Photographs & Video By: Tommy and Britt Joyce
Last Updated: 02 April 2026
For those looking to experience a safari beyond the traditional game drive, join Ubuntu Travelers Tommy and Britt on a sunset cruise at African Bush Camps Bumi Hills on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. This is a quieter side of safari, where the focus shifts from tracking wildlife to observing it from the water. At Bumi Hills, the experience extends beyond game drives, with Lake Kariba complementing time spent in Matusadona National Park. Watch their full sunset experience unfold here:
Caption: A sunset cruise on Lake Kariba at Bumi Hills offers a water-based safari experience that complements traditional game drives in Zimbabwe.
As you glide across calm waters, the pace of safari shifts. Elephants move along the shoreline, often stopping to drink or swim, while the open landscape reflects the changing light of the late afternoon. As the sun begins to set, the sky softens into layered tones, offering a different perspective of the surrounding wilderness.
Beyond the elephants, Lake Kariba reveals a quieter side of safari. Pods of hippos surface and bellow as you pass, while Nile crocodiles rest along the water’s edge, almost motionless. Birdlife is constant. African fish eagles call overhead, saddle-billed storks patrol the shallows, and bee-eaters move quickly along the waterline. If you are fortunate, you may even spot a Pel’s fishing owl.
Experiences at Bumi Hills extend beyond traditional game drives, with Lake Kariba offering a range of water-based safari activities that complement time spent in Matusadona National Park. Scroll through the images captured by Tommy and Britt during their first experience.
Photo Gallery: Lake Kariba at Bumi Hills
A selection of images captured by Tommy and Britt Joyce during their safari with Ubuntu Travel at Bumi Hills. Scroll through to get a closer look at the Lake Kariba experience.
Caption: Elephants gather along the banks of Lake Kariba at Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe, during the late afternoon. They were drawn to the shoreline to drink and cool off, a common behaviour in the heat of the day.
Caption: Photographer Tommy Joyce captures elephants during a game drive at Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe.
Caption: Photographer Britt Joyce captures the sunset during a Lake Kariba cruise at Bumi Hills, Zimbabwe. She was photographing the changing light across the water, a defining feature of late afternoon on the lake.
Caption: White-breasted cormorants nest along the shores of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, as the sun sets.
Bumi Hills Lake and Safari Experience on the Edge of Matusadona
With the Zambezi escarpment rising behind it and Lake Kariba stretching out below, African Bush Camps Bumi Hills Safari Lodge offers a safari experience that blends land and water.
Set on a private concession bordering Matusadona National Park, the lodge combines strong wildlife viewing with a completely different safari rhythm.
African Bush Camps Bumi Hills is best for: Honeymooners, couples, and multi-generational families
Suggested length of stay: 2 to 3 nights
Why We Love African Bush Camps Bumi Hills
The views over Lake Kariba are a defining feature. From your suite to the infinity pool, the lake is always in sight. It creates a sense of space and calm that is rare on safari.What makes Bumi Hills stand out is the combination of experiences. One moment you are on a game drive in Matusadona National Park, the next you are on the water, watching wildlife from a completely different perspective.
Best Time to Stay at Bumi Hills
Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park are year-round destinations, with each season offering a different experience.
- The Green Season (November to March): brings dramatic skies, lush landscapes, and afternoon thunderstorms. It is a beautiful time to visit, with fewer vehicles and excellent birdlife.
- The Dry Season (May to October): offers more concentrated wildlife viewing, as animals gather along the lake’s edge. This is when sightings are often at their most consistent.
FAQs about Bumi Hills
Our Travel Design Team has selected a few of the most common questions we receive about Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, helping you understand the experience on Lake Kariba, the wildlife you can expect, and how to plan your stay. Many of our Zimbabwe itineraries combine Bumi Hills with Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park for a well-rounded safari experience.
Where is Bumi Hills Safari Lodge located?
African Bush Camp Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is located on the southern shores of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe. It sits on a private concession bordering Matusadona National Park, with elevated views over the lake and surrounding wilderness. The lodge is typically accessed by a short scheduled flight from Victoria Falls or Harare, followed by a road transfer.
What makes Bumi Hills Safari Lodge so unique?
Bumi Hills stands out for combining traditional safari experiences with lake-based activities. Guests can enjoy game drives and walking safaris in Matusadona National Park, alongside boat safaris and sunset cruises on Lake Kariba. The elevated setting, with uninterrupted views over the water, creates a sense of space and calm that is rare in many safari destinations.
Is Bumi Hills Safari Lodge suitable for families?
Yes. Bumi Hills is well suited to families, including multi-generational travel. The lodge offers flexible activities, spacious suites, and a variety of experiences that cater to different ages and interests. The combination of land and water-based safaris allows families to tailor each day at a comfortable pace.
What wildlife can you see at Bumi Hills and Lake Kariba?
Bumi Hills and the surrounding Matusadona region offer a diverse range of wildlife. On land, you can expect elephant, buffalo, lion and other plains game. Along the lake, elephants are often seen swimming or feeding at the shoreline, while hippos and Nile crocodiles are common. Birdlife is exceptional, including African fish eagles, saddle-billed storks and, occasionally, Pel’s fishing owl.
Are boat safaris and sunset cruises included at Bumi Hills?
Yes. Boat safaris and sunset cruises on Lake Kariba are included as part of your stay at Bumi Hills. These guided experiences offer a different perspective of the landscape, with close-up wildlife viewing along the shoreline and excellent light conditions in the late afternoon.
Is Bumi Hills good for a first-time safari?
Bumi Hills can be an excellent option for a first-time safari, particularly for travelers looking for variety. The combination of game drives, walking safaris and lake-based activities provides a well-rounded introduction to safari, while the lodge’s setting and pace offer a more relaxed and less crowded experience compared to more traditional destinations.
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