits: Instagram | Shared by theriverbrewingco & taken by the.salty.zebra.co

6. The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar

There’s always a buzz at The Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar!

Clustered around an old train carriage, which serves as the main kitchen area and food outlet, here you can be guaranteed of tasty meals enjoyed in what feels like a “beer tent” atmosphere.

This is a great restaurant for families as they serve all the classics – burgers, wraps and pizzas for the kids and killer cocktails for the adults.

Take a bite of the authentic Vic Falls in what has quickly grown into a town hub for tourists and locals alike!

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Image Credits: Instagram | the_three_monkeys_vic_falls

7. The Rainforest Café

Located in the heart of the action – in Victoria Falls National Park – this is the ideal place to relax beside the rainforest after taking in the Falls.

The café-style meals are simply delicious – think chicken mayo paninis, pan-seared Zambezi bream and ginger beer waffles!

The laid-back setting and buoyant atmosphere is sure to recharge you for the rest of the day.

BOOK ONLINE

Image Credit: Instagram | the.rainforestcafe

8. Dusty Road

Dusty Road is a Zimbabwean catering company born right here in Vic Falls under the stewardship of Sarah Lilford.

They have a restaurant in Chinotimba, the largest and oldest township in Victoria Falls, just 2km from the town’s centre. It’s here where you can enjoy the Dusty Road Township Experience – where meals are prepared in cast iron pots and over open fires.

This is an authentic and vibrant activity that every foodie should add to their list of things to do in Victoria Falls.

Here you’ll also be able to buy wares from local vendors and immerse yourself in this welcoming community.

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Image Credit: Instagram | dustyroadtownshipexperience_

9. The Boma – Place of Eating

Experience more than just dining at The Boma, a unique cultural enclave nestled in a Gusu Forest.

Delight in Zimbabwean delicacies, from game meats to traditional dishes, amidst nightly entertainment featuring a hand-washing ceremony, Shangaan dancers and local fortune tellers.

This experience is the perfect way to unravel the rich tapestry of Zimbabwe’s folklore, culture, and heritage during your trip!

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Image Credit: Instagram | thebomadinneranddrumshow

10. Baines Restaurant

Travel upriver to Baines Restaurant, located along the Zambezi above the Falls.

The magical setting lends a sense of serenity to your dining experience, with modern dishes like Turmeric Pumpkin Risotto with Fillet Steak and Zambezi sesame battered Tilapia.

Seated right on the waterfront, you couldn’t ask for a more elegant dining experience when visiting Victoria Falls. And remember, as their menu states: Ithemba – entrust the chef!

BOOK ONLINE

Image Credit: Instagram | bainesrestaurant

Stay With Us

Nestled in the heart of town, Ilala Lodge Hotel is the ideal place to base yourself when on holiday in Victoria Falls.

Our lush gardens provide sanctuary and seclusion, while our location makes us the perfect choice for those looking to explore town on foot.

Browse our luxury accommodation options here and make your pick.

Bookings can be done online or via email.

Once settled in, Victoria Falls is at your fingertips!

March 27, 2024
Lesser-Known Victoria Falls Activities

As Africa’s “Adventure Capital,” there are so many things to do in Victoria Falls that it can make your head spin!

You’ve heard of the adrenaline-inducing bungee jump off the Vic Falls Bridge, white water rafting down the Zambezi and taking the awe-inspiring Flight of Angels over the Falls, but there may be a few lesser-known gems you’ve overlooked.

Carry on reading to discover a few lesser-known things to do in Victoria Falls.

Bamba Tram

Take a quaint tram ride across the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge on the Bamba Tram! This 1,5-hour round trip is perfect for families and offers panoramic views over lush landscapes, including the Falls.

Your trip will begin at Three Monkeys near the Victoria Falls Railway Station. Guests can choose their ideal time: Sunrise, morning, sunset safari or dinner.

Discover more here.

