Kariba to Mana

Delight in a fully-immersive dining experience on the tranquil and serene banks of the Zambezi River, sheltered under a twinkling canopy of stars. The riverside dining experience offers an authentic African barbecue-style dinner surrounded by the wilderness of the Zambezi National Park.

Expect an array of delicious items on the menu, with a touch of traditionally Zimbabwean flavours, all freshly prepared on open coal fires. The hotel’s extensive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is served by attentive waiters set to ensure an unforgettable experience. Guests often get the opportunity to dine in the company of meandering hippos, buffalo or elephants.

The Riverside Dining Experience is available to all in-house guests of Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge Hotel exclusively and is available throughout the year, weather conditions permitting.
Advanced reservations for the Riverside Dining Experience are essential.

Experience unparalleled refinement at the Palm River Hotel’s enchanting High Tea on the Zambezi River.
Delight your senses with a sparkling prelude of effervescent hibiscus prosecco, or embark on a journey of flavours with our artisanal brew selection including velvety cappuccinos and aromatic teas.
The experience entails a cascade of delicious treats including picturesque panna cottas, dainty sandwiches, mini macaraons and buttery scones adorned with whipped cream and glistening strawberry preserves.

Under the dappled shade of indigenous trees, and amidst the tranquillity of the flowing river, savour an exquisite experience at the Palm River Hotel.

Available between 15.30 - 17.00 daily. Advanced reservations required.
Email fnb@palmriverhotel.com or call +263 867 719 6873

Absorb the splendour of being on the mighty Zambezi River and relive the historical journey taken by David Livingstone with a cruise aboard one of the Ra-Ikane luxury boats.

A variety of cruises are offered, including breakfast, lunch and sundowner cruises, as well as private charter cruises. Each Ra-Ikane boat has its own crew, made up of a friendly and knowledgeable captain, guide and waiter to ensure that you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Cruise along the mighty Zambezi River, upstream of the Victoria Falls. Minimum 2 & Maximum of 16 passengers. Small and easy to navigate close to the banks for enhanced bird and wildlife viewing.

- Breakfast cruises - continental breakfast, tea, coffee, juice
- Lunch cruises - cold meats, cheeses, breads, salads & drinks.
- Sunset cruises - drinks, snacks

Explore Lake Kariba in an open 4x4 vehicle, driven by your safari guide. Encounter the region's wildlife during early morning and late afternoon drives – the times of day when animals are most active. Learn about the wildlife, their tracks, and the surrounding plants from your expert guide as you experience close-up encounters. On your game drives, enjoy morning coffee, snacks, and evening sundowners set against the beautiful backdrop of a savanna sunset.

The Bumi Hills Wildlife Area is bordered in the north west by the Chalala and Mola communities, which are home to the Tonga, a delightful and very spiritual people who have resided in this area and along the length of the Zambezi river for centuries. They have preserved ancient traditions and still live a largely subsistence lifestyle that is reliant on fishing, livestock and small scale farming. In the village of Chalala these customs have melted together with the inevitable infiltration of modern ways of life. However the luxuries of a permanent electricity and water supply to homes are still absent, leaving the communities still largely reliant on the surrounding environment for their livelihood.

Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area’s rich diversity of avian life, with chances to spot incredible species like the Squacco heron and Collared pratincole. Listen for the distinctive call of the Giant kingfisher or try to capture a photo of the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. Whether you're admiring their beauty or simply soaking in their songs, African birdlife is a marvel to behold.

Enjoy dinner from atop the hills overlooking Lake Kariba. This iconic view is the undoubtedly the best in Kariba.

Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kariba to experience the thrill of a catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a simply a beginner eager to learn the basics, the Zambezi River offers a wonderful fishing adventure. Relax, sit back, and enjoy the serenity of nature, surrounded by the majestic beauty of this iconic African river.

A sunset cruise down the iconic Lake Kariba offers incredible wildlife sightings in the most tranquil setting. The calm waters mirror the spectacular sunset, creating a beautiful backdrop as you enjoy sundowners and spot elephants, birds, and other amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Walking safaris in Zimbabwe present a rare opportunity to explore the African wild on foot. By stepping away from the safari vehicle, you can fully immerse in the environment, awakening your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Our expert walking guides will accompany you through the African bush, offering fascinating insights into wildlife, animal tracks, insects, native plants, and the region’s geology.

Children under 16 can experience nature walks around the camp led by our child-certified walking guides as part of the Cub Club.

After an day in the bush, relax next to the camp fire and allow yourself to get lost in the starry night above. At night the stars utterly dominate the land; their brilliance and immediacy are totally arresting. Our guides have a growing passion in astronomy and are able to show you show you several star constellations including those which make up the Milky Way.

"Ngwana," the Setswana word for “explorer,” is the name of our young adventurer program at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The Ngwana Club offers a variety of safari adventures for children of all ages, including nature walks, cooking classes, traditional storytelling, and arts and crafts. Children’s safari activities are tailored to each family's unique needs and preferences, considering ages and any special interests or requests.

After a morning boat game viewing, enjoy a delicious lunch on Starvation Island

Walking safaris in Mana Pools National Park present a rare opportunity to explore the African wild on foot. By stepping away from the safari vehicle, you can fully immerse in the environment, awakening your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Our expert walking guides will accompany you through the African bush, offering fascinating insights into wildlife, animal tracks, insects, native plants, and the region’s geology.

Explore Mana Pools National Park in an open 4x4 vehicle, driven by your safari guide. Encounter the region's wildlife during early morning and late afternoon drives – the times of day when animals are most active. Learn about the wildlife, their tracks, and the surrounding plants from your expert guide as you experience close-up encounters. On your game drives, enjoy morning coffee, snacks, and evening sundowners set against the beautiful backdrop of a savanna sunset.

The Lower Zambezi River is the perfect setting for an adventurous canoeing safari. Paddle through the shimmering waters of the Zambezi River and take in the scenery of Mana Pools Nationals Park from a unique angle. On your canoeing safari, you’ll get the chance to see wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and incredible birdlife, among others.

Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters of the Zambezi River to experience the thrill of a catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a simply a beginner eager to learn the basics, the Zambezi River offers a wonderful fishing adventure. Relax, sit back, and enjoy the serenity of nature, surrounded by the majestic beauty of this iconic African river.

Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area’s rich diversity of avian life, with chances to spot incredible species like the African fish eagle and saddle-billed stork. Listen for the distinctive call of the African skimmer or try to capture a photo of the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. Whether you're admiring their beauty or simply soaking in their songs, African birdlife is a marvel to behold.