The Sunday News
Roberta Katunga, Senior Business Reporter
ONE of the leading regional safari operators, Africa Bush Camps (ABC) is poised for growth in business next year following huge investment into its operations.
ABC acquired one of Africa’s top destination properties, Bumi Hill Safari Lodge and is constructing another up-market lodge in neighbouring Zambia.
The company’s chief executive officer, Mr Beks Ndlovu, said over the past 10 years of its existence Africa Bush Camps has grown from operating a single camp in Hwange National Park to 10 sites with others located in three countries in southern Africa.
“We are happy that the iconic Bumi Hills Safari Lodge located on a private concession adjacent to Matusadona National Park is now under the umbrella of the ABC portfolio as it provides a link between our properties in Mana Pools and Hwange,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said the company was working at reducing the size of its newly-acquired property to 10 premium rooms to enhance its authenticity while offering a wide range of water activities.
“The seemingly infinite Lake Kariba stretches out below Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and allows us to offer our guests a range of water-based activities on our fleet of private boats. Fishing, birding and wildlife activities abound.
Superb wildlife, incredible fishing and cultural wonder have made this into one of Africa’s top destinations,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said ABC has set sights at opening Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in May next year. The lodge would have its environmentally-conscious reconstruction done by Fox Browne Creative architectures. The Fox Browne Creative team designed the award-winning Somalisa Camp in Hwange.
“Drawing inspiration from local customs and culture, it is a modern contemporary design with tented roof structures to maintain the feel of authentic Africa. The lodge will boast eight twin rooms and two family units comprising four beds each.
“Each unit will have its own indoor and outdoor bathrooms, as well as a luxurious private plunge pool with the main lodge consisting of a lounge with an open plan kitchen and dining area, where the interactive fine dining experience of African cuisine will come to life,” he said.
The refurbished lodge would also have a wine cellar stocked with the world’s finest wines, a gym and spa overlooking the Zambezi River, and a small library with Wi-Fi.
“The communal deck is set on the edge of the stunning riverside, and is home to a sunken boma area and an infinity pool.
Wooden decking floats on the edge of the river, and moves with the water level to create the illusion of sailing a boat, and help to achieve a seamless feel between river and land. The addition of Thorntree River Lodge to the ABC portfolio completes the ultimate southern African safari circuit- Zimbabwe, Botswana and Victoria Falls,” said Ndlovu.
At the beginning of this year, ABC invested about $3 million in refurbishing Somalisa Camp.
