For those who believe safari is best experienced at a slower pace, this tucked away camp in the remote northern reaches of Hwange National Park delivers in spades. Nestled beneath mahogany and jackalberry trees on an exclusive 80,000 hectare concession, Bumbusi is a magnet for wildlife, particularly elephants who, flock to the spring fed waterhole as the dry season takes hold. Walking safaris are the main event here, with gorges, river valleys and rocky outcrops creating terrain that begs to be explored on foot. But it's the historical dimension that truly sets this camp apart. The nearby Bumbusi National Monument, with its Great Zimbabwe style ruins and rock engravings dating back millennia, adds a layer of depth you simply won't find elsewhere.
The communal areas sit in a natural clearing beneath ancient trees, with fireside chairs arranged around the waterhole for lazy afternoons of armchair game viewing. There's a well stocked library lounge for cooler days or those rare rainy afternoons, while meals are served either in the open air dining area or around crackling fires under the stars. A kettle bubbles over the coals throughout the day, always ready for tea, coffee or a quiet moment of reflection. The vibe is intimate and unpretentious - more family gathering than safari lodge.
Seven stone and thatch chalets dot the lawns, each built to echo the region's historical masonry with carefully preserved stonework. Inside, warm earthy tones, local textiles and vibrant patterns create spaces that feel rooted in place. Five chalets have twin beds, two offer queen sized comfort with proper bath and shower combos, and one family room squeezes in bunk beds for younger explorers. All look out across the lawns toward the waterhole, giving you prime position for spotting whatever wanders through.
Having an 80,000 hectare concession essentially to yourselves. With just seven rooms and no other lodges in sight, you'll feel like you've stumbled upon a corner of Hwange that the rest of the world forgot about.
Ask to be surprised with a bush boma dinner. The team has a knack for setting up candlelit feasts in the middle of nowhere without breathing a word, and it's pure magic when you're expecting a regular sundowner.
Walking safaris are very much the focus here, so if you're after a more traditional vehicle based experience with multiple game drives a day, this probably isn't the camp for you. That said, game drives are available and the terrain makes them wonderfully scenic.
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10 nights from $7.6K per person
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Spot enormous elephants and plenty of predators in Zimbabwe’s safari hotspot.
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