Image Credits: Instagram | bambatram

Bridge Tour

If taking flying leaps off of manmade objects isn’t your thing, why not explore the historic Victoria Falls Bridge with an informative guided tour instead?

During your bridge tour, you will learn about this engineering marvel’s past and present, including details of its construction and significance – all the while taking in panoramic views of the Zambezi River and the breathtaking Victoria Falls below.

The tour includes an exhilarating walk on the catwalk beneath the bridge, where you’ll witness daring bungee jumpers and be in the thick of things.

An enriching experience for history buffs and adventure-seekers alike!

More information can be found here.

Jet Boat On The Zambezi

Zoom through rapids and channels of the Zambezi River near the thundering crash of the mighty Falls! Marvel at the towering cliffs and wildlife along the riverbanks as experienced guides navigate the water on your behalf.

If this sounds like your idea of fun, click here for more details.

Image Credit: victoriafalls-guide.net

Witness A Moonbow

On full moon nights, the spray from the Falls reveals a magical lunar rainbow – also known as a moonbow!

On these nights, Victoria Falls National Park opens the rainforest for nighttime visitors to come and enjoy this occurrence – weather and spray permitting! This is truly a magical activity to tick off your bucket list.

We’ve dedicated an entire blog post to moonbows – click here for all the information you need.

Dine Beside The Zambezi

For the foodies among you, we bet you didn’t know that our sister property, Palm River Hotel, offers a dreamy outdoor dining experience beside the Zambezi River.

Under a starlit canopy and beside the lanterns’ glow, guests will enjoy an authentic African-style barbeque dining experience featuring locally sourced delicacies like crocodile and kudu steaks!

Contact fnb@palmriverhotel.com for more information.

Stay With Us

Victoria Falls, Africa’s “Adventure Capital,” promises a whirlwind of activities. Beyond the famed bungee jumps and rafting, explore hidden gems like the Bamba Tram for panoramic views or delve into the bridge’s history. Whether jet boating or marveling at moonbows, every moment here is an adventure waiting to unfold.

Stay with us at Ilala Lodge Hotel to make the most of all that Victoria Falls has to offer.

Browse our luxurious accommodation options here.

February 13, 2024
5 Unique Features of Ilala Lodge Hotel

There are many unique features of our beautiful hotel that set us apart from the crowd.

Being family-run, the Ilala Lodge Hotel is infused with personal touches that can only be attributed to the warm personalities and hospitable values of the Brown family.

If you’d like to dive into the specifics, keep reading! Here are five features guaranteed to make Ilala Lodge Hotel a unique holiday stay!

1.) Proximity to Victoria Falls

Geographically-speaking, you’ll find no hotel closer to The Falls. Ilala Lodge Hotel is nestled right in the heart of town and is a mere 8-minute walk from the front gates of The Victoria Falls National Park. (Faster if you’re eager to get there!)

The front of our property borders the park and makes for more than a few curious visitors. Guests are often delighted by warthogs and impala grazing on the sprawling front lawn – elephants too, on occasion!

2.) Award-Winning Restaurant On-Site

You don’t need to venture far to sample some of the best food in Victoria Falls! Our on-site Cassia Restaurant is rated ‘Excellent’ on TripAdvisor and has won multiple awards over the years to back up this claim.

Apart from the delicious cuisine on offer right on your doorstep, guests can also see the spray from the falls on the terrace and hear the rumble of ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ while eating; a unique inclusion to your dining experience.

3.) In-House Tours & Activities Desk

With so much to see and do in the Falls, consulting websites can prove confusing. (Which tour is best? Why are there so many options?) Don’t worry, we understand, which is why we’ve set up an in-house tours and activities desk at the hotel.

Now it’s as simple as chatting to one of our friendly team members (in person, mind you) and having them help you select itinerary items that best suit your needs. Services include booking activities on your behalf, organising transfers, arranging Zambezi River cruises and taking care of onward bookings.

