Professional guide and hotelier, Richard Vickery, was recently appointed as the new General Manager at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The new hosts, Richard and his wife, Michelle, moved from Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa to Zimbabwe in April. The dynamic couple moved into their new home overlooking the magnificent Lake Kariba on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the lake’s official opening in May 1960 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Richard, a Zimbabwean by birth, was delighted to return to his native country and boasts “I love everything about Zimbabwe, and could not wait to come home. The people are amazing, the animals are amazing and the fishing is amazing!” According to Africa Albida Tourism’s MD, Glenn Stutcbury, Richard’s love for the bush & passion for conservation coupled with Michelle’s experience as a qualified Massage Therapist made them the obvious choice to run the ‘new’ Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. “As Bumi is essentially a safari product, with an emphasis on rest and relaxation, Richard and Michelle’s experience makes for the ideal management combination required for Bumi” Glenn said.

A year since its much-awaited re-launch, the over-hauled ‘new’ Bumi Hills Safari Lodge has received plaudits from leisure and business guests alike. A firm favourite on the Africa Albida Tourism circuit, which takes in Victoria Falls, Hwange and Kariba, Bumi is also positioned as an exclusive conference venue, as well as a formidable game sanctuary within range of the lodge.

Lake Kariba is a major feature of Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, so it’s fitting that the month-long 50th anniversary for the largest man-made lake in the world (at the time of its construction) is being celebrated by not only the Vickery family and Bumi Hills, but other lodges and towns in close proximity too.

By Muzi Mohale