Ilala Country Lodge

Situated on a 240 hectares lowveld game estate, Ilala Country Lodge lies 8km north-west of Messina town and 13km from the Beit Bridge border post. This offers a convenient stop-over, yet also ideal for longer stays or holidays.

The estate is home to several indigenous game, like kudu, impala, gems buck, duiker, warthog and various small animals as well as the prehistoric and endangered Ilala palm species. With prolific birdlife present on the estate, more than 190 species have been spotted to date and rare species like the Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird and the elusive and endangered Ground Hornbill are found here. Bird watching enthusiasts are always well rewarded when staying over. Our clear night skies offer ideal star watching for enthusiasts.

The well-appointed air-conditioned stone & thatch chalets all sleep two adults & two children, all with fully furnished kitchens and full bathrooms. Linen and towels are supplied. TV's in all units. In addition to these six self catering chalets, the stone and 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. We can also cater for smaller coach tours of up to ten couples or ten singles.

Areas of interest in the vicinity include: the Messina Nature Reserve with a large variety of game; scenic drives along the Limpopo River; a small museum at the Civic Centre (Messina); a visit to Beit Bridge border post and the Kruger Park northern entrance at Pafuri Gate. But the most popular attraction is the African Ivory Route, leading to the World Heritage archaeological Iron Age site of Mapungubwe, origin of the renowned Golden Rhino sculpture.