Situated on top of a high hill with views that stretch out across the Zambezi Escarpment in one direction and the vast expanse of Lake Kariba in the other, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge has been around, in one form or another, for many years. Bumi is now emerging from Zimbabwe's turbulent recent past to provide a great option for those travellers seeking a more luxurious, less rustic stay during their time on Lake Kariba.
Although one of the larger safari lodges in Zimbabwe, Bumi Hills maintains a sense of authenticity tempered by lots of luxurious touches. It feels more like a smart hotel than a bushcamp – and yet a few nights here won't feel at all out of place within a safari itinerary.
Bumi has 20 rooms, each with a tiled en-suite bathrooms containing a bath and a shower, and a flush toilet. Various toiletries such as a shaving kit, insect repellant, sun screen and the usual soaps and shampoos are provided.
All these rooms have been re-furbished recently (2009), and benefit from great views. They are split into two categories:
The 10 Standard rooms all have a veranda with a view over the lake. Inside you'll find an overhead fan, air conditioning, a mini-bar, a safe and a tea-coffee station.
The 10 Premium rooms are larger with a balcony and a much more spectacular lake view; they're also more spacious, with very large bedrooms and bathrooms.
Larger groups might also request more information from us about lodge's luxury house boat, which is moored close to the lodge.
The communal area at Bumi Hills overlooks Lake Kariba and is decorated in a simple but striking style with natural colours such as black, tans and creams - black and white wildlife photos adorn the walls. There is a guest lounge with Wi-Fi internet access (albeit the connection is imperfect), a snooker room, a terrace bar and a TV room. Comfortable chairs, a fire place and a small library make this a great place to relax during the evenings. Guests take meals either in a large dining room or on a deck overlooking the lake.
Bumi Hills also offers a spa with a steam room, Jacuzzi, massage tents, and an infinity pool.
Land activities offered from Bumi Hills Safari Lodge focus on Bumi's own private game area, which extends below the lodge and includes a long stretch of lakeshore. Note that this is outside Matusadona National Park itself. The activities include game drives and walks with professionally certified walking guides. Guests can also use game hides, below the lodge, for closer views of the wildlife.
Water activities on Lake Kariba have more flexibility – game-viewing trips by boat can be enjoyed off the private game area, or by the shores of the national park. Fishing with a professional guide is also on offer, as well as bird watching (which is great along this stretch of the Lake), cultural tours of local fishing villages and even a trip to tour of a nearby crocodile farm. Late afternoon 'sundowner cruises' on the lake can be a great time for photography.
In conclusion…Bumi Hills is a large lodge with a great location. It re-opened just over a year ago after an extensive renovation and now attracts affluent local visitors as well as overseas travellers – making for an interesting mix of guests. The Lodge does still do a great job of maintaining a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere despite its size. The breathtaking scenery across Lake Kariba makes Bumi Hills a great place to recover from, or prepare for, a long-haul flight at the beginning or end of a trip.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 20 rooms (10 premium room, 10 standard rooms)
Attitude towards children: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge welcomes children over the age of 10 years.
Generally recommended for children:Expert Africa does not recommend Bumi Hills Safari Lodge for younger children; but having said that … Bumi probably is a better lodge than any other in the region for children. Its rooms and the lodge's immediate area don't have too much dangerous game, and the swimming pool is very inviting.
Notes: Children must be supervised by their parents at all times.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
TV & radio: Wildlife DVDs are available
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge offers a daily laundry service (weather permitting) which is included in the cost.
Return to Bumi
On arrival we were met by Justine who told us she had upgraded us to a Premium Room which meant we had superb, uninterrupted views across the lake, exactly as we remembered them from our first visit i...
We want you to understand more about Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Bumi Hills' homepage The Bumi Hills website has lots of photos, but is currently being updated.