No hassles, no stress.

4.) Golden Trees

Guests can’t help but marvel at the gorgeous Indian Laburnums on our grounds, also known as ‘Golden Trees.’ These were introduced by Beryl Brown, a wonderful gardener and one of the main visionaries behind our garden.

When you see them, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. With leaves that seem to light up in brilliant shades of yellow and amber, it’s a truly magical sight!

Views of our Golden Trees are best enjoyed from the terrace of the Cassia Restaurant or from the privacy of your balcony overlooking the lawns.

5.) Rare Wood Finishings

Our beautiful poolside bar contains a unique feature you might not notice at first glance.

The finishings are actually made from repurposed Zimbabwean teak railway sleepers. If you know your timber, you’ll know that this incredibly hard wood was highly sought-after as a building material in times gone by. It’s difficult to work with, due to its density, but this trait also makes it desirable for its durability.

You’ll find more teak furnishings scattered throughout the hotel – also made from railway sleepers.

Speaking of building materials, our hotel’s original structure was built using hand-selected gum poles and thatching grass from Brown family’s farm 700 km away in Darwendale! Strath Brown and his son, Keith, thatched the hotel’s roof themselves.

Bonus!

Read all about our hotel’s beautiful namesake, the Ilala Palm, here.

Look out for these beautiful trees on our grounds!

Stay With Us

For a unique holiday stay filled with personal touches, convenient amenities, luxurious lodgings and all the wonder that comes with being so close to the mighty Victoria Falls, book your stay at Ilala Lodge Hotel.

We can’t wait to share all that Zimbabwe has to offer with you – from world-class cuisine to friendly hospitality and unsurpassable natural beauty.

Browse our accommodation options here and get in touch with us via onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to secure your dates.

Alternatively, feel free to make use of our online booking platform.

We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria Falls!

February 1, 2024
The Palm Hospitality Group Paves the Way for Holiday Travels and Marches for Reforestation

The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing joy. This December, the Palm Hospitality Group (PHG) Foundation embraced this spirit through impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives that gave back to our community.

Paving the way for Holiday Travels

The most wonderful time of the year brings a welcome influx of visitors to Victoria Falls eager to experience our vibrant town. But after last year’s heavy rains wreaked havoc on local roads, we faced a different type of storm – how to make infrastructure repairs in time for the seasonal boom in tourism.

That’s when the Palm Hospitality Group rolled up their sleeves, grabbed their gravel and rocks, and got to work alongside the Ministry of Roads Department on priority repair operations. Our crew of 7 men worked away at the road before the Masuwe Bridge leading up to the airport route – rebuilding damaged mitre drains, clearing blocked culverts, and stabilizing eroded edges threatening the roadbeds.

12 additional helpers from the Ministry of Roads department arrived with a 7-tonne truck to assist! Six 20-tonne loads of gravel and 22 seven-tonne truckloads of rocks were used and strategically placed, to reinforce the most vulnerable stretches. The combined teams also added drainage features called “swales” to capture silt on steep inclines and slow down the speed of water drainage.

Alongside the Ministry of Roads Department, the Palm Hospitality Group Foundation continues to pave the way for holiday comforts and convenience in Victoria Falls.

Palm Hospitality Group Marches for Reforestation

While visitors flocked to Victoria Falls for the start of peak tourist season, our team laced up their boots on December 2nd for a very different type of adventure. The Palm Hospitality Group rallied our conservation-minded staff for the annual Friends of the Environment (FOTE) walkathon – a 10km march to raise awareness and support reforestation efforts across Zimbabwe.

As employees from local hotels and lodges kicked off from the town centre, crowds cheered seeing tourism operators shining a light on ecosystems. 90 participants donned matching t-shirts to emblemize a united front as environmental stewards.

