Masumu River Lodge






Masumu River Lodge: Our View
Masumu River Lodge is a hidden gem we came across on our recent trips around Zimbabwe. Even just driving up to the lodge is an experience, as you pass traditional Africa villages and homesteads. The lodge is easy to tie in after a safari in Hwange National Park, being approx. 2.5hrs from the Park's main gate by road. There is also a nearby airstrip which can be used to access this lodge.
Masumu River lodge sits at the western basin of Lake Kariba (near Binga town), which is a hilly, semi-rural, sparely populated area, which makes it even more special coming here.
The lodge’s stone chalet type rooms are dotted along the edges of the cliff that the lodge is built on and offer the most spectacular views over Lake Kariba. At night you can see the endless little fishing boats on the lake, which move around like fireflies in the darkness. Nothing beats sitting with a hot steaming cup of coffee on the verandah of your room or the main lodge building, watching the sun rise over Lake Kariba!
There is an open build bar below the restaurant, again offering the most spectacular vista over the lake. The restaurant often offers freshly caught fish and seafood, which the fishermen bring in from their daily catches.
The nine rooms and two family units are spacious, with ensuite bathrooms and large outdoor patios. The rooms all have air con units as well, as Lake Kariba can get extremely hot during certain times of the year.
We suggest visitors to Masumu River Lodge go on a local village tour, which is really worthwhile and authentic. The best way to end the day is with a catamaran tour on Lake Kariba or soaking in the hot springs near Binga town!
Masumu River Lodge: Quick Facts
- 9 rooms with private balconies and 2 family rooms with private verandahs.
- All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, fans, and mosquito nets
- Air conditioning in all rooms
- Indoor and outdoor dining area
- Bar
- Lounge
- Swimming Pool
- Wi-Fi at reception
- Activities (one activity per day is included in the daily rate): half day tour of Binga town with private guide, Sunset Cruise
- Fishing on Lake Kariba (extra charge)
- Children from 7 years of age are welcome
Masumu River Lodge: The Details
Masumu River Lodge is located near Binga, which is on the south western end of Lake Kariba. The Lodge is built into the slope of a hill and offers stunning panoramic vistas over Lake Kariba from various levels.
Masumu River Lodge has nine spacious and well-appointed air-conditioned rooms as well as two large family rooms. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, fans, mosquito nets, and private balconies (private verandahs in the two family rooms) and offer panoramic views of Lake Kariba.
Masumu River Lodge is an invitation for exploration of the surrounding landscape, waterways, islands, Batonga villages and museums. The Lodge also offers fishing trips on Lake Kariba for those who wish to be a bit more active during their stay. Binga is an area rich in Tongan culture, and we therefor encourage guests to do a Binga town tour with a private guide being the host. On this tour you will visit local museums and engage with the local population. Visiting the thermal hot springs on the shores of Lake Kariba should also be included in any itinerary. For those wishing to remain at Masumu River Lodge, the large swimming pool offers a welcome reprieve from the heat and in the evenings, guests can enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Kariba. Should you wish to connect with the outside world, Wi-Fi is available at reception.
Making Masumu River Lodge your preferred Binga accommodation is an easy choice as it can be reached by either road or light aircraft. Flying into Bulawayo, your drive to Binga will take about 7 hours. Flying into Victoria Falls, the journey by road to Binga is approximately 5 hours.
Binga is known for its fishing and boating. Binga town was built as a solution for the Tongan people who were relocated when Lake Kariba was built and its rising waters covered their traditional homes. It has become a fascinating and rich cultural centre of Zimbabwe, with museums, handicraft industries, village visits and traditional markets.
Masumu is also the also the starting point for scheduled departure houseboat safaris on board the Sovereign, a Lake Kariba luxury houseboat.