Is a premier 4-star luxury property operated by African Bush Camps. It is positioned on a range of remote hills overlooking the vast waters of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, directly adjacent to the northwestern border of Matusadona National Park. It offers a unique safari format by seamlessly blending big game viewing with extensive water-based activities.
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Is an intense, slow-going off-road journey that requires a heavy-duty 4×4 vehicle with low-range capabilities and high ground clearance. While possible for overland enthusiasts, the vast majority of travelers choose a much smoother hybrid road-and-boat combination via Kariba town.
The Paved Road + Boat Option (Highly Recommended).
This method allows you to complete the bulk of the distance on standard paved highways, leaving your car safely behind to cross the lake by water.
The Highway Leg: Depart from Harare on the fully tarred A1 highway, driving roughly 370 kilometers northwest past Chinhoyi and Karoi toward the lakeside town of Kariba. This drive takes about 4 hours and is perfectly suitable for standard 2×4 sedans or luxury vehicles.
The Harbor Boat Connection: Upon reaching Kariba town, you park your vehicle at the Marineland Harbor. From there, the lodge coordinates a pre-booked, 90-minute transfer across the lake in a covered speedboat straight to the Bumi Hills harbor, located just 5 minutes below the lodge gates.
Air access to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is the standard, most comfortable, and highly recommended way to reach the property. Because of its remote location on a hillside overlooking Lake Kariba, arriving by bush plane bypasses hours of rugged, unpaved off-road driving.
The Arrival Hub: Bumi Hills Airstrip (FVBM).
All air arrivals land directly at the lodge’s private airfield, the Bumi Hills Airstrip.
The Final Leg: A professional safari guide from the lodge will meet you directly at the aircraft steps upon landing.
The Ground Transfer: The airstrip is located immediately adjacent to the property. The drive up the ridge to the main lodge gates is a brief 5-minute transfer in an open-air 4×4 safari vehicle.
Standard Flight Connections & Travel Times
Scheduled and private light aircraft charter flights link Bumi Hills seamlessly to Zimbabwe’s primary international entry points and neighboring wildlife reserves:
From Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA): A direct charter flight takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, flying over the scenic landscapes of the Zambezi region.
From Harare International Airport (HRE): The direct flight from Zimbabwe’s capital takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Inter-Safari Bush Hops: If you are combining your lake stay with a river safari, light aircraft easily connect Bumi Hills to the Mana Main Airstrip (for Nyamatusi Camp) in about 40 to 45 minutes, or to Hwange National Park in just over 1 hour.
The lodge features two primary accommodation styles designed to blend sleek, contemporary design with organic African textures:
10 Premium Luxury Suites: These expansive, air-conditioned rooms feature plush king-sized beds (convertible to twins) draped in mosquito netting. Each suite includes a dedicated indoor lounge, a writing desk, an initially stocked minibar, and a luxury en-suite bathroom with a standalone soaking tub and a separate indoor shower. Sliding glass doors lead out onto a private viewing balcony overlooking the lake.
Baobab Villa (2-Bedroom Family Villa): A completely private, exclusive-use villa tailored for families or small groups traveling together. It features two large en-suite bedrooms, a central connected living room, a private dining area, and a dedicated butler to manage your daily schedule.
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While staying at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, you might be wondering what activities you can engage in. Below we have listed some of the top safari accommodations you can book and do while staying at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.
Water-Based Activities.
The vast waters of Lake Kariba provide a distinct safari experience right at the lodge’s doorstep:
Shoreline Boat Cruises: Morning, afternoon, and sunset boat safaris glide along the lake’s edge. This offers close-up views of large elephant herds swimming between islands, pods of hippos, and crocodiles sunning on the banks.
Tiger Fishing: Lake Kariba is world-renowned for catch-and-release sport fishing. Guests can fish for the aggressive, hard-fighting tigerfish or abundant bream species, with all tackle, bait, and boat gear provided.
Sunset Cruises: A relaxing evening tradition featuring drinks and appetizers on the water while watching Kariba’s iconic red sunsets over the flooded, skeletal leadwood trees.
Land-Based Safaris
The lodge’s private conservation concession and neighboring Matusadona National Park host a wide array of classic African wildlife:
4×4 Game Drives: Morning and late-afternoon drives in open safari vehicles track elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and various antelope species.
Night Drives: Using high-powered spotlights, evening drives offer a chance to spot nocturnal predators, genets, civets, and owls that are rarely seen during the day.
Guided Walking Safaris: Led by highly trained, armed professional guides, walking safaris allow guests to explore the terrain on foot, focusing on tracking wildlife footprints, native flora, and smaller ecosystems.
Cultural & Leisure Experiences.
Tonga Cultural Visits: The lodge coordinates guided visits to the nearby Mola and Chalala fishing villages. Guests can interact with the indigenous Tonga people, learn about their rich history, and discover the legend of the river god, Nyami Nyami.
On-Site Wellness: Between safaris, guests can unwind in the lodge’s tiered infinity pool overlooking the lake, visit the full-service day spa and sauna, or use the fully equipped gym.
The Ngwana Club: A specialized youth program offering children age-appropriate activities like nature tracking, cooking classes, and traditional arts and crafts.
Explore Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in gallery format to enjoy and feel the look of it. These are real photos that gets updated regulary to ensure that Bumi Hills Safari Lodge remains up to date with real time information.
Find other safari camps and lodges to stay in that are related to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge that you can either combine with another property for your safari with, or get inspired to book them later on in your next African Safari adventures. The safari accommodations are some of the best that you can visit that are close to Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.
Is a premier, 5-star eco-luxury safari property operated by African Bush Camps. It is located in the remote Nyamatusi Wilderness
The Palm River Hotel is an award-winning, 5-star luxury riverside property located along the banks of the iconic Zambezi River
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity.
In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids.
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