BUMI HILLS SAFARI LODGE – MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK – LAKE KARIBA

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is set in one of Africa’s finest wilderness locations with an elevated position on a range of remote hills overlooking the vastness of Lake Kariba. Bumi is situated near the north aastern border of the Matusadona National Park and is easily accessible by light aircraft and boat.

The safari lodge has a total of 10 rooms, all with balconies and glorious views over Lake Kariba. A highlight of the lodge is the beautiful infinity pool that seems to blend into the lake horizon and is surrounded by sun and dining terraces on different levels. The lodge interiors have been beautifully finished in a fusion of contemporary western and African styles.

Lake Kariba’s shoreline is rich in wildlife and the lodge’s proximity to Matusadona allows the wildlife to roam freely between the national park and the Bumi Hills private concession. Activities include guided walking safaris, stargazing, boating, birding, catch-and-release fishing, day and night game drives searching for lions in particular, as well as cultural visits to the nearby community.

LOCATION

The lodge overlooks Lake Karibia near the north eastern border of the Matusadona National Park.

Access is via a 1 hour 40 minute light aircraft flight from Victoria Falls to the Bumi Hills Airstrip where you are met and transferred to the camp which takes approximately 5 minutes.

LODGE

Bumi Hills has 10 luxuriously appointed Lake View Suites with amazing sunrise and sunset views over the lake, historic Starvation Island and game-rich shoreline.

All ten suites have air-conditioning, a luxurious ensuite bathroom with bathtub and view out over the lake, hairdryer, battery charging points, mini-bar and a private viewing deck with spectacular views of the lake and its surrounds.

The main area is expansive and houses lots of different spots to sit and enjoy the lodge. Set on expansive wooden decking of different levels there is a dining area, lounges, a games room with pool table, a huge infinity pool with plenty of sun loungers and there is a spa, a gym and WIFI in the main areas.

The Baobab Villa is a beautiful 2-bedroomed private villa with its own living room, bar and indoor and outdoor dining decks is ideal for families or small groups of friends. Offering a personalised experience, the villa comes with the services of a private butler, safari guide and a dedicated safari vehicle and can accommodate 5 guests.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

Situated on the shores of Lake Kariba the beautiful Matusadona National Park was proclaimed a non-hunting area in 1958 and as such is wonderfully rich in wildlife and vegetation.

With a ready supply of regenerative grasses as a source of food and an abundance of water from the lake, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra, and impala have thrived. With this so have the predators, so you can expect incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The lake itself is teeming with huge Nile crocodiles and the lake shore offers fantastic herds of elephants and the Big Five. Birdlife thrives here with a good population of fish-eagles cormorants and giant king fishers.

With 2,000 km of shoreline Lake Kariba is the 4th largest man-made lake in the world and the 2nd largest in Africa – so it’s a truly impressive place to explore, especially by boat.

There is a huge range of activities to enjoy, or you can simply relax and enjoy being pampered at the lodge.

Game Drives – with your experienced guide you will see magnificent wildlife indigenous to the area in hidden spots best for game viewing.

Birding at Lake Kariba – listen to the call of the Giant kingfisher; photograph the Squacco heron or Collared pratincole or simply sit back and enjoy their beautiful songs.

Cultural Excursions – the Bumi Hills Wildlife Area is bordered in the north west by the Chalala and Mola communities which are home to the Tonga people, 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.

Lunch on Starvation Island – after a morning game drive enjoy a delicious lunch on Starvation Island

Private Dinner overlooking Lake Kariba – enjoy a sumptuous dinner under the stars from atop the hills overlooking Lake Kariba.

Walking Safaris – awaken your senses and discover the bush accompanied by an experienced walking guide and explore the area on foot for one to two hours. For a full day walking safari, a private walking guide will need to be pre-booked – please ask. Children under 16 can experience nature walks around the camp led by a child-certified walking guide as part of the Cub Club.

Star Gazing – at night the stars dominate the sky and the guides will show you several star constellations including those which make up the Milky Way.

Night Drives – the private concession allows for game drives after the sun has set when you can experience the bush and elusive nocturnal wildlife around camp.

Boating and Fishing – boat-based adventures offer a unique glimpse into the mysteries of Lake Kariba. Experience the thrill of catch-and-release fishing for tiger, bream or vundu, observe unique bird-life of the area and enjoy eye-level wildlife encounters.

Sunset Cruise – with a sundowner in hand, watch as elephants highlighted against a shimmering sunset drink on the shores of Lake Kariba.

The Ngwana Club – from nature walks around camp and storytelling to cultural arts and crafts and cub club cooking classes, the African Bush Camps’ children focused Ngwana Club creates a fun and educational environment for children on safari.