Breathless but buzzing with inspiration, we finally reached St. Bakhita School to great fanfare. FOTE organizers then presented us shovels to commence officially planting over 100 saplings in honour of National Tree Planting Day. From managers to housekeepers, our team dug deep to root hope for the country’s 2026 goal of 500 million trees.

By getting sweaty for the cause, we grew community spirit while nurturing mother nature. Our efforts offered just a sprout of possibilities for restoring Zimbabwe’s delicate ecosystems. But days like the FOTE walkathon plant seeds of change in hearts and minds. As Palm Hospitality’s guests enjoy Victoria Falls holidays, they can rest easier knowing we march alongside advocates like Friends of the Environment. Because true hospitality means caring for both the people and the lands that welcome us.

The PHG Foundation

Formed in 2022, the PHG Foundation combines Ilala Lodge Hotel‘s community projects with the passionate staff of Palm River Hotel. Such community efforts are part of the PHG Foundation’s broader mission to aid the local Victoria Falls community.

Other PHG Foundation initiatives include monthly litter clean-ups throughout designated sections of the town centre, recycling programmes, wildlife protection, cultural heritage preservation, and local fundraisers.

The group is dedicated to sustainable tourism and minimising environmental impact. Their efforts endeavour to make Victoria Falls a better place to live and visit for all!

If you’d like to stay up to date with the latest news at Ilala Lodge Hotel, consider following us on Instagram or Facebook.

Alternatively, subscribe to our newsletter and receive updates directly to your inbox!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

December 19, 2023
New Baboon-Proof Bins in Victoria Falls

Tackling the Local Litter Issue

The Palm Hospitality Group (PHG) Foundation has unveiled a new community initiative to address an ongoing issue with baboons raiding and emptying public litter bins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The Problem: The Litter-Bin Raiders

Placed as it is within a wildlife national park, the community of Victoria Falls faces mild human and wildlife conflict, one of which includes the rummaging and overturning of litter bins throughout the town centre by baboon troops.

The baboons dig through the bins, emptying the contents and spreading them across the town centre. Not only does this create an unsightly mess, but more worryingly poses a threat to other wildlife who might stumble across the litter (much of which is plastic) and ingest it.

Previously, the PHG Foundation attempted to deter the primates by installing tall, narrow, metal bins with small deposit openings. Unfortunately, the mischievous baboons were able to tip these bins over and pry them open in search of food scraps.

A Clever Solution: Primate-Proof Litter Bins

To combat this, the PHG Foundation has introduced a new series of specialised baboon-proof bins throughout the Victoria Falls town centre. The 15 new bins are made of durable material and feature a closed deposit section with a rotating wheel that allows contents to fall in, but keeps baboons out. The bins are also significantly larger than previous bins and are weighty enough to prevent being tipped over easily.

This week the PHG Foundation handed over the specialised bins to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority at the entrance to the iconic Victoria Falls Rainforest. Guests are encouraged to dispose of their litter correctly in aid of preserving our Natural World Wonder. Other bins can be spotted throughout the Victoria Falls town centre for ease of access.

This initiative supports the efforts of the Pristine Victoria Falls Society, a local community organisation working towards making Victoria Falls a clean, green city in Africa by creating a litter-free and sustainable environment.

The PHG Foundation

Formed in 2022, the PHG Foundation combines the successful track record of Ilala Lodge Hotel‘s community projects with the passionate staff of Palm River Hotel. The baboon-proof bins are part of the PHG Foundation’s broader mission to aid the local Victoria Falls community.

Other PHG Foundation initiatives include monthly litter clean-ups throughout designated sections of the town centre, recycling programmes, wildlife protection, cultural heritage preservation, and local fundraisers.

The group is dedicated to sustainable tourism and minimising environmental impact. Their efforts endeavour to make Victoria Falls a better place to live and visit for all!

If you’d like to stay up to date with the latest news at Ilala Lodge Hotel, consider following us on Instagram or Facebook.

Alternatively, subscribe to our newsletter and receive updates directly to your inbox!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

November 27, 2023