As a safari specialist, Ilze jumped at the chance to join an educational trip to explore some of African Bush Camps’ signature properties in Zimbabwe. From the raw, close-to-nature feel of Hwange to the laid‑back lakeside of Kariba and the wilderness of Mana Pools, each camp revealed its own character – all underpinned by standout guiding, warm hospitality, and a genuine, on‑the‑ground commitment to conservation and local communities. Here’s her personal reflection on the journey.
From waterholes in Hwange to Mana Pools sunsets – Here are My impressions of my Zimbabwe safari
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Somalisa Expeditions – Hwange National Park
Somalisa Expeditions is African Bush Camps’ more remote, old‑school tented option in Hwange.
With only five luxury tents and one family unit, it’s intentionally small and unpretentious – relaxed, nature‑focused, and ideal for travellers wanting a stripped‑back, authentic safari.
The main area flows easily from lounge to bar to dining, and guests naturally gravitate to the communal table to swap sightings and stories.
Outside, a deck with plunge pool looks straight over a busy elephant pan where huge herds arrive daily, jostling for drinking space. Watching their family dynamics from the water’s edge becomes an effortless way to pass the hottest hours.
The tents are simple yet well thought‑out – exactly right for a genuine bush camp. There’s no air‑con, but standing fans keep things comfortable. Practical touches like tea and coffee stations, convenient charging points, and good storage mean you’re not roughing it. You’re deeply immersed in the wild – with the sounds of the night right beyond the canvas – and that’s the real magic of Somalisa.
Manager Ivy and host Emmanuel set an easy, welcoming tone. Food is hearty and satisfying, with well‑matched wines at dinner.
Hwange itself was incredibly productive during our stay: enormous elephant herds at the pans, regular lion sightings, plus hyena, wild dog and a broad mix of plains game.
What truly defines Somalisa is the quality of the guiding – a hallmark of African Bush Camps. Our guides were outstanding: deeply knowledgeable, sharp trackers, calm and unhurried, turning every drive into a rich, layered experience.
(Note: Sadly, the African Bush Camps “Expeditions” camps are scheduled to be phased out at the end of next year.)
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Bumi Hills Safari Lodge – Lake Kariba
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge on Lake Kariba is a superb “breather” between more intense wildlife stays – or the perfect final stop when you’re ready for spoiling and serenity.
Set high on a rugged hill in a sun‑bleached, rocky landscape, it feels like a true oasis. The first glimpse of the shimmering infinity pool, framed by loungers and a tall palm, is irresistible – an instant invitation to exhale and switch off.
The views ar spectacular: sweeping from grassy floodplains down to the 300‑kilometre‑long stretch of Lake Kariba. It’s a striking blend of classic bush and lakeside luxury.
Lodge manager Gwinyai and hostess Nyasha were exceptional – warm, observant and genuinely hospitable, making every moment feel personal.
There’s a good choice of dining spaces, from cosy indoor corners to breezy outdoor terraces, where most guests choose to sit and soak up the views. The lower‑level deck, with its pizza oven, is a favourite for easy, relaxed lunches.
Fast, reliable Wi‑Fi is another plus – handy if you need to reconnect with home or work.
There’s a well‑equipped gym and a spa, both of which I made good use of. Meals were consistently excellent, with plenty of variety and beautiful presentation that kept each course interesting.
Ten generous suites step down the hillside, each with a private viewing deck and sweeping vistas. Air‑conditioning is a welcome relief in the heat, and bathrooms offer a choice of freestanding tub and indoor/outdoor showers.
Activity‑wise, Bumi really shines. Game drives explore the hills and lakeshore – on our first outing we followed the water’s edge and found elephants, zebra and waterbuck drinking calmly, ending with a spectacular lakeside sundowner as the sky turned orange and pink.
Boat cruises are a standout here, especially at sunset, drifting among hippos, crocs and prolific birdlife. For something even more memorable, Bumi operates the Lady Jacqueline, a triple‑deck houseboat. You can cruise up‑lake (often towards the Ume River for superb game viewing), dine on deck, and overnight on the water with a plunge pool, air‑conditioned lounge and comfortable cabins – an unforgettable way to experience Kariba.
For those curious about local life, the lodge arranges visits to Bumi Hills Foundation projects. It’s a longer drive through villages – past schools, children on bicycles, and cattle in the road – but incredibly worthwhile. You see exactly how African Bush Camps supports education and human–wildlife coexistence, and you gain meaningful insight into rural life and conservation work.
If you’re after a restorative, high‑end retreat that still feels rooted in safari, Bumi Hills is a superb choice.
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Nyamatusi Camp – Mana Pools
Mana Pools had been on my bucketlist for years, and finally seeing it in person was everything I’d hoped for – I genuinely left a piece of myself there.
From the moment you arrive and look out over the broad Zambezi, framed by the hazy mountains of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi, it feels instantly familiar yet otherworldly. The scenery is remarkable: vast, open floodplains flowing into pockets of dense woodland, giving the area an untamed, almost primeval feel.
Mana is famous for its elephants, and their behaviour here is extraordinary. They have learned to rise up on their hind legs, stretching to reach seed pods from high branches. Boswell, a legendary bull elephant, is said to have pioneered this technique, and others have copied him. Watching it in person is spellbinding – graceful, athletic, and something you’ll likely only see here.
Nyamatusi puts immersive wildlife encounters front and centre, with game drives and walking safaris as the main focus. Our guides, Thabo and Trymore, were superb – passionate about tracking on foot and approaching elephants, lions, buffalo and more. The animals are notably relaxed around people, making walks incredibly intense and exhilarating: all your senses sharpened, completely present in their world.
In the green season (roughly November to March), boating comes into its own. We enjoyed a lovely cruise along the Zambezi, past elephants and hippos at the water’s edge, ending with a picture‑perfect sundowner that felt like the day’s natural conclusion.
The camp itself is beautiful. The high‑ceilinged main area has a downstairs dining space and an upper‑level bar and lounge, all oriented towards those endless river views. We enjoyed poolside pizzas, a memorable curry evening in the outdoor boma, and varied, flavourful meals shared around the communal table.
The six tented suites are gorgeous: generous decks with small (but delightful) private plunge pools, air‑conditioning focused over the bed for perfectly cool nights, and standing fans for extra comfort. Useful touches like a safe, charging station and a well‑stocked minibar reinforce the “luxury in the wild” feel.
Nyamatusi captures the essence of a true Mana safari – adventurous and wild, yet deeply comfortable. Throughout my stay I felt an extraordinary sense of calm; it’s a genuinely special corner of the world. If you’re searching for a destination that marries dramatic wildlife with serene, thoughtful luxury, this is it.
Don’t miss our follow‑up post: Reasons To Visit Mana Pools
