Ila Safari Lodge is a true eco-lodge providing facilities of the highest quality to a maximum of 24 guests. The lodge is located on the banks of the mighty Kafue River in an area of abundant wildlife and boasts 180 degree views out across the water.
Regular sightings on daily game drives include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, a wide range of antelopes including roan, sable and zebra, hippo, crocodile, warthog, genet, jackal, mongoose, baboons and monkeys, along with a myriad of species of bird. The rarer species that may be spotted include wild dog, cheetah, honey badger, civet, serval, bushpig, porcupine and bushbaby. If you want to get further afield a full day drive with a picnic lunch is always an option.
The lodge also has Zambia's very first 'Electronic Land Rover' (ELandy). This vehicle allows you to experience all the sights and sounds of the bush in near silence and with a sense of environmental care.
Guests can also choose to spend a relaxing few hours on a boat cruise, following the river bank to see what is living on the water or coming down to drink. Or for the more active, there is also the option to head out on a walking safari with one of the specialist walking guides and an armed Zambian Wildlife officer.
The lodge has 8 luxury safari tents, each with a private deck reaching out over the banks of the Kafue River. Each tent has been individually designed to mesh with the flora surrounding it providing shade, privacy and your very own piece of Kafue wilderness. The interiors as well as the private decks are furnished in chic, modern African style and every comfort has been considered.
All tents feature en-suite bathrooms and either outside showers or baths. Beds are extra length for the most comfortable night's sleep. Mosquito nets are spacious and billowing and turned down for you each evening. There are also 2 larger family suites.
The central boma is best described by the phrase 'eco friendly meets dynamic design' and is the showpiece of the lodge. In-between game drives, guests can also take a dip in the cutting edge designer pool, dine on mouth-watering cuisine, kick back and enjoy a book or just watch the world go by with an ice cold drinks in hand from the lounge.
Rates Include
All meals and snacks; house wines, local and international branded drinks; unlimited shared activities; Park fees; emergency medical evacuation; and a laundry service are included.
Transfers, premium wines and spirits are excluded.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on walking safaris. A walking safari can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
General Information For Guests
The tents are all en-suite with either outside showers or baths. They include a fan, personal safe, mosquito nets, 220v multi plugs, private deck and an outside sitting area overlooking the river. Hair dryers are available on request due to power restrictions. The tents are reached by a raised wooden walkway.
Electricity is supply by solar power.
The central boma consists of the infinity pool, an open-air restaurant, bar and lounge with 180 degree views out over the river. There is also a boat jetty, fireplace and a firepit area for after dinner gatherings.
Wi-Fi is available at the main building and there is mobile/cell phone connectivity.
All major credit cards are accepted.
A complimentary laundry service is also provided (weather dependent 24 hours).
The activities available include game drives, boat cruises, fishing trips and walking safaris. The game drives are carried out in electric game viewing vehicles and they are the first of their kind in Zambia. The boat is also solar powered.
Fishing on the Kafue River is an incredible experience. Just set out on the river with rod, tackle and one of the expert fishing guides to show you all the best spots. For experienced fishermen, targeting specific species can be done. The lodge has basic equipment available on site but it is recommended that professional fishermen bring their own gear.
Visits to the Ladies Club at the nearby Chunga Community can be arranged. A delicious traditional meal will be prepared and guests will be able to learn about the local community, culture and traditions whilst interacting with the local people.
Ila Safari Lodge prides itself on be a true eco lodge. If you are interested in how things work behind the scenes and how the lodge achieves this or if you just want to find out how a safari lodge works in general then one of the members of staff will be happy to walk you around and explain everything from solar panels, the eLandy right through to the biogas plant.
Green Safaris runs a community farming project near the Nalusanga Gate, the entrance to the Kafue National Park. The aim is to assist the community to grow a greater variety of fresh produce for their own consumption and for selling at the local market.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on walking safaris. A walking safari can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
