Things to do in Zimbabwe

Watch elephants paddle in Lake Kariba at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

The ability to set up a romantic or a family lunch on an island beach under a gazebo… people don’t expect this in the bush…

By Simba Nyabereka

Lodge Manager at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Apart from the incredible view what blows people away at Bumi Hills is the level of luxury. Fine-wine pairing with dinner, our state-of-the-art vehicles, the ability to set up a romantic or a family lunch on an island beach under a gazebo… people don’t expect this in the bush.

Bumi Hills is an old soul. There has been lodging on this site since the late 70s when Bumi (which means hill) was a fishing camp. The lake is full of tiger fish. When it was converted into a luxury lodge in 2016 the owners chose quality over quantity. There are only 12 rooms and we are a team of 40, so we offer a very personalised service. We aim to make guests feel like part of the family, and we incorporate children into all of our tours and menus.

Bumi Hills overlooks the shimmering waters of Lake Kariba. The shoreline attracts plenty of wildlife and diverse birdlife. The first thing you see when you step out on to your deck with a coffee is a view of this inland ‘sea’ dotted with islands that stretches for miles.

Our guests have access to one of Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness areas. We are 10 minutes by boat from Matusadona National Park. Wildlife moves freely between the national park and Bumi Hill’s private concession, creating plenty of game viewing opportunities. The camp is not enclosed, which makes it quite special, and it’s not unusual to see warthogs, porcupine and mongoose wandering around.

The two seasons, dry and wet, keeps things interesting. During the dry season when the water levels in the lake drop it exposes fresh floodplains which produce rich grazing grounds for animals. This contrasts dramatically with other regions where grazing grounds are significantly depleted as the dry season progresses. Herds of elephant and buffalo and birds all come to feed on the Kariba riverbed – it’s a great time for wildlife viewing. When the rains do arrive there is once again beautiful green scenery beyond the shoreline.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Unsurpassed Zimbabwe
by Daniel Heatly

Length13 Days

Price range£9,495 - £14,895pp

Alfred & Simba Nyabereka

After five years of working for Cape Town’s high-end hotels, Simba returned home to the vast lowveld of southern Zimbabwe, populated with abundant wildlife. Here he began working with African Bush Camps – the biggest attractions being the high quality product and that no two days in the bush are ever the same. Outside of work, he spends most of his time with family and on the golf course.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Adele, who's travelled extensively in Zimbabwe. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember – the ranger who can show you the best game viewing and fishing spots on the Zambezi, the guide who’ll introduce you to ‘moonbows’ at Victoria Falls and the locals who’ll share their dinner with you.

Adele Jones

Africa Travel Expert for Alfred&

Adele has been travelling for 21 years, with plenty of time in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. As a keen wildlife enthusiast she is fascinated by seeing wild animals in their natural environment, as well as understanding how landscape and topography drive their behavioural patterns. Her experience in Africa got off to a memorable start, with a sighting of a wild dog pack within 10-minutes of landing on her first ever safari trip!
Cloud Magondo

Professional Guide at Nyamatusi Camp

Cloud joined African Bush Camps after five years of experience working as a professional river guide. He has also recently achieved his Professional Guide licence, a highly regarded achievement within the safari industry. His passions are canoeing, star gazing, animal behaviour and birds while also recognising the importance of the smaller things like insects and flora. As a guide who canoes the Zambezi, he has plenty of respect for the resident hippo and crocodiles.
Mark Butcher

Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges

Mark Butcher is an eco-tourism professional with a passion for linking local communities directly to wildlife conservation. In the 80s, he was a ranger for the Zimbabwe Department of National Parks and Wildlife and later, the Provincial Wildlife Officer in the Matabeleland North Province adjacent to Hwange National Park. Mark is now the Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges, a selection of properties that directly benefit disenfranchised communities around Hwange.
Tich Tandi

Sales and marketing manager at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

During more than three decades in the hospitality industry, Tich Tandi has been everything from a waiter to a tours coordinator in a five-star hotel. Originally from Rusape in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, he now works for Wild Horizons in Victoria Falls as part of the sales and marketing team, a role he thoroughly enjoys.
Jane Msamba

Deputy General Manager, Ilala Lodge Hotel

Born in Zimbabwe, Jane began working with Ilala Lodge Hotel as a senior cashier in 1995. She has worked her way through the ranks from Junior Tours Consultant to Tours Manager and this year took up the role of Deputy General Manager of the hotel. Happily married with three children, Jane has recently become a proud grandmother. She lives in Victoria Falls with her husband and the couple is passionate about wildlife.
Francis Nyabadza

Guide at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

Francis Nyabadza grew up hearing the roar of the Victoria Falls, and familiarity has done nothing to diminish his sense of awe every time he takes guests to experience this natural wonder for themselves – something he’s been doing for Wild Horizons since 1997. When not at the Falls, his favourite place to take visitors is the village that hosts the company’s Meet the People cultural activity.