Luxury Lodges · Central Kafue, Zambia
Ila Safari Lodge
Overview
Nestled along the banks of the mighty Kafue River, Ila Safari Lodge is a haven of eco-luxury in one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas—Kafue National Park.
Designed to blend seamlessly with its pristine surroundings, the lodge offers an intimate, sustainable safari experience that balances adventure with relaxation.
With just 10 luxurious safari tents, including two spacious family suites, Ila welcomes a maximum of 24 guests at a time. Each tent is carefully positioned on a private deck extending over the riverbank, offering panoramic views of the water and the wildlife that frequents its shores. Thoughtfully designed to complement the surrounding flora, the tents provide shade, privacy, and an immersive connection to nature.
Eco-Luxury Meets Modern Comfort
Ila Safari Lodge was the birthplace of Green Safaris’ sustainability ethos, setting a new standard for eco-conscious safari travel. The lodge is fully solar-powered and home to Zambia’s first electric game drive vehicles (e-Cruisers) and a silent, solar-powered boat, offering an unrivalled way to explore Kafue’s wild landscapes with minimal environmental impact.
Each tent is designed in a chic, modern African style, with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers or bathtubs, and extra-length beds for the most restful sleep. Spacious, billowing mosquito nets are turned down for you each evening, ensuring comfort under the African night sky.
At the heart of the lodge, the central boma is a stunning fusion of eco-friendly innovation and dynamic design. Whether unwinding by the infinity pool, indulging in freshly prepared cuisine, or gathering around the fire under a canopy of stars, Ila is a place where nature and luxury exist in perfect harmony.
The Magic of Kafue National Park
Kafue National Park is Zambia’s largest and oldest national park, a vast and unspoiled wilderness teeming with diverse wildlife. Game drives at dawn, river safaris at sunset, and guided bush walks all promise unforgettable encounters with the park’s rich biodiversity.
Whether you seek thrilling safaris or peaceful moments by the river, Ila Safari Lodge offers a carefully curated experience that immerses you in the rhythm of Kafue’s wild beauty.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Ila Safari House
The Ila Safari House, owned by our Green Safaris founder Vincent Kouwenhoven, is a gorgeous thatch design situated in a charming riverside location adjacent to the Ila Safari Lodge. Featuring a private pool and...
Luxury Couples Tent
Contemporary African style and sustainability meets the essence of the traditional bush safari experience in our 10 Ila Luxury Tents. Built carefully around existing mature trees, the tents are mounted on raised decks made...
Luxury Family Tent
Panoramic views across the Kafue River make you feel the immediacy of your surrounds, while modern outdoor and indoor furnishings bring you the comforts of home in the Ila Luxury Family Tents. Enclosed in...
Details
Good to know
Languages spoken
English
Ideal for
Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Property facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym on property, Internet Access, Library, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Room Service, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Accommodation & amenities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, External Shower, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Room Service
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Boating, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Nearby activities
Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, River Cruises, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
THIS IS: ILA SAFARI LODGE
Kafue National Park
Africa's second-largest National Park, with a distinct charm that is best described as "magic"
Activities
What you can do
Boat Cruises & Boat Safaris
Experience a tranquil boat cruise at dawn or sunset on one of our serene vessels. Embracing sustainability, one of our boats is power by the African sun (solar). There's nothing like gently gliding down the majestic Kafue River, absorbing the natural beauty and sounds with a refreshing breeze in your hair. Enjoy a peaceful few hours as you follow the riverbank, observing the wildlife that inhabits the water or comes to drink. A sunset view from the water is especially breathtaking! Sunset cruises with your favourite sundowners and even a river lunch are a must-experience! For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact [email protected].
Fishing
Set out on the Kafue River with a rod, tackle, and one of our expert fishing guides to discover the prime fishing spots. Whether you’re an experienced angler targeting specific species or a beginner eager to catch a big bream, our guides will provide invaluable assistance. We offer basic equipment on site, but for the best experience, we recommend bringing your own gear if you have it. The Kafue River is teeming with catfish (barbel) and the formidable tiger fish, known for their impressive teeth. You might also encounter tilapia and other diverse freshwater species, ensuring a rich and varied fishing adventure. For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact [email protected].
Game Drives
Blend into the quiet of nature in our e-Cruiser, which allows you to experience all the sights and sounds of the bush in near silence and with a deep sense of environmental care. Our expert guides are masters of their craft, and spending a morning or afternoon with them will reveal the park’s diverse wildlife. Regular sightings include lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and a variety of antelopes such as roan, sable, and zebra, as well as hippo, crocodile, warthog, genet, jackal, mongoose, and lively baboons and monkeys. For those seeking rarer encounters, you might spot wild dog, cheetah, honey badger, civet, serval, bushpig, porcupine, or bushbaby. For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact [email protected].
Our Conservation Itinerary
Ila Community Garden: Located at Nalusanga Gate, the entrance to Kafue National Park, this project supports local communities by helping them grow and sell fresh produce. Lodge guests and travellers can purchase these products as they enter the park. Chunga School: If you have extra space in your luggage, consider bringing supplies for the Chunga Community, such as pens, educational books, medicines, and sports equipment. Chunga School, which serves children aged 6 to 16, would greatly benefit from these donations. Conservation Itinerary: We also actively support conservation efforts through partnerships with organisations like By Life Connected, Panthera, and the Zambian Carnivore Project. Ask about our Conservation Itinerary to learn how you can contribute to these impactful initiatives during your visit. For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact [email protected].
Spa & Pool Days
Enjoy a day of relaxation by booking a treatment at our floating spa, then unwind by our infinity pool, basking in the African sun. Both the spa and pool offer stunning views of the Zambezi River, where you might be joined by resident elephants and hippos that come to the water’s edge to drink, play, and wallow. For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact [email protected].
Stargazing
Our infinity boma features a dedicated stargazing deck, where guides are eager to show guests the wonders of the night sky. Thanks to minimal light pollution, the skies in Kafue National Park are exceptionally clear, offering breathtaking views of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena. You can marvel at Southern Hemisphere constellations like the Southern Cross, Centaurus, and the Magellanic Clouds. Depending on when you visit, you may also have the chance to witness special astronomical events such as meteor showers, eclipses, or planetary alignments. For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact [email protected].
Walking Safaris
Join a walking safari with one of our seasoned guides and an armed Zambian Wildlife Officer. Discover the excitement of tracking wildlife on foot, using footprints and spoor (animal droppings) as your clues. This hands-on experience brings you closer to nature, revealing the subtle details often missed from a vehicle. You’ll find that the small wonders of the bush are just as captivating as the larger game. While you might encounter majestic creatures like elephants and big cats, rest assured that our expert guides will ensure your safety and preparation before each adventure. For hi-resolution and additional images, please don't hesitate to contact [email protected].
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
Enquire now