The founding property of Green Safaris, Ila Safari Lodge first opened its doors in 2016 and offers guests the most exceptional safaris on water and on land.

Having never set foot in Kafue National Park, the decision to visit was simplified when I realized Green Safaris owns and operates a stunning camp on the banks of the Kafue River. Through his travels across the African continent-spanning many decades, Dutch-born Founder of Green Safaris Vincent Kouwenhoven developed a love so deep for Kafue National Park, that he calls it his favorite place in the world. 

Getting there from Cape Town isn’t complex. An early morning flight with Southern Africa’s most reliable and on-time airline, Airlink, takes me from Cape Town to OR Tambo International Airport, followed by a late morning flight, also with Airlink from OR Tambo International Airport to Lusaka International Airport. I overnight at the delightful and contemporary Latitude 15, situated in the quiet and leafy Leopard’s Lane in Lusaka with private meet & greets and door-to-door transfers by Tours Africa.

The Beechcraft Baron 58. Photo by Heléne Ramackers
The Beechcraft Baron 58. Photo by Heléne Ramackers

Excited for the final leg the next day, I am flying from Lusaka International Airport with ProCharter on the Beechcraft Baron 58 to the Chunga airstrip. In spite of its small size, the 6-seater aircraft is quite comfortable, with four club-style seats at the back facing each other and a space next to the captain. After a 50-minute flight, the transfer to the lodge takes around 45 minutes, depending on the wildlife seen along the way, and is conducted by Head Guide Joseph.

The boma is light and spacious. Photo courtesy of Green Safaris
The boma is light and spacious. Photo courtesy of Green Safaris

Arriving at the riverbank, Ila Safari Lodge is a short 3-minute speedboat trip away, and seeing the architectural marvel that is the boma area from the water makes it appear almost larger than life. When a fire destroyed the Boma area in 2023, Vincent knew that Ila needed a remarkable reinvention. “This unfortunate event presented me with an opportunity to create a fresh, relevant design that incorporates the latest eco-friendly technologies and building techniques,” Vincent tells me. “The rebuild was inspired by the iconic nest accommodation at Chisa Busanga Camp, but on a larger scale, which blended with the environment and mimicked nature.”

The ten Luxury Tented Suites are situated next to the Kafue River. Photo by Heléne Ramackers
The ten Luxury Tented Suites are situated next to the Kafue River. Photo by Heléne Ramackers

The rebuild of the boma yielded a new era for Ila Safari Lodge and included an infinity-shaped main boma area and more intimate spaces in one structure for guests to enjoy. Redesigning the kitchen improved the functionality and new office and storage facilities were added. Families or friends traveling together can look forward to booking Ila Safari House, an exclusive-use villa with seven rooms and a private pool.

My Luxury Tented Suite number 5 is a haven of tranquility. Photo by Heléne Ramackers
My Luxury Tented Suite number 5 is a haven of tranquility. Photo by Heléne Ramackers

Setting my bags down in Tented Suite number 5, it’s clear that every creature’s comfort imaginable has been thoroughly considered. Each of the ten luxury tented suites is perched on raised decks with the most incredible views over the Kafue River. Soft linens and earthy tones ensure that the suites blend in with the surrounding wilderness, and the use of canvas for the exteriors of the luxury tented suites makes them sustainable and eco-friendly. 

The pool area at sunset. Photo courtesy of Green Safaris
The pool area at sunset. Photo courtesy of Green Safaris

A sought-after spot seems to be the pool area, where guests recline on the loungers under the umbrellas reading a book, or taking a dip as the sun is starting to set. Dinners are also served alongside the pool, and when the colors start changing as the sun sinks below the horizon, it’s the perfect place to say ‘cheers’ and have a sundowner in paradise.

Sustainable materials were used when constructing Ila Safari Lodge. Photo courtesy of Green Safaris
Sustainable materials were used when constructing Ila Safari Lodge. Photo courtesy of Green Safaris

Canvas was used to line the boma and muted tones with African color splashed highlights create warmth and interest in the interiors. The overall design continues to reflect the lodge’s responsibility to blend with the natural environment. Sustainable building materials were incorporated, with a key innovation being the use of Hydroform blocks made from abandoned termite mounds, literally incorporating nature’s design into the structure. Vincent came up with the infinity-shaped boma, which he sketched within the first week of the fire and gave to his architect, Bert Meerdstadt. “It was designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, with a nod to this one lasting for infinity,” Vincent explains. “Our main principle of minimal impact construction has always been at the heart of the building process.”

The domes have open sides, letting in light and air. Photo courtesy of Green Safaris
The domes have open sides, letting in light and air. Photo courtesy of Green Safaris

At the main boma, the area is bright and airy, and the clever design of each dome having open sides as well as there being a retractable lid roof to let in natural light adds maximum illumination. The positioning of the lodge enhances the overall brightness and airiness of the space, while at the same time maximizing views of the Kafue River by including additional decked areas to capture morning sunlight.

Elephants can be seen on the banks of the Kafue River drinking or having a mud bath. Photo by Heléne Ramackers
Elephants can be seen on the banks of the Kafue River drinking or having a mud bath. Photo by Heléne Ramackers

Due to its pioneering eco-friendly approach and recent innovative design, Ila Safari Lodge is a uniquely special place to visit. With the lodge’s commitment to sustainability, guests will savor the opportunity to go on a game drive in the electric E-cruiser, which is so quiet the animals seem somewhat startled when they suddenly spot you as they didn’t hear you arrive. Having brunch on the electric boat is another one-of-a-kind experience as it’s the only boat of its kind in Zambia. Silently gliding along the Kafue River, the only noise you might have to endure is the sizzle of a chef grilling your eggs or choice of pork or beef sausage on the gas stove on deck. This all while herds of elephants come down to the banks of the river for a drink or a midday mud bath.

A gorgeous male lion is seen on a game drive in the expansive Kafue National Park. Photo by Heléne Ramackers
A gorgeous male lion is seen on a game drive in the expansive Kafue National Park. Photo by Heléne Ramackers

Spending three glorious nights here, it’s clear that Vincent’s labor of love is the place to be. Guests from all over the world stay not only for the stylish accommodation or the wonderful food, but possibly because Kafue National Park is such a well-kept-secret, and you will hardly find another game drive vehicle crossing paths with you when out in the bush. This makes for a level of exclusivity unheard of in a national park but sitting a few feet away from an iconic sighting like a lion surely is a privilege not to be taken lightly.

How to book with Audley Travel | B Corp certified tour operator Audley Travel assisted in arranging Heléne’s tailor-made trip. Experts in creating custom journeys that are grounded in the real culture of a destination, every trip is designed by a specialist who has lived or traveled extensively in their respective destination. This expertise is underpinned by an excellent understanding of logistics to piece the trip together, with every experience meticulously planned so it’s just right for each client. To book, visit www.audleytravel.com or call 855 435 1768