Ila Safari Lodge (Kafue)

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.

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 dining area is in the infinity shaped boma on the edge of the Kafue River. Offering guests a beautiful view at breakfast, lunch & dinner. Flexible meals revolve around activities and are primarily international fusion food with a local influence.

Guests can also experience unique dining such as bush meals and e-boat lunches.

Skip to Ila Safari Lodge Rates or Specials and Packages

Ila Safari Lodge Accommodation

With just 10 luxurious safari tents, including two spacious family suites, Ila welcomes a maximum of 24 guests at a time. Contemporary African style and sustainability meet the essence of the traditional bush safari experience. Modern outdoor and indoor furnishings bring you the comforts of home. Each tent is carefully positioned around existing mature trees providing shade, privacy, and an immersive connection to nature. The tents are on a private deck (environmentally friendly wood) extending over the Kafue River. Offering panoramic views of the water and the wildlife that frequents its shores. Thoughtfully designed to complement the surrounding flora, the tents

Ila Luxury Couples Tents

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. With nature’s generous help, the tents bestow upon you and your loved one privacy, tranquility, and a touch of romance. Double vanities set in local woods with brass and copper fittings finish off the open, river-facing en suite bathroom. We promise your only neighbors will be the hippos wallowing below! Six of the eight tents allow for twin configurations so are great for friends traveling together.

*The Ila outdoor baths have become a highlight here. Where you can enjoy a luxury sunset bath accompanied by nosey hippos below deck.

Ila Luxury Family Tents

Enclosed in the Family Tents are two bedrooms separated by a curtain so that each tent can sleep a family of four. An extra bed can be added for a third child (family of 5). The bathroom and toilet are separate from the bedrooms with a luxurious indoor bath and shower. Sleeping in a tent in the African bush is a memorable experience for both big and small.

Ila Safari House

The Ila Safari House is a gorgeous thatch design situated in a charming riverside location adjacent to the Ila Safari Lodge. Featuring a private pool and seven bedrooms all connected to the main deck. Along with a main lounge area, dining space, and private kitchen, the house offers a unique level of exclusivity that you deserve. The house has a private chef ready to cook until your heart is content. All activities are run from the main lodge.

Each room offers a stunning view of the river and the national park. Five rooms are equipped with showers, while two master suites boast interior baths and showers. Designed by Green Safaris founder Vincent Kouwenhoven, the house incorporates elements from his memories and furniture sourced from his home in the Netherlands. And beautiful antique pieces to create a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of home.

Ila Safari House sleeps a maximum of 14 people in 7 en suite rooms.

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.

Four of Africa’s Big 5 are found in Kafue (rhino is absent). With large numbers of buffalo and elephants near the Kafue River that has plenty of hippos and crocodiles. Kafue is home to Africa’s highest population of wild dogs as does another endangered predator species, the cheetah. The park is celebrated for having the greatest diversity of antelope in the world. Which includes the much revered roan and sable antelopes, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, oribi, and grysbok. Some of the smaller, charming animals you can spot in Kafue are the many mongoose and small cat species, bush babies, and aardvark.

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.

Sustainability – 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. It is home to Zambia’s first electric game drive vehicles (e-Cruisers) and a silent, solar-powered boat. Back up diesel vehicles are kept at all camps. Offering an unrivaled way to explore Kafue’s wild landscapes with minimal environmental impact.

Ila Safari Lodge Activities

Game Drives

Blend into the quiet of nature in the 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. The expert guides are masters of their craft. 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 dogs, cheetahs, honey badgers, civets, servals, bushpigs, porcupines, or bushbabies.

Boat Cruises & Boat Safaris

Experience a tranquil boat cruise at dawn or sunset. Embracing sustainability, one of the boats is powered 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 favorite sundowners and even a river lunch are a must!

Walking Safaris

Join a walking safari with one of the 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 the expert guides will ensure your safety and preparation before each adventure.

Kafue Birding Safari

The riverbanks, wetlands, savannah, and miombo woodland of Kafue bustle with the noise and color of 478 of Zambia’s 733 recorded bird species. Among them are the wattled and crowned cranes, woolly-necked and saddle-billed storks, African fin foot, Pel’s fishing owl, and purple-crested turaco.

Fishing

Set out on the Kafue River with a rod, tackle, and one of the 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. The guides will provide invaluable assistance. There is 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 tigerfish. Known for their impressive teeth. You might also encounter tilapia and other diverse freshwater species. Ensuring a rich and varied fishing adventure.

Please note Zambia enforces a fishing ban from 1st December to 1st March every year.

Stargazing

The 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.

Spa & Pool Days

Enjoy a day of relaxation by booking a treatment at the floating spa. Then unwind by the 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.

Conservation and Sustainability

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 travelers 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: Ila also actively supports conservation efforts through partnerships with organizations like By Life Connected, Panthera, and the Zambian Carnivore Project. Ask about the Conservation Itinerary to learn how you can contribute to these impactful initiatives during your visit.

A typical day at Ila Safari Lodge

Kindly note times differ seasonally but this will be communicated to you on arrival. A typical day will be as follows:

Early Morning:

Wake to the gentle sounds of the night porter calling “knockie, knockie”. He will have delivered a flask of hot water to the rear of your tent. Take a moment and enjoy a hot beverage on your deck amidst the wakening calls of the birds. You will then be collected by your guide and escorted to the main building. Here you will enjoy a sumptuous continental breakfast around a fire. Where fresh toast is prepared on the coals and a pot of porridge bubbles away.

Shortly afterward, you will set off on your game drive or walking safari (available from May to November). For those of you enjoying a later activity, a full African breakfast will be available in the main restaurant until 10 am.

The Lazy Midday Hours:

After returning from your adventure in the wilderness you will have a chance to freshen up. After which a brunch/lunch will be served from around 11.30 am until 2 pm. For those of you who don’t want to waste a moment, you are welcome to book the boat for a midday boating safari or even try your hand at a bit of fishing. For those who which to soak up the peace and tranquility either relax on your tent deck or take a swim in the infinity pool. Or a catch up with friends and family over wifi.

At 3.30 pm an afternoon tea will help to replenish your energy levels before starting your afternoon activity.

After dark:

Dinner is in the main restaurant from 7.30 pm. Dine by romantic candles high above the river and listen to the night sounds while being spoilt by splendid cuisine proudly prepared by the team of chefs. Feel free to invite either your guide or any member of the management team to join you. Swap tales of your adventures and life away from the bush. Retire to the crackling fireplace under the stars in the bar area for a night cap. And feel yourself relax and unwind after a thrilling day in the African bushveld.

When is the best time to visit Ila Safari Lodge?

The best time to visit Kafue National Park is from June to November for fantastic wildlife. The high season is July – October as this is when there is little rainfall. Therefore, it is easier to find the wildlife. Clear blue skies during the day and starry nights abound. In these months it can get chilly at night so be sure to bring a layer or two for the game drives. The benefit of June and November is that this still falls into the green season so the rates are lower. June can be chilly while November is getting warmer and the rains are just starting.

The wet season transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise. This is from November to March/April. It is also called the emerald (or green) season. This is because there are often very clear skies and the rain takes away all the dust. With unique sightings of baby wildlife, and regularly spotted lions walking along the dirt roads to keep their paws dry. It is ideal for photographers, and birders. While the game is sometimes harder to see, because of the tall grass, it is still out there.

How to get to Ila Safari Lodge

Ila Safari Lodge is just before Hook Bridge on the left hand side. Smaller planes are used as the airfields can’t take larger planes. These planes usually allow 15kg of checked luggage and 3kg of cabin luggage.

There is a wide variety of daily global airlines flying to Zambia’s main airport, Lusaka International Airport. From Lusaka, Ila Safari Lodge is approximately a one hour chartered flight or a 3 hour drive. Seasonal flights from Livingstone may be available or via Lusaka.

Ila Safari Lodge Accommodation Rates

Camp closure: 1st to 28th February 2026
40% Single Supplement applies all year.

Rates Include:

Accommodation, meals, selected activities, laundry, and non-premium drinks.
Levies, service charges, and taxes.
Park fees and bed levies.
Transfers to and from Chunga Airfield.
Morning and evening game drives. An age limit of 6 years old applies.
Morning and evening boating safaris.
Walking safaris when available. A minimum age limit of 12 years old applies.
A selection of out of camp picnics and meals.

Rates Exclude:

Premium drinks, international travel, activities not listed, and other incidentals.
We require that all guests arrange fully comprehensive travel insurance.
Travel to camp unless booked on Wings and Wheels.
Massages and floating Spa.

Child Policy:

1 extra bed can be added to the tents for a child under 12.

0-4 years stay for free.
5-15 years pay 50% if sharing with 2 adults.
16 + will pay the full adult rate.

Ila Safari Lodge Accommodation Special Offers

Wings and Wheels

Book a minimum of 4 nights at any one lodge. Or a combination of Green Safaris Lodges* and we will include all flights and transfers from the nearest international airport. These are either Lusaka or Livingstone in Zambia. Or, Lilongwe in Malawi.
*Green Safaris Properties are:
Kaya Mawa (Lake Malawi),
Ila Safari Lodge (Kafue National Park),
Chisa Busanga Camp (Busanga Flood Plains in the North of the Kafue National Park),
Tongabezi Lodge or Sindabezi Island (Livingstone),
Shawa Luangwa Camp (South Luangwa National Park),
Sausage Tree Camp, and Potato Bush Camp – we are adding these soon (Lower Zambezi National Park)

Valid for all of 2025 & 2026.

Stay 9, Pay 7

Get 2 free nights at the cheapest property (from above) on stays of 9 nights.
Valid during the Green Season in 2025 (1st May – 30th June and 1st – 14th November).