The Bumi Beat!: A wedding paradise at Bumi Hills

The ideal setting for a wedding on Lake Kariba

Bumi Hills has to be one of the world's most idyllic locations for a wedding. Pure African wilderness, soul enhancing views over the mystical waters of Lake Kariba, sunsets to rival any destination along with the incredible hospitality, luxury and unique experience of Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.

One lucky couple and their guests experienced a picture perfect wedding ceremony in September 2011 on what was to be their own private island for the day, in the middle of the lake waters that surround Bumi Hills. The rugby-field-sized island is adorned in part by a lush green thicket of trees where a bull elephant, hidden by the dense foliage, coincidentally stood casually grazing during the wedding ceremony after his long three kilometre swim from the main land, a rare and special event for any time of year here. The occasional crack as he broke off a branch added a special touch to the service. The other part of the island stretches out into a large, idyllic, sandy beach and it is here that the couple joined their hands in marriage. To make things even more romantic this island, when viewed from the air, takes the shape of a heart, the base of which is the beach site where the ceremony was held – how perfect can it get? The colours chosen by the bridal party blended in perfectly with the soft colours of the setting. The ivory, tan, indigo and orange hints in their attire as well as the subtle pinks of their chosen protea flowers blended perfectly with the glorious colours consistent with late afternoons in Kariba. The wedding arch was built out of strong indigenous mopane branches and decorated with flowers and ribbons, whilst traditional Tonga paddles denoted the aisle where flower petals were scattered by the little flower girls and page boy in the lead up to the Bride’s arrival. A simple yet fitting service ensued and culminated in the lighting of an eternal candle by the newlyweds following with the signing of the register. Numerous photos of the bridal party followed before all were transported in style aboard the Karibezi back to Bumi Hills for a lavish reception with dancing into the night!

Bumi Hills can offer an enticing variety of wedding services and links only with the finest wedding planners, photographers and decorators to enhance and ensure lifelong memories of this special occasion.