Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is situated on top of a hill overlooking the vast Lake Kariba with the awe inspiring Rift Valley escarpment as its backdrop. This popular lodge offers a variety of activities including game viewing in open safari vehicles, by boat and on foot accompanied by professional guides. Among the species that may be seen at Bumi are many elephants and buffalo, massive Nile crocodiles, lions, hippo, the elusive leopard, kudu, water buck, impala, warthog, monkeys, baboons, sable and zebra. The sunset cruise provides wonderful photographic opportunities especially of the famous Lake Kariba sunsets.
Bird watching is a major drawcard for Bumi Hills. You may like to spend a couple of hours in their undergroud hide near the waterhole with the birds and wildlife oblivious to your presence. Why not try your luck at tiger-fishing, one of the most popular activities on Lake Kariba and an adrenalin-rush of note.
Other activities include visits to one of the nearby villages or scenic flights over Lake Kariba, its massive dam wall and the Matusadona National Park. So as you can see there are a wealth of activities which will keep you busy for days.
The centrepiece is the terrace bar and a sparkling infinity pool with mesmerising panoramic views of the lake, perfect for relaxing during the day or enjoying cocktails at dusk. Inside the elegant sitting room has internet facilities, wildlife DVDs and wildlife reference books. There's also a more casual lounge with satellite TV and snooker. Dinners are served in the formal dining room but more usually, on the terrace overlooking the lakeshore. The Spa at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is very popular with sauna, steam room, cold water plunge pool, hot stone massages, relaxation area and sundeck.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge has 20 en suite rooms each with bath/shower, overhead fan, air conditioning, minibar, tea/coffee facilities, and a balcony or veranda. Each has a view of the lake from their balcony. The 10 premium rooms at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge are recommended being larger in bedroom and bathroom size with more privacy. They have a wide-angle view of the lake, so that you can enjoy both the sunrise and the sunset, as well as the historic Starvation Island and of course the wildlife quietly drinking from the lakeshore.
The Lodge houses eight spacious suites, each complete with air-conditioning, a freestanding bath, an indoor and outdoor shower, a mini bar, and a private viewing deck extending out towards Lake Kariba.
The private Baobab Villa is the perfect family retreat or friends’ getaway - featuring two large suites, a living room, and an outdoor and indoor dining area. The Villa also comes with the personalized services of a butler, a guide, and the exclusive use of a safari vehicle - ensuring every aspect of your experience is tailored to perfection.
The Lodge houses interleading luxury suites, with two bedrooms each complete with air-conditioning, a freestanding bath, an indoor and outdoor shower, a mini bar, and a private viewing deck extending out towards Lake Kariba.
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Spa
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities
Bird Watching, Boating, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Health and Fitness Centre, Massages, Safaris, Sailing, Walks (Guided)
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