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 seven 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.
Big Cave Lodge
Cool in summer and warm in winter...
The design of the lodges is A-frame granite under thatch, which ensures they are cool in summer and warm in winter. The eight lodges, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate African creative flair. Included is a honeymoon suite, as well as family rooms for those with small children.
The chalets can sleep up to a total of 21 guests and are configured as follows:
Ndwangu: 1 x Family suite accommodating 2 adult and 2 children with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private deck with breathtaking views.
Bhejane: 1 x Triple chalet including a double bed and single bed with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private viewing deck.
Igogo, Mbila, Bhalabhala: 3 x Twin chalets with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private deck.
Ingwe: 1 x Family room including a double bed and double bunk bed with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private balcony, with stunning views of the valley below.
Ntwane: 1 x Honeymoon suite that can include 2 children on a sleeper couch, lounge area, en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private deck with spectacular views.
Skhova: 1 x Twin chalet with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water.
Khozi: 1 x Single chalet no ensuite bathroom for guides or pilots accommodation. Special rates apply.
Game Viewing & Rhino Tracking
View Rhino on foot...
Big Cave borders the Matobo National Park, and game viewing is done both on the private property as well as into the Whovi Game Park. The Whovi wilderness area is a specially protected area for both white and black rhino. Matobo Hills has the last significant population of rhino in Zimbabwe, and the best way to view and photograph these rare creatures is on foot, with a professional guide.
Big Cave offers drives into the Whovi Park, with a professional guide-to view not only rhino, but also leopard and a selection of plains game. Guests can enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to creep up on these wonderful animals on foot once the correct area has been located by the professional guide.
Activities on the Big Cave 2000 acre private wilderness area include game walks, game drives (approximately 1.5 hours) , and the not to be missed sundowner drive to get the Matopos Hills at its very best!
Night drives on the Big Cave wilderness area can be enjoyed on the private property (depending on the time of the year) to view the nocturnal creatures of the Matobo Hills.
Highest concentrations of rock art in the world...
Matobo Hills gained its World Heritage Status principally on the rich cultural diversity of this area. The Matobo Hills boasts one of the highest concentrations of rock art found anywhere in the world. This ancient Khoisan art can be viewed in the both the National Park and even within the immediate vicinity of Big Cave Camp. These famous rock art galleries can be visited on foot or by 4x4.
Nswatugi Cave: One of the more famous sites is Nswatugi Cave, which is normally combined with a trip to Rhodes Grave, World's View which is a beautiful drive through the Recreational Park. View the hidden lady, who can only be seen when shadow is cast over the painting. The small museum at the car park is also very informative.
Bambata Cave: This very large cave combines fantastic rock art with a wonderful 4 km walk through the National park, with incredible views into the Whovi Game Park. The path first winds its way through the natural forest, and then you slowly gain altitude along a large granite ridge that leads up to the cave. Bambata cave was one of the first sites in Zimbabwe to be excavated , and revealed occupation deposits that date back 3000 years. The rock art is estimated at between 300 - 1500 years old, and is a combination of animal species and depictions of people in trance.
Inanke Cave: Inanke is the remotest of the famous rock art galleries, and pre-booking a tour to Inanke is essential , as this is a full days activity. Guests should also be decently fit, as it is a 7 km walk each way from the car park, with steep inclines and declines. The cave is on the eastern side of the Recreational park, and is also a 1.5 hour drive from camp. The walk is well worth the effort though, as the path is a combination of walking on granite along high ridges, as well as winding ones way through giant whale backs , while walking in superb natural forest. The paintings in my mind have to rate as some of the most incredible rock art on the planet. The paintings are amazing in both diversity and quality, and entering the cave for the first time is just mind blowing.
Tours to the nearby Ndebele Village and Whitewaters Secondary School provides an insight into the lives of the local people. The school in particular has been supported by guests of Big Cave Camp for many years. To date a library has been constructed and school fees, science equipment, desks, chairs, sporting goods and building materials have been donated. In times of real hardship a guaranteed meal has also been provided for all the school children. In addition a number of children have had their education sponsored by guests of Big Cave Camp.
