As the second largest national park in Africa, spanning 22 400 km, Zambia’s Kafue National Park is destined for great things. This magnificent, rugged ecosystem of grassy plains, miombo woodlands, and riverine is home to Ila Safari Lodge, where grand ideas are pioneered, conservation and community reign supreme, and luxury is offered in abundance.
Situated on the banks of the Kafue River, the lodge itself is a sight to behold, yet, in true Green Safaris fashion, in a way that isn’t imposing on its untouched surroundings; Ila Safari Lodge has a lot hidden beneath the hood when it comes to innovative eco-practices.
Considering things like grey water and building materials are not always top of mind when finery is expected. But, guests visiting this Kafue gem get all you’d come to expect when visiting a five-star property, plus the benefits of contributing to conservation just by checking in (greensafaris-foundation.com).
From the nearby Chunga Airstrip, Ila travellers enjoy a scenic drive to the lodge before trading an electric safari vehicle for a solar-powered boat, which takes you across the Kafue River and to the lodge’s doorstep. In this way, eco-innovation is more than an add-on for guests. It’s an asset.
Ila Safari Lodge is where Zambia’s first electric game vehicle was born, showcasing how Green Safaris transcends managing lodges to managing ecosystems. Powered by solar batteries, they are environmentally gentle and enable the lodge to provide Silent Safaris. By eliminating engine noise, these safaris enhance the natural sounds of the bush while minimising wildlife disturbance.
Solar-powered boats offer the same courtesy to the Kafue River while etching you closer to the spectacular infinity-shaped boma that claims attention—even from the herds of elephants that frequent the banks directly across the lodge to drink, play and tussle.
The boma, built on bricks made from abandoned termite mounds and crowned in a casing of sustainably sourced African bamboo, is an emblem that represents Ila Safari Lodge on a greater scale. The concept, Ila Forever, is less about brand preservation and more about safeguarding this precious region for generations.
Luxury Tented Suites orIla Safari House become your home away from home—a base from which to witness incredible wildlife, participate in meaningful initiatives, and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the people who make this so much more than a getaway. This is a life-changing, perspective-shifting experience.
Ila Safari Lodge offers a wealth of experiences in addition to Silent Safaris, including exquisite dining, a floating spa, guided walking safaris, catch-and-release fishing, infinity pool days, bush meals, sunset and lunch cruises, plus a range of conservation activities, such as visits to the Ila Community Garden and local schools.
Discover more of Kafue by pairing your Ila Safari Lodge experience with an adventure at Chisa Busanga Camp. Stay in unique Nest accommodations in one of the world’s most remote safari destinations—the Busanga Plains, known for its dusty pink skies and for having more lions than people.
