Bumi Hills Safari Lodge crowns a rugged hill on the Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba, looking across silver water to the Zambezi Escarpment. It sits on a private concession near the north-eastern edge of Matusadona National Park, around 55 kilometres southwest of Kariba town.
The lodge began life as the Bumi Hills Hotel, built in 1972. African Bush Camps, founded in 2006 by Zimbabwean guide Beks Ndlovu of Lupane village near Hwange, reopened it in January 2018 after a three million dollar renovation. The brief was to honour the building’s roots while creating a sustainable business.
Interiors by Fox Browne Creative kept the original stonework central to the palette, drew on the grey of the lake for the main textile tone, and chose furniture mindful of its 1970s origins. Basket weaving from a Harare artisan cooperative features throughout.
On the morning of 28 May 2016, staff found a bull elephant outside one of the lodge’s staff houses, limping badly, with two bullet holes through his left ear and a septic shoulder wound. He had climbed the steep escarpment overnight and drank three buckets of water on arrival.
He had climbed the steep escarpment overnight and drank three buckets of water on arrival.
The team named him Ben and called in wildlife veterinarian Dr Richard Hoare, who flew in that afternoon to treat the bull, believed to be at least 30 years old. The rescue, carried by outlets including TODAY and Africa Geographic, came to stand for the conservation work that surrounds Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.
Lake Kariba is frequently described as the world’s largest man-made reservoir by volume, and Bumi Hills Safari Lodge makes the most of its shoreline. Days follow the rhythm of the water, with boating, sundowner cruises, birding and fishing often shared with elephants and hippos along the bank.
The Lady Jacqueline houseboat carries up to eight guests for a one-night sleepout along the Matusadona shoreline, with walking safaris and boat cruises, or a shorter half-day lunch cruise. Back at the lodge, the infinity pool appears to blend into the lake horizon, edged by dining and wine terraces on several levels.
Boating safaris are very good, and the fishing for tigerfish is superb, all catch and release.
Land-based game drives and guided walks stay on Bumi’s private concession rather than entering the national park, though wildlife moves freely between the two. The area is known for big herds of elephant and buffalo, with lion, leopard and plains game also present. Game densities are lower than some Zimbabwean parks, but the elephant viewing is a real draw.
Conservation runs deep here. The Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit, formed in 2009 and folded into the Bumi Hills Foundation Trust in March 2016, works across the Sebungwe region. Since 2013 it has forensically investigated more than 275 elephant carcasses and removed over 30,000 wire snares.
The African Bush Camps Foundation works alongside neighbouring Tonga communities, supporting Mangwara Primary School near Mola village and the Build a Lion Boma project, which protects livestock and reduces conflict with predators. In 2019 the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority partnered with African Parks on a 20-year agreement to restore Matusadona National Park.
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accommodation
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge houses ten lake-view suites, each with air-conditioning, a freestanding bath, indoor and outdoor showers, a mini bar and a private deck facing the water. The two-bedroom Baobab Villa adds a butler, a guide and a dedicated vehicle, taking the lodge to around 22 guests.
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activities
Cruise the lake at sunset, fish catch-and-release for tigerfish, bream and vundu, or sleep out aboard the Lady Jacqueline houseboat, which carries up to eight guests. Game drives, night drives and guided walks explore the private concession, while the infinity pool and a spa using Africology products handle the downtime.
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conservation
Two efforts share this shoreline. The Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit has removed more than 30,000 snares since 2009, while the African Bush Camps Foundation supports Mangwara Primary School, Mola village and the Build a Lion Boma project, which shields local livestock from predators.
Get in touch and let’s start the conversation. An initial consultation helps us understand what you’re looking for, whether that’s specific experiences, luxury touches, or marking a special occasion, and from there we’ll guide you through what’s possible so you can decide if we’re the right fit.
You fly into Kariba Airport, reached by air from Harare or Victoria Falls, then take a short light aircraft transfer to a nearby airstrip on the lakeshore, followed by the drive up to the lodge on its hill above Lake Kariba. We arrange the flights and transfers as part of your itinerary.
The charter legs are shared and fixed the day before once the airline sets its routing, with luggage limited to soft bags of around 20kg per person including hand luggage, which we confirm before you pack. We can also arrange the legs as a private charter, typically a Cessna Caravan or Pilatus PC-12, flown to your own timings. We time the flight to your arrival at Kariba so the journey joins up.
Yes, the Lake Kariba and Zambezi valley area carries a seasonal malaria risk, so it is not malaria-free. The risk is lower in the dry winter from June to October, the best game-viewing months, and higher through the wet summer.
We recommend confirming the current advice with a travel clinic or your doctor before you travel, taking antimalarials if advised, and covering up against bites in the evening.
The dry-season days are warm with cooler mornings, and it can be breezy on the lake, so bring a light layer for early drives and sunset cruises. From September the heat builds, and October is very hot before the rains arrive.
Bring light, neutral-coloured clothing, a hat, sunglasses and good sun protection, plus a warm top for early starts and time on the water. A swimming costume is worth having for the infinity pool, which is welcome in the heat.
The days pair land and water. On land there are game drives, drives after dark and guided walks across the private concession, and the lake adds sunset cruises and catch-and-release fishing for tiger fish, bream and vundu. There is an infinity pool above the water and a spa for the quieter hours.
For something different you can sleep out on the lake aboard the lodge's houseboat, which takes up to eight guests, drifting away from the shore for a night. We can weave one night on the water into a longer stay if it appeals.
Yes, it welcomes children of all ages and runs a children's activity club for younger guests. Shared game drives are for ages six and over, though younger children can be accommodated on a private vehicle, and the two-bedroom villa comes with its own butler, guide and vehicle, which works well for a family.
Walking safaris are for ages sixteen and over. Tell us your children's ages when you enquire and we will tailor the stay to suit them.
Yes, there is complimentary wifi at the lodge, which is more of a full lodge than a remote bush camp, so you can stay in touch when you need to. Mobile signal is more limited, but the wifi is reliable enough for the odd message or call.
That makes Bumi Hills an easier choice if you have to keep half an eye on work or home during your trip. Tell us if staying reachable matters and we will make sure it works for you.
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our approach
Every journey starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your vision before we start planning.
Whether by phone or in person, we work with you directly to shape something that is considered, personal, and expertly delivered.
