African Bush Camps - Bumi Hills Safari Lodge – Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
The key was to remain true to the brand, which is soulful, authentic, layered and warm. Our brief included all menu concepts as well as all of the hospitality training for the staff.
THE BRIEF
The brief from our client, African Bush Camps, was to convert the once iconic Bumi Hills Hotel, built in 1972 and inject life in a considered way that would make commercial sense and create a sustainable business model. The key was to remain true to the brand, which is soulful, authentic, layered and warm. Our brief included all menu concepts as well as all of the hospitality training for the staff.
THE INSPIRATION
The original stonework was integral to the future colour palette, and we used the grey of the lake mirage as our main textile tone. All furniture selected was done being mindful of its 70’s roots. The lodge is all about the view and, with this in mind, the rooms were opened up to make the bed the hero of the room. Zimbabwean basket weaving, sourced from a creative artisan cooperative in Harare, features heavily. The Shona sculptures were purchased from an artist in Harare, and all raw timber furniture was made by artisans in Kariba.
THE RESULT
There are no clever tricks or trendy design statements. Just a lovely camp, with a magnificent view and charming staff who love taking care of guests. That for us is the most important aspect of creating memorable spaces in these beautiful places we were privileged to work in.
