Grysbok Safari: Day-by-day

Set beneath a grove of acacia trees in a private concession on the eastern side of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp underwent a complete rebuild in 2015. Gone is the simple, rustic property, to be replaced by a smart new set up with a much more luxurious style. The camp is fronted by an ancient dried-up watercourse known as the Sumamalisa Vlei, and this, along with the attendant waterhole, provides a great place to view the large herds of elephants for which Hwange is famous.

"Excellent experience all around."

Mr P.fromTatsfield

Arrived 11 Sep 2024, 4 nights

The new Somalisa has a much more luxurious style than its predecessor, with comfortable furnishings and top service. Yet although the transformation has been substantial, much of the original character of the camp has been maintained. If you are looking for a classy tented camp with excellent wildlife watching opportunities and superb guiding, then Somalisa would be a great choice. See our full report on Somalisa Camp

Combining huge, stylish suites with top guiding, Nyamatusi raises the bar for luxury safaris in Mana Pools National Park. It’s clear from the outset that African Bush Camps have put a lot of thought into the creation of Nyamatusi. Backed by ancient trees, it looks out over the plains of Mana Pools National Park to the mighty Zambezi, plains roamed over millennia by elephant and buffalo, lion and leopard, warthog and wildebeest.

Widely spaced among the trees, six top-class suites with billowing fabrics and complementary wooden decking seem almost at one with their pristine environment – albeit with air conditioning, private plunge pools and top-of-the-safari-range bathrooms to ensure that creature comforts are just a step or a click away.

Take in the grandeur of the surroundings from your bed, your cushioned terrace, or Nyamatusi’s big viewing deck. Discover the natural wonders of this land as you explore on foot or by 4WD with one of Zimbabwe’s expert professional guides. Or train your binoculars skyward to seek out the avian dramas unfolding above.

"Swish and well run"

Mr & Mrs GfromBrockham

Arrived 15 Oct 2022, 2 nights

As the sun drops below the African horizon, the sunken wine cellar comes into its own, inviting you to select a bottle for dinner – a sumptuous but leisurely three-course meal that you can enjoy alone or share as a convivial group – the choice is yours. See our full report on Nyamatusi Camp

Set on top of a high hill with views that stretch out across the Zambezi Escarpment in one direction and the vast expanse of Lake Kariba in the other, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge has been around, in one form or another, for many years. Extensive renovations in 2009 and a more recent refurbishment in early 2018 means that the lodge now provides probably the most luxurious and relaxing location on the Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba.

"This lodge and surrounding area are very unique and different"

Mr & Mrs TfromSevenoaks

Arrived 16 Sep 2022, 3 nights

One of the more solid and substantial safari lodges in Zimbabwe, Bumi Hills feels more smart hotel than bushcamp: perhaps it’s the stone construction and air conditioning that serves as something as a barrier between guests and the bush. Yet it’s difficult not to be lured in by the views of Lake Kariba, the superb pool and the opportunity to explore the lake by boat, all of which make it very appealing just to relax and enjoy the lake. As such we’d recommend Bumi as a place to break up a safari or perhaps as a place to recover from, or prepare for, a long-haul flight – although with a range of flexible activities, it won't feel at all out of place in a safari itinerary. See our full report on Bumi Hills Safari Lodge