African Bush Camps Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area’s rich diversity of avian life, with chances to spot incredible species like the Squacco heron and Collared pratincole. Listen for the distinctive call of the Giant kingfisher or try to capture a photo of the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. Whether you're admiring their beauty or simply soaking in their songs, African birdlife is a marvel to behold.

The Bumi Hills Wildlife Area is bordered in the north west by the Chalala and Mola communities, which are home to the Tonga, 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. However the luxuries of a permanent electricity and water supply to homes are still absent, leaving the communities still largely reliant on the surrounding environment for their livelihood.

Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kariba to experience the thrill of a catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a simply a beginner eager to learn the basics, the Zambezi River offers a wonderful fishing adventure. Relax, sit back, and enjoy the serenity of nature, surrounded by the majestic beauty of this iconic African river.

After a morning boat game viewing, enjoy a delicious lunch on Starvation Island

Explore Lake Kariba in an open 4x4 vehicle, driven by your safari guide. Encounter the region's wildlife during early morning and late afternoon drives – the times of day when animals are most active. Learn about the wildlife, their tracks, and the surrounding plants from your expert guide as you experience close-up encounters. On your game drives, enjoy morning coffee, snacks, and evening sundowners set against the beautiful backdrop of a savanna sunset.

Enjoy dinner from atop the hills overlooking Lake Kariba. This iconic view is the undoubtedly the best in Kariba.

After an day in the bush, relax next to the camp fire and allow yourself to get lost in the starry night above. At night the stars utterly dominate the land; their brilliance and immediacy are totally arresting. Our guides have a growing passion in astronomy and are able to show you show you several star constellations including those which make up the Milky Way.

A sunset cruise down the iconic Lake Kariba offers incredible wildlife sightings in the most tranquil setting. The calm waters mirror the spectacular sunset, creating a beautiful backdrop as you enjoy sundowners and spot elephants, birds, and other amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

"Ngwana," the Setswana word for “explorer,” is the name of our young adventurer program at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The Ngwana Club offers a variety of safari adventures for children of all ages, including nature walks, cooking classes, traditional storytelling, and arts and crafts. Children’s safari activities are tailored to each family's unique needs and preferences, considering ages and any special interests or requests.

Walking safaris in Zimbabwe present a rare opportunity to explore the African wild on foot. By stepping away from the safari vehicle, you can fully immerse in the environment, awakening your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Our expert walking guides will accompany you through the African bush, offering fascinating insights into wildlife, animal tracks, insects, native plants, and the region’s geology. Children under 16 can experience nature walks around the camp led by our child-certified walking guides as part of the Cub Club.