Bumi Hills was actually one of my favorite lodges on this trip. 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. What more could you ask for? Steve, our guide made it all fun. 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. However do see it as a secondary safari experience to that at Hwange and Mana Pools.
