Ila Safari Lodge
16 June 2023
We are saddened to inform you that the main area of Ila Safari Lodge burned down last night and that Ila will be closed for the immediate future.
All Ila Safari Lodge team and guests are safe and well.
The fire started at approximately midnight. While the boma area (reception, dining, bar, and pool) has been lost entirely to the fire, we are relieved to say that all of our guest rooms remain intact and unaffected.
Our Ila Safari Lodge team acted immediately, ensuring that all guests were safe and protecting our wild Kafue from the blaze, so the fire was entirely contained within the main area. We have an expert team on site conducting a thorough investigation into exactly what happened.
We are already hard at work to assess the damage and make a plan moving forwards. At the moment the tentative plan is to have a temporary boma in place by August, to provide guests with a luxurious, if short-term, place to gather and dine on the banks of the Kafue River. We then aim to have a new building complete by the end of the year. We will provide an update on this once we have more definite information.
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. The central boma is best described by the phrase 'eco friendly meets dynamic design' and is the showpiece of the property.
The lodge has 10 state of the art luxury safari tents perched each on their own deck reaching out over the banks of the Kafue River. Included in the 10 luxury tents are 2 larger family suites. Each tent has been individually designed to mesh with the flora surrounding it providing shade, privacy and your very own piece of Kafue wilderness.
Ila Safari Lodge has 10 state of the art luxury safari tents perched each on their own deck reaching out over the banks of the Kafue River. Included in our 10 top-notch tents are two larger family suites.
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 are turned down for you each evening.
Luxury Tents
There are 8 standard luxury tents. 2 have outside showers and either twin or king beds, on the edge of the Kafue River overlooking the National Park. Rooms have ramp access.
Luxury Family Tents
The 2 family tents can accommodate 4 people, or in case of families with 3 kids, can have an extra bed added. The spacious tents offer 2 separated sleeping departments, ideal for families or for couples sharing. Both family tents offer a luxurious bath and shower, overlooking the Kafue River.
Game Drives
Alongside 3 game vehicles, Ila is the proud owner of Zambia's very first 'Electronic Landrover' (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. The eLandy is kept close to camp and operates in the Game Management Area for short drives or the relatively common 'dinner table dash' to investigate what that sound in the night was or how close those lion calls are!
Aside from the eLandy, Ila has three top of the range game vehicles which reside on the park side of the river. It's a quick float in a boat over to them which is always a nice way to start the morning!
The guides are all masters of their craft, spend a morning or afternoon exploring the park with them and see what you can find. Regular sightings include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, a wide range of antelopes including roan, sable and zebra, hippo, crocodile, warthog, genet, jackal, mongoose, every entertaining baboons and monkeys and a myriad of species of bird. Our rarer species are also on the cards including wild dog, cheetah, honey badger, civet, serval, bushpig, porcupine and bushbaby.
Boat Cruises
Had enough of the African massage?! Take a smooth and serene boat cruise either at dawn or for sunset on one of the boats. Staying on theme 1 of the boats is solar powered.
There is nothing quite like quietly drifting down the mighty Kafue river taking in the sights and sounds of the river with a breeze in your hair! Spend a relaxing few hours following the river bank to see what is living on the water or coming down to drink. Sunset from the water is particularly beautiful!
Walking Safaris
Want to be a bit more active?! Head out on a walking safari with one of the specialist walking guides and an armed Zambian Wildlife officer. Using footprints and spoor track game using your own two feet as power. Get up close and personal to nature and appreciate the smaller things that you may miss from a vehicle.
Fishing
Set out on the river with rod, tackle and one of the fishing guides to show you all the best spots. For experienced fishermen, your guide can target specific species or if you just want to try your hand see if you can land a big bream. Basic equipment available on site but it is recommended professional fishermen bring their gear.
Ila Community Farm
This project is situated at 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. Lodge owners and other travellers in the area will be able to purchase these products as they enter the park.
For more information about Ila Safari Lodge click HERE.
To view videos of Ila Safari Lodge click HERE.
