Ila Safari Lodge

We travelled as a big family, with my wife, my elder brother and his wife, their two kids, my mum and dad, and my in-laws. Ila Safari Lodge gave us a relaxing, unforgettable stay. The experienced, attentive staff welcomed us warmly and made us feel at home. Set in the heart of Kafue National Park, the lodge combines comfort and luxury with a peaceful atmosphere and a close connection to nature. The accommodations were beautifully designed, and the team took care of every detail, from the delicious meals to organizing activities smoothly. The genuine hospitality made the biggest impression. Whether we were on game drives, enjoying the quiet views, or just spending time together in the beautiful surroundings, it was a perfect escape for the whole family. We’d recommend Ila Safari Lodge to anyone looking for a peaceful break with loved ones. Thank you to the Ila team for making it so special. We can’t wait to return!

A wonderful experience, with great food and fantastic wildlife sightings.

DON'T DO IT! I booked the Livingston Island and Devil's Pool tour, and it was a complete mess for far too much money. I had another tour booked for the afternoon, so I asked the guide at the booking desk about three times whether I’d be back in time. She assured me I would be, but that simply wasn’t true. The timing was a mess. After leaving Devil's Pool and returning to Livingston Island, I checked the time and realized there was no way I’d make it back on time. I was so stressed I couldn’t eat more than half the included food. We only got 6 minutes in the pool during a 4 hour tour. Then, when we got back, there was no pickup transfer waiting for me. Another driver asked me for 10 dollars to take me to the hotel. I was already late and completely freaked out. At check-in, they also wanted me to change into waterproof shoes for 2 dollars. Nobody had told me ahead of time either that I needed to wear them or that there’d be an extra charge. Worse, they didn’t have my very small size, 35, and advised me to wear their smallest size, 38. What’s wrong with you? It’s a dangerous route through water, and I was supposed to wear shoes that didn’t fit? If you advertise this tour for people aged 12 and up, you MUST provide children’s sizes! I’m disappointed and angry about all the organization that went wrong. I expected better, and I never would have booked if I’d known from the start. I sent a feedback email to complain and ask for a partial refund, but never got a reply. It’s a complete shame. Save your money. Don’t book this tour. It’s not worth it.

The Kafue view is beautiful, and the staff are really friendly. We arrived without a booking, but I guess we were lucky that it was Monday. It was painfully hard to get out of the soft bed, especially with the winter water bottle. A nice touch.