Ten lake-view rooms and a private villa on a hilltop concession above one of the world's largest man-made lakes, with the Zambezi Escarpment rising behind and Matusadona National Park next door.
01 / 07
Overview
Land and Lake, in Equal Measure
Perched on a hilltop with the Zambezi Escarpment behind and Lake Kariba stretching out ahead, Bumi Hills is rooted in the legend of Nyami Nyami, the river god said to protect these waters.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge sits on its own private concession near the northeastern border of Matusadona National Park, where wildlife moves freely between the reserve and the park. Unlike the classic tented camp, Bumi Hills feels more like a polished hotel — ten spacious, contemporary rooms with African decor, an infinity pool that seems to blend endlessly into the lake horizon, a full-service spa, and a gym. Days here mix traditional game drives with the lake itself: cruising, fishing and sunset sailing aboard the lodge's own boat, Lady Jacqueline, in the company of fish eagles and grazing elephant along the shoreline.
10
Lake-View Rooms
1
Baobab Villa
5,580km²
Lake Kariba
1
World's Largest Man-Made Lake
Rooms
Every Room, a Lake View
Ten premium rooms with private balconies over Lake Kariba, alongside a two-bedroom Baobab Villa for families or small groups.
Room — Balcony Over the Lake
01
Private balconyEvery room opens onto its own balcony with uninterrupted views across Lake Kariba to the Zambezi Escarpment.
02
Full amenity standardAir conditioning, ceiling fans, minibar, hairdryer and full charging facilities are standard in every room.
03
Indoor and outdoor showersEn-suite bathrooms include both indoor and outdoor showers, alongside a bathtub in most rooms.
04
Baobab VillaA two-bedroom exclusive-use villa with private lounge, deck, dedicated butler, safari vehicle and guide.
Experiences
Boats, Big Game and Tonga Culture
Bumi Hills combines classic game drives with the water-based activities that make Kariba unique among Zimbabwe's safari destinations.
Signature
Lake Kariba Boat Cruises
Aboard Lady Jacqueline, cruise the lake for wildlife, birdlife and sundowners as elephant drink at the water’s edge.
Fishing
Catch & Release Fishing
Try for tiger fish, bream or vundu from the boat, releasing your catch back into the lake.
Game Drive
Guided Game Drives
Explore the private concession and nearby Matusadona National Park for elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard.
On Foot
Guided Walking Safaris
Walk the shores of the lake with a guide, searching for fossilised dinosaur footprints and resident wildlife.
Culture
Tonga Village Visits
Visit the nearby village of Chalala to learn about Tonga traditions and community projects supported by African Bush Camps.
Wellness
Spa & Infinity Pool
A full-service spa and rim-flow infinity pool overlook the lake, ideal for downtime between activities.
Dining
Dinner Above the Lake
Meals are served alfresco where possible on a deck overlooking Lake Kariba, with a fire pit lit each evening on a lower deck for sundowners.
01The dining deck, overlooking the lake
02The fire pit, for sundowners
03The infinity pool bar
04The spa terrace, for a light lunch
05Aboard Lady Jacqueline, for a cruise lunch
Dinner — Overlooking Lake Kariba
Location
On the Shores of Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills sits on a private concession bordering Matusadona National Park, on the shores of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe.
Lake Kariba spans roughly 5,580km², making it one of the largest reservoirs and man-made lakes in the world.
Wildlife moves freely between the private concession and neighbouring Matusadona National Park.
The lodge is a popular start or end point for a Zimbabwe safari circuit, easily combined with Mana Pools or Hwange.
Children of all ages are welcome, though walking safaris are restricted to guests aged 16 and above.
Fly
Scheduled light aircraft connect Harare, Victoria Falls and Kariba town with the Bumi airstrip.
Transfer
Guests are collected from the airstrip by road or, on request, arrive by boat across the lake.
Arrive
Return shared road transfers from Bumi Airstrip are included in the nightly rate.
Bonus Night
Stay 4, Pay 3
Book three nights at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and receive a fourth free on selected 2026 dates.