- Perched high on a hillside above Lake Kariba with sweeping 180-degree views of the water.
- Ten luxury suites plus the exclusive Baobab Villa, all facing the lake, run by African Bush Camps.
- On the edge of Matusadona National Park — a rewilded Big Five wilderness now under African Parks management.
- A pioneer of the water safari: boat cruises, fishing and the Lady Jacqueline houseboat alongside classic game drives.
- A show-stopping infinity pool that appears to spill straight into the lake.
Why Bumi Hills
Some lodges have a view; Bumi Hills has a horizon. Perched roughly 300 metres above Lake Kariba on the edge of Matusadona National Park, it commands one of the most spectacular outlooks in Africa — a 180-degree sweep of shimmering water, drowned tree skeletons and distant hills. This is remote, dramatic Zimbabwe, reached by light aircraft or boat, and utterly unlike the Falls circuit.
Run by African Bush Camps, Bumi Hills is also a place with a mission. Its Foundation supports anti-poaching and community work across Matusadona, a park being rewilded in partnership with African Parks. Staying here is both a spectacular escape and a contribution to one of Zimbabwe's great conservation comebacks.
The Suites & Setting
Ten luxury suites step down the hillside, each oriented to the lake with a private terrace, plunge pool and floor-to-ceiling glass so the view is always centre stage. Interiors are contemporary and cool — natural stone, timber and linen in soft earth tones — a calm foil to the blazing Kariba sunsets. For families or groups, the exclusive Baobab Villa adds space, privacy and its own pool.
The heart of the lodge is its deck: an open lounge and dining area, a firepit boma and the celebrated infinity pool that seems to pour over the edge into the lake below. As the sun drops and the water turns molten gold, there are few finer places in Africa to raise a sundowner.
Water Safaris & Wildlife
Bumi Hills helped invent the water safari, and it remains the lodge's signature. Boat cruises glide along the shoreline past elephant drinking at the water's edge, buffalo herds and prolific birdlife, while fishing outings chase the legendary tiger fish. The floating Lady Jacqueline houseboat extends the adventure onto the lake itself for multi-day cruising.
On land, Matusadona National Park is recovering fast under African Parks. Game drives explore the shoreline and the interior, with growing populations of elephant, buffalo, lion and antelope, and the park's famous lakeside sunsets. The combination of land and water game viewing is what makes a Kariba safari so distinctive.
The Setting at Sunset
Kariba is famous for its sunsets, and Bumi Hills has the perfect grandstand. Evenings often begin at the circular firepit deck, lanterns glowing, before dinner under the stars. The lodge's elevation means cooling breezes and enormous skies — and a sense of splendid isolation that few African lodges can match.
Best Time to Visit
Bumi Hills is open year-round. The dry season, May to October, is prime for game viewing as wildlife gathers at the shrinking shoreline, and for reliably golden sunsets. The green season (November to April) is lush and quiet, superb for birding and photography, with dramatic storm skies over the lake.
Rates & How to Book
| Location | Lake Kariba, edge of Matusadona National Park |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 10 lake-view suites + Baobab Villa |
| Open | Year-round |
| Style | Hilltop luxury water-safari lodge |
| Best for | Couples, families & water-safari lovers |
Bumi Hills is offered fully inclusive of meals, drinks and activities — game drives, boat cruises and fishing. We tailor your stay and combine it with Mana Pools, Hwange or Victoria Falls — contact us for live rates.
Planning your own Zimbabwe safari? Talk to a Beyond Africa Safaris specialist, browse our tailor-made Zimbabwe packages, explore Zimbabwe's best lodges, or message us on WhatsApp for private, custom pricing.
