Where elephants roam and fires crackle under starlit skies – welcome to the soul of Hwange at Somalisa Camp. Set in a private concession within Zimbabwe’s iconic Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp is just a short flight from Victoria Falls, yet feels a world away. Known for its remarkable diversity and vast elephant herds, this intimate bush camp offers front-row seats to the drama of the African wild.
Nestled beneath a grove of acacia trees, the camp’s luxury tented suites are a masterclass in rustic elegance. Expect copper slipper tubs, wood-burning fireplaces, and expansive decks with uninterrupted views of the savannah. Modern touches are thoughtfully paired with local design, including Zimbabwe’s vibrant kudhinda fabric. At the heart of the camp, an elephant pool draws families of giants for a drink – often just steps from your sundowner.
Days are filled with guided game drives, birding safaris, and walking adventures through the bush. In the evening, gather by the firepit or spend a magical night at the Somalisa Sleep-Out treehouse, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
INSIDER’S TIP: Spend the late afternoon sitting quietly by the Elephant Pool – it's when the herds are most likely to visit, and the light is pure magic.
3 Nights
1x Luxury Tent/s
Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 7
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Nature, Wildlife
Perched in the hills of northern Zimbabwe overlooking Lake Kariba, Bumi Hills occupies one of the more dramatic positions of any safari lodge in the country. The man-made lake, one of the largest in the world, dominates every view, and its vastness gives the lodge an atmosphere that feels genuinely removed from the ordinary.
The main area is built around a sweeping viewing deck, canvas-covered bar, and open dining room, all orientated towards the water. Suites each feature a private deck, freestanding bath, and indoor and outdoor shower, with the lake filling the horizon. The Baobab Villa, with its two suites, private butler, and exclusive vehicle, suits families or small groups seeking a self-contained experience. Natural wood, local textures, and nods to Tonga heritage run through the design throughout.
What sets Bumi Hills apart from a conventional bush lodge is Kariba. Game drives and walking safaris cover the land side, with lion, leopard, and elephant regularly encountered near Matusadona National Park. But it is out on Lady Jacqueline, the lodge's safari vessel, where Bumi Hills comes into its own. Hippos, crocodiles, and exceptional birdlife crowd the shallows, and a sunset cruise on the lake is hard to beat for the exceptionally lovely skies.
INSIDER'S TIP: Ask about cultural visits to the nearby Tonga community to learn about the legend of Nyami Nyami, the river god of the Zambezi whose story is inseparable from the history of Lake Kariba.
2 Nights
1x Lake View Room/s
Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Watersports, Wildlife
Where the Zambezi flows wild and untamed, Nyamatusi Camp offers a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most pristine safari destinations. Set within Mana Pools National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic beauty and abundant wildlife – this Signature Experience places you steps from the riverbank, where hippos grunt and elephants gather at dusk.
Blending elegance with the rawness of nature, the camp features air-conditioned luxury tented suites, each with indoor and outdoor showers, a stocked minibar, and soft drapery framing sweeping river views. Your private deck and plunge pool make the perfect lookout for watching wildlife wander past. The camp’s stylish main area includes a shared plunge pool, wine cellar, firepit, and bar – inviting spaces to unwind in between adventures. Built sustainably with solar power and locally sourced materials, Nyamatusi is a celebration of eco-conscious design.
Explore the mighty Zambezi through guided canoe safaris, catch-and-release fishing, walking safaris, birding expeditions, and game drives. Every moment here is led by expert guides passionate about sharing the bush’s secrets.
INSIDER’S TIP: Take your morning coffee to your private deck – sunrise over the river is pure, golden magic, often accompanied by a symphony of bird calls.
3 Nights
1x Suite/s
Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
