Ila Safari Lodge by Green Safaris Emerges Anew in Kafue National Park
Embark on a journey of unparalleled luxury amid the wild wonders of Kafue National Park, where you’ll discover that the long-adored Ila Safari Lodge has entered a new era.
Kafue National Park, Zambia: Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, Ila Safari Lodge by Green Safaris reopened its doors to guests on 1 March with a fresh identity following a stylish and sustainable rebuild.
The transformation comes after a fire devastated the cherished boma area, prompting a remarkable reinvention of one of Zambia’s premier safari lodges. The lodge now features a brilliant new boma area and a villa, Ila Safari House. Both represent Green Safaris’ continuous endeavour to merge opulence with environmental stewardship.
Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Malindi Sikumba, joined the Ila team to officially commemorate the completed project. In true Green Safaris style, the opening was celebrated with a meaningful hurrah: the Minister cut the last piece of bamboo needed for the boma with a panga.
(Bamboo is a sustainable alternative to typical building materials and is grown in controlled environments by Green Safaris’ conservation team to craft structures that last and that don’t harm the environment.)
“This is indeed a commendable development and we applaud you for a job well done,” said the Minister in a statement following the opening event.
“Ila lodge stands out as a testament to the power of sustainable practices, reminding us that responsible tourism can contribute positively to enhancing the co-existence of human life with the natural world. We therefore urge management and staff of the lodge to continue being a shining example of promoting sustainable tourism in the region.”
His Royal Highness Chief Mulendema and Her Royal Highness Chieftaness Kabulwebulwe joined other esteemed guests, including representatives of various conservation foundations in the park, such as African Parks and The Nature Conservancy, to complete the festivities.
A Forever Build:
Vincent Kouwenhoven, director and founder of Green Safaris, inspired the rebuild, drawing inspiration for the boma from the iconic Nest accommodations at Chisa Busanga Camp, also by Green Safaris.
The nests are sustainably striking, constructed from a simple metal frame and woven with indigenous sticks — a design built to last. It’s this epic concept, the work of architect Bert Meerdstadt, that now features at Ila... but bigger. The new boma resembles an infinity sign, an ode to balance in nature and an omen for the future of Ila and the positive impact the team intends to secure for generations to come.
The construction process in itself exemplifies sustainable development. Ila's boma build involved the acquisition of a machine capable of producing blocks from abandoned termite mounds. Visitors to the space can appreciate that they are, quite literally, sheltered by nature's own design.
More To Marvel At:
In addition to the new Boma, Ila Safari Lodge now boasts Ila Safari House, an exclusive retreat with seven meticulously appointed rooms, including family accommodations and a private pool overlooking the Kafue River. Guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared in the bespoke kitchen of Ila Safari Lodge, ensuring an unforgettable stay immersed in luxury.
While retaining its iconic Luxury Safari Tents for intimate getaways, Ila Safari Lodge invites travellers to explore the wonders of Kafue National Park through a variety of eco-friendly activities, from e-Cruiser and e-Boat expeditions to walking safaris.
Whether embarking on a wildlife adventure or unwinding in the lap of luxury, every moment at Ila promises to inspire and delight.
For inquiries and bookings, contact Green Safaris:
Website: greensafaris.com
Contact: +260 969 864 898; [email protected]
Instagram: @greensafaris
Facebook: Green Safaris
TikTok: @green.safaris
Green Safaris is a eco-safari company with eight lodges spanning Zambia and Malawi. Each property proudly champions unity with nature and community, revolutionising travel by putting people and the planet first. Visit greensafaris.com to book a journey of impact and greensafaris-foundation.com to contribute to the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation.