Big Cave Camp | Matobo National Park
Big Cave Camp is is located on a beautiful thousand hectare privately owned wilderness area, bordering the Matobo National Park, and within the UNESCO World heritage area.
The lodge has been in the Waddy family for three generations, and was purchased by Cyril Waddy in 1947. The lodge is owner managed, and comprises 10 granite under thatch lodges that blend into the natural environment.
Each lodge has an ensuite bathroom, stunning views, and an external balcony. Big Cave offers a wide range of activities with qualified guides Shepherd and Tawanda who are experts in their fields. Choose from Rhino Tracking in the National Park, to a range of walks and drives on the Big Cave wilderness area (including spectacular sundowner spots), or choose to visit the incredible San rock art paintings at one of the famous rock art galleries. Visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