Ila Safari Lodge

Riverside Tents

Ila Safari Lodge is a relatively small, well-designed property set on the banks of the Kafue River, offering a more contemporary take on the traditional safari camp.

The lodge consists of a number of Riverside Tents, all positioned along the river and accessed via raised wooden walkways. These tents are well spaced and set back into the vegetation, which gives them a good level of privacy.

The tents themselves are modern in style, combining canvas with more solid structures. They are spacious and comfortably laid out, with either king or twin beds, along with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Large openings allow for good views of the river and plenty of natural light.

The overall feel is a balance between a classic tented experience and a more modern lodge design, and the rooms are positioned to make the most of the setting along the Kafue.

Riverside Family Tents

la Safari Lodge also offers a number of Family Tents, set along the Kafue River with wide views across the water.

These tents are similar in style to the couples’ units but are larger in size and designed to accommodate families. The layout consists of two bedrooms separated by a curtain, allowing for some privacy while still keeping the space connected.

The tents can comfortably sleep up to four guests, with the option to add an extra bed for a third child if required.

The bathroom is set slightly apart from the sleeping area and includes both a bath and shower, along with separate toilet facilities.

As with the rest of the camp, the design combines canvas structures with modern furnishings, creating a comfortable and practical setup while still maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

Ila Safari House

Ila Safari House is a private-use property set adjacent to the main lodge, positioned along the Kafue River and offering a more exclusive option for larger groups.

The house is built in a traditional thatch design and consists of seven rooms, accommodating up to 14 guests in total. All rooms are connected via a central deck, which forms the main living space and links to the lounge, dining area and private kitchen.

Each room enjoys views across the river and into the national park. Five of the rooms are fitted with showers, while two larger master suites include both baths and showers.

Outside, the main deck extends to a private swimming pool overlooking the river, providing a comfortable space for the group to spend time together between activities.

The house is designed as a single unit for exclusive use, making it well suited to families or groups travelling together who are looking for a more private setup while still having access to the facilities and activities of Ila Safari Lodge.

Green Safaris is now a well-established operator in Zambia, formed by a group of like-minded individuals with experience in tourism both locally and abroad, all sharing a strong interest in sustainable and ecologically aware travel. Over the years they have expanded their portfolio beyond Kafue, with properties in the Busanga Plains (North Kafue), Livingstone, the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa, allowing for a well-rounded circuit through the country.

Ila Lodge was completed and opened in July 2016 and is set on the east bank of the Kafue River, outside the park on privately owned land. It is located close to Hook Bridge, which lies on the main road running west out of Lusaka and provides access into the central part of the Kafue National Park. This area now hosts a number of camps, although you are unlikely to feel crowded; in fact, the gradual increase in presence has had a positive impact on wildlife sightings, which have improved over recent years. Whilst the Kafue may not compare directly with the South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi in terms of sheer volume of game, it is well known for its diversity of species and is increasingly seen as an essential part of a Zambia itinerary.

The camp accommodates a maximum of 24 guests in large, well-appointed tents set on raised decks overlooking the river. The style is more contemporary than some of its neighbours, which gives it a slight edge in terms of comfort and finish, reflected in the pricing.

Activities include game drives and walking safaris in the park, as well as boat cruises on the river. Access into the park is usually by boat, as vehicles are kept on the park side, although the proximity to Hook Bridge means that road access is sometimes used.

Most guests arrive by road from Lusaka, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Chunga Airstrip is around 20 minutes from camp, making charter access straightforward.

We would generally recommend combining Ila with a few days on the Busanga Plains to the north, where Chisa Busanga offers a very different experience. This can be reached either by driving through the park or by a short seat-in-plane flight from Chunga, which is quicker but more costly.

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