Situated on a 240 ha game estate, 8 km north-west of Messina and 13 km from Beit Bridge border post. This makes it a convenient stopover and is also ideal for longer stays.
Ilala Lodge lies on the African Ivory Trail with the Iron Age World Heritage Site of Mapungupwe 30 minutes`drive away.
The air-conditioned stone & thatch chalets sleep two adults & two children, all with furnished kitchens and private bathrooms. Linen and towels are supplied. Televisions in all units.
The stone & thatch main building houses the dining room and four guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms (which sleep two adults and two children).
Full English or continental breakfasts are served and can be arranged on arrival.
Ilala Country Lodge lies the escarpment overlooking the Limpopo Valley, offering sweeping views of the Valley and deep into neighboring Zimbabwe.
Now 20 years in operation, Ilala still provides an ideal overnight facility for tourists and business people on the way up North.
The lodge lies within the boundaries of the Baobab Conservancy, proclaimed many years ago by Prime Minister Jan Smuts. Numerous fine specimens of these giant trees can be seen on the estate and surrounding areas.
The estate is home to several indigenous game species, like kudu, gemsbuck, eland, nyala, impala, duiker, warthog and various small animals.
Recreational activities include:
Bush walks (no drives).
Bird watching, with some 93 species identified in the area.
Swimming (Large pool and lapa on premises).
Braai facilities at all chalets and pool lapa.
Our clear night skies offer excellent opportunity for star observation.
Safe parking with security guard on premises.
Rooms:
The self-catering chalets each consists of one bedroom with double beds and an upstairs loft with two single beds.
Each has a separate bathroom with bath and shower, open plan lounge /kitchen, TV, air-conditioning, barbecue and parking.
The guest-rooms consist of spacious bedrooms, with double beds, lofts with two single beds, bathroom with shower, coffee/tea making facilities, TV, air-con and balconies with panoramic view.
Activities:
The lodge is the perfect stay-over when visiting Mapungupwe Archeological (World Heritage site) dating from the Iron Age.
Mapungupwe also offers a large game park, with i.a. elephant and other big game.
Messina Nature Reserve with large variety of game, is located 14 km South of the lodge.
Scenic drives along the Limpopo River.
The small museum at Civic Centre Messina hosts interesting artifacts as well as replica of the Zeederberg Coach.
A visit to Beit Bridge border post.
Kruger Park northern entrance at Pafuri Gate is one and a half hour`s drive away.
The famous Big Tree is also in the area.
How to get there:
Follow N1 towards Messina. Drive through Messina on N1 towards the Beit Bridge direction.
On the northern exit of Messina, turn left on the (R572)Pontdrift Road. Follow this road for exactly 5 km from the N1 turn-off.
The well sign-posted lodge lies to the left of the road.
Health & Climate:
Hot summers & moderate winters.
