Best of Zimbabwe - 2027

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.

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Credit: Sanile Bafana

Credit: Guest

Credit: Guest

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Guest

Credit: Guest

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Harry Randal

Credit: Harry Randal

Credit: Guest

Credit: Harry Randal

Half-Day Historical & Cultural Tour

Departing 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

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Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Dave Waddy

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Dave Waddy

Credit: Dave Waddy

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Dave Waddy

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Dave Waddy

Credit: Dave Waddy

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.

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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.

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Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Dave Waddy

Credit: Dave Waddy

Credit: Dave Waddy

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Dave Waddy

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

Credit: Channa Geldenhuys

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.

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Morning, afternoon & full day game drives can be arranged on the concession and into the National Park. An abundance of game species can be spotted within the concession and National Park including Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Cheetah, Zebra, Sable, Wild Dog, Leopard and much more!

Within the concession, evening game drives can be arranged with a sunset stopover for sundowners and your choice of beverage. Returning to the lodge by spotlight to find those elusive night animals & arriving back in camp in time to freshen up for dinner.

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After a fireside coffee and delicious muffins, journey into the bush on foot with your professional guide on a walking safari. Enjoy the early crisp mornings as you discover the wonders of the African bush and witness its wildlife come to life. Starting time is first light. Walking Safaris are carried out on our private concession of 6000 acres and are weather dependent.

Walking Safaris only available upon request during reservation.

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Zimbabwe boasts one of the largest populations of this endangered species. A visit to the Hwange Research Centre to learn more about these beautiful painted dogs and the rehabilitation, research and conservation efforts surrounding the centre is highly recommended. There is no entry fee charged but the program kindly asks visitors to either buy something from the curio shop with proceeds going to the program or welcomes any donations.

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Zimbabwe offers a rich, dynamic culture and through the support of our non profit project “The Mother Africa Trust“ we offer visits to local clinics, rural schools and the Dete Old Age Home. A fantastic way to get to know the friendly people and culture of Zimbabwe!

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Spend the day, half a day relaxing near the pan with full waiter service and watch the animals as they get up close and personal.

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Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each. Evening drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights.

PM Game Drive:
Summer Drives are from 15h00 to 18h30
Winter drives are from 15h00 to 18h00

AM Game Drive:
Morning drives before breakfast are from 06h00 to 09h00
After breakfast can be from 08h30 to 12h30

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Robins 10 Seater vehicles Credit: Robins Camp Robins 10 Seater vehicles

Sunset drinks Credit: Robins Camp Sunset drinks Robins Camp 10 Seater vehicles

Optional Game Walks:
USD 65 per person per walk. Min 2 guests and max 6 guests.
Walks last approx. 3 hours. Departs Robins Camp at 07h00, other times are on request.
Game Walk are only available on request and cannot be guaranteed or booked in advance; as safari walks are subject to a walking guide being available.
No children under the age of 16 will be allowed to participate in guided walks unless at the sole discretion of the guide.
Settle direct at lodge.

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Safari Walk Credit: Sarah Kerr Optional Game Walk

River Credit: Robins Camp River Walk

Optional Game Walk Credit: Robins Camp Optional Game Walk

While we do not offer any activities on site our team are happy to help with making arrangements on your behalf.

A leisurely drive in an open safari vehicle is a perfect way to discover the area, and provides an opportunity to see a wider variety of game and scenery as you cover much more ground than on a game walk. Accompanied by your guide, a game drive is a lovely way to spend the morning.

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Arguably the best way to experience and feel in touch with the African bush. Our professional guides have a thorough knowledge of the area and, accompanied by them, you can experience Matusadona 'at its best'. Walks are conducted in the early mornings and late afternoons for your comfort.

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Climb on board our pontoon boat and, together with our guide, you can explore the multitude of bays and river inlets where the birdlife is prolific and elephants and antelope abound.

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Kariba is a fisherman’s paradise! Why not try your hand at fighting the renowned Tiger Fish for which people from all over the world return time and time again to catch. Alternatively bream fishing is always a pleasure and one's daily catch can be returned to you 'a la' snacks.

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A short boat ride across the lake will bring you to the scenic Sanyati Gorge, where you can meander peacefully through the steep cliffs for up to 10 km. The Sanyati Gorge is both unspoilt and undisturbed with an abundance of birdlife, the occasional sighting of antelope and great fishing. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars for this activity as the dramatic landscape will leave you speechless.

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Relax and enjoy one of Lake Kariba’s most popular activities and a favourite at Changa. If you are interested in birding, then our boat cruise is perfect for you as it will provide a different vantage point to get up close and personal to numerous species of birds. Whilst drifting along the banks of the lake, you will also encounter some great wildlife sightings in their peaceful surroundings.

What better way to end your day in Kariba, than listening to the sounds of hippo around you and witnessing an unforgettable sunset on the lake.

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Going on safari is an exciting prospect and, for many, when the dust has been wiped off your boots and the hat hung up till next time, there is no greater pleasure than poring over the special moments you’ve captured on camera.

A native Zimbabwean, Neil Fairlie is a professional wildlife documentary filmmaker with a profound knowledge and deep respect for Africa and its wildlife. His formal experience spans a decade, including the recent Netflix series Our Planet, but his intimate knowledge of the bush, natural instincts and his skill in capturing unique moments of animal behaviour on film make him a brilliant photographic safari guide.

If you enjoy taking photographs in the wild or love the idea of it, there are a few factors we’d like to focus on!

This is a rare opportunity for groups or individuals to benefit from Neil’s skills, both behind the lens and in the bush…

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Morning and/or late afternoon game walks. Mana River Camp offers the perfect environment in which to immerse yourself in nature by enjoying walking safaris. Walking safaris are particularly special in the Mana Pools National Park as the Zimbabweab guides are exceptionally experienced and highly regarded due to Zimbabwe's stingent examination procedures. On your walk, your safari guide will draw your attention to the details that form part of a bigger story, such as beetles, animal droppings, scents, sounds and spoor.

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Game drives take place in the mornings and late afternoons along the floodplains and game rich river banks where there is a high concentration of wildlife. You will explore the floodplains surrounding the camp where the Albida trees attract various wildlife due to the source of excellent protein they provide. These trees are the reason the elephants have adapted to standing on their hind legs to stretch up and reach the delicacies of these Albida trees, especially in the dry season.

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The Zambezi River and the floodplains are the main attractions for birds and birders but the diversity of habitats offers many more bird viewing opportunities. With over 380 species of birds recorded Mana Pools is an excellent birding destination. Although birding is good year-round it is at its best when the migratory birds are present from November to April.

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Mana Pools is often referred to as a photographers dream. No matter what time you travel the unspoiled landscapes and wildlife offer spectacular photo opportunities. To add to the natural beauty at certain times of the year the light in the Zambezi valley is unique. At different times of the day you can take advantage of the dramatic lighting. These light tones go from golden glows of warm reds, yellows and oranges and then at other times the softer, cooler blue lights add to the depth of your images.

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Canoeing on the Zambezi River in the Mana Pools National Park area is an exhilarating and immersive wilderness adventure like no other. Located in the northern part of Zimbabwe, this pristine section of the Zambezi River offers an unforgettable canoeing experience that allows you to connect with nature in its purest form.

The river's waters wind through untamed wilderness, flanked by riverbanks that teem with life. The calm Zambezi River does occasionally surprise with gentle rapids. These rapids are entirely suitable for beginners, offering an enjoyable and energizing aspect to your adventure.

Mana Pools National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, you'll have the opportunity to witness some of Africa's most iconic animals in their natural habitat such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles as well as herds of antelope and buffalo grazing on the lush vegetation.

The birdlife is equally impressive. The Zambezi River is a haven for avian enthusiasts, with colourful kingfishers, majestic fish eagles, and a myriad of other bird species adorning the trees and skies. Your experienced guides will help you identify and appreciate the rich diversity of birdlife in the area.

Early notification is required for canoeing arrangements to avoid disappointment.