Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
CEDARBERG RATING
Premier
Overview
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is unique – a secret Riviera in the heart of Africa and a place of beauty. The echoes of ancient African legend are woven into the essence of this quintessential and iconic Zimbabwean lodge.Β Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is the perfect pit-stop between Hwange and Mana Pools- a place to unwind and re-energize in the wilds of Zimbabwe.
The Lodge is situated on top of a hill overlooking the vast Lake Kariba with the awe inspiring Rift Valley escarpment as its backdrop.
Accommodation
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge has 12 en suite rooms each with bath, inside and outside shower, double vanity and separate toilet. Room facilities include a ceiling fan, air conditioning, minibar, tea/coffee facilities, and a balcony or veranda.Β They each 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. Plus two rooms are interleading for families.
Also for families, the 2 bedroom Baobab Villa takes 4 adults or 2 adults with 2 kids. So it’s a stunning family unit. Or it’s ideal for two couples as the bedrooms are identical.
Activities
There’s a wide range of activities to enjoy. 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, buffalo. Add in the 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 underground 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 adrenaline-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.
Facilities
The centrepiece is the terrace bar and an inviting infinity pool. With breathtaking panoramic views of the lake. Perfect for relaxing during the day or enjoying cocktails at dusk. The Spa at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is well-equipped with sauna, steam room, cold water plunge pool, hot stone massages, relaxation area and sundeck.
At A Glance
Off the beaten track
Birding hotspot
Recommended for families
Good Food & Wine
Restaurants
Rural location
Wifi on premises
Wildlife
In Pictures
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge on the map
Rooms
Lake View Room
Lake View suites are sublime with awe-inspiring sunrise-and-sunset vistas over the lake, historic Starvation Island and game-rich shoreline.
Baobab Villa
The Villa is a 2 bedroom, exclusive use villa with its own lounge and deck and includes a private vehicle and butler. The exclusive rate is based on 4 people sharing. The Villa can accommodate a maximum of 5 people, the additional person will be charged at the per person rate for the Lake View room.
Milandi’s Review of Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills was actually one of my favorite lodges on this trip.Β It is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Kariba. And the lake adds a lot of dimension to your experience. You immediately feel at home with friendly, engaging staff, a great infinity pool overlooking the lake and a spa.
It was not as uber-deluxe as Thorntree, but still had a great overall standard of accommodation, as well as a stunning setting overlooking the lake. They reduced the original number of rooms down to 12 rooms including the Baobab Villa. All air-conditioned rooms overlook the lake with an outside balcony, inside and outside showers, separate enclosed loo and twin vanity. However there are plenty of steps to the rooms so not ideal for the very old or frail. The two-bedroom Baobab Villa takes 4 adults or 2 adults with 2 kids so it's a stunning family unit. It could also be used by two couples travelling together as both en suite rooms are identical
Add in friendly, helpful staff, good food and enjoyable activities.Β What more could you ask for? Steve, our guide made it all fun.Β He was very good and engaging. The sunset cruise was stunning with a phenomenal sunset. And the game drive was enjoyable with a large herd of buffalo, elephant, zebra and lots of impalas. There are many activities including visiting some of their empowerment projects, the clinic, bush walks, fishing on a catch and release basis. In the evening, you see hundreds of small fishing boats fishing for Kapenga but this may not be very sustainable.
Overall a wonderful experience. Two nights will be ideal at Bumi Hills; even three nights if time and budget allows.
I would definitely include a stop at Bumi Hills in a Zimbabwe safari to Hwange and Mana Pools It is ideal to be between Hwange & Mana Pools, which are both big wildlife areas. Alternatively you could add it at the end so that you can relax after your main safari.Β However do see it as a secondary safari experience to that at Hwange and Mana Pools.
