Luxury Lodges · Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe
Big Cave Camp
Overview
Big Cave Camp reposes atop an enormous granite whaleback commanding inspirational views across the famous Matobo National Park.
Sophisticated African architecture incorporates colossal boulders into a comfortably appointed thatched lodge positioned amidst ancient Khoisan rock art.
Retire at a day's end to the natural rock-pool and sundeck, the Leopard`s Lair lounge and bar, a cave-style boma for pre-dinner drinks or the popular lodge library.
The ten thatched A-frame cottages, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate African creative flair.
Find solitude within an intimate retreat as secluded as the original Kalanga grain bins that nestle amongst the rocks.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Family Lodge - Ingwe
Family Lodge 'Ingwe' accommodates 2 adults and 2 children The 45qm stand alone x1 Family room is an 'A' framed granite under thatch room that are nestled within the granite rocks on top of...
Honeymoon Suites - 'Ntwane' and 'Kozi'
Honeymoon suites: Big Cave Camp offers two Honeymoon suites, 'Kozi' and 'Ntwane', with King size bed, boasting voluminous space that includes a lounge area. Both Honeymoon suites are 'A' framed granite under-thatch room that...
Standard Double / Twin Lodges
Mbila, Bhalabhala, Bhejane, Skhova, Ndwangu, Mziki, Mpun& IgogoThe 30-40sqm stand alone Double/Twin chalets are 'A' framed granite under thatch rooms that are nestled within the granite rocks on top of a Kopje (Hill) overlooking...
Details
Good to know
Accommodation & amenities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Languages spoken
English
Ideal for
Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Natural History Tours, Night Drives, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Nearby activities
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Battlefield Tours, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Hiking, Historical Tours, Mountain Biking, Museums, Natural History Tours, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Property facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Internet Access (Complimentary), Internet Access, Laundry Service, Library, Malaria Free, Meal On Request, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Parking, Pool, Power Generator, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Vegetarian
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Welcome To Big Cave Camp
Welcome To Big Cave CampBig Cave Camp Lodge Grounds and Rooms
Big Cave Camp Lodge Grounds and RoomsBig Cave Camp Lodge, neatly nestled atop a massive granite boulder, neatly nestled within it's natural surrounds in Matopos, offers a comfortable retreat with cozy rooms overlooking the Matopos National Park. The scenery is not only picturesque; it's steeped in history and spiritual significance. This is a place where beauty intertwines with tranquility offering a serene escape in the Matopos wilderness.
Matopos National Park Activities
Matopos National Park ActivitiesExplore Matopos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site enriched with culture, magnificent landscapes, castellated rock formations among Khoisan rock art galleries in some of the oldest inhabited caves in the Southern Hemisphere.
White Rhino Activity
White Rhino ActivityMatopos National Park is an intensive protection zone for endangered Black and White Rhino tracking in Zimbabwe. National Park's anti poaching unit scouts provide safe and respectful encounters with these magnificent endangered species. Big Cave Camp's visitors can emabark on guided, on-foot tracking excursions, allowing the guests to witness rhino's in their natural habitat, enhancing the sense of connection with this incredible species in Matopos wilderness.
Nswatugi Cave Hike
Nswatugi Cave HikeRock Art Gallery explorations, Nswatugi Cave is one of the eight caves to explore Khoisan Rock art dating back to 13000 years. An exquisite 45minute hike with exhilarating views overlooking Matopos National Park.
Activities
What you can do
Local Drive on Big Cave Property
If you arrive late in the day, or perhaps just feel like having an easy afternoon, then the drive on the Big Cave property is well worth considering. We have quite a lot of plains game to see, 100 year old grain bins, as well as our own rock art hidden away! We normally land up having sun downers at either Leopard rock, or at Lightning rock. Both have magnificent views. Price US 25.00 per person. Duration 1.5 hours.
Rhino tracking in Matobo National Park
Big Cave Camp borders the spectacular Matobo National Park, giving guests exclusive access to both the recreational areas of the park and the Whovi Game Park wilderness. The Whovi area is a highly protected sanctuary, home to both black and white rhino. Our experienced safari guides work hand-in-hand with the National Park’s dedicated anti-poaching unit scouts, ensuring every encounter is both safe and respectful.During a Rhino Walking activity, our guides share the challenges these animals face — from poaching to habitat loss — and explain how conservation teams are working tirelessly to safeguard their future. It’s a chance not only to connect with rhinos in the wild, but also to understand why every encounter is precious, and why protecting them matters for generations to come.This rare opportunity to trek White Rhino on foot allows you to step quietly into the rhinos’ natural habitat and witness these endangered giants up close — an unforgettable wildlife experience found in very few places on earth.
Visit to famous rock art galleries and Rhodes Grave / Worlds view.
Half-Day Historical & Cultural TourDeparting after breakfast or lunch, this immersive excursion begins at lodge reception where your safari vehicle and professional guide set off, entering Matobo National Park from the western boundary.The journey leads to Nswatugi Cave, home to some of the finest preserved San rock art in the park. Here, your guide brings the ancient paintings to life, sharing insights into their origins, symbolism, and the fascinating stories of the San people. This remarkable site forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for both its cultural significance and dramatic landscapes.After exploring the cave, the tour continues via Maleme Dam, where the scenery often reveals tranquil wildlife moments, before ascending to Rhodes Grave, also known as World’s View.Guests are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas and a captivating historical perspective, as your guide recounts the legacy surrounding this iconic landmark.Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Visits to Whitewaters Secondary School, Ndebele village and Traditional healer.
We have been supporting the Whitewaters Secondary School for close to 25 years now. It has been a remarkable project that has taken many different turns over the years. At one point in a severe drought we were feeding the entire school of 480 children lunch every day. Today we are sponsoring over 40 children's education every year through donor funding from our wonderful guests. In addition we are building a large computer block at the school which will have 24 laptop computers for the children to use. This through a Swedish donor Peter Karaszi. Thus guests can visit the school and join classes and chat to the staff, and then we also include a visit to one of the local Ndebele villages, as well as a visit to a traditional healer if requested. US 45.00 per person. No park fees. Duration 3 - 4 hours.
Walk on Big Cave property
We offer a 1.5 hour walk on the property to view rock art, grain bins, balancing rocks and just the general fauna and flora of the Matobo area. The granite is incredibly easy to walk on, and makes for a very pleasant walk. US 10.00 per person. Duration 1.30 hours.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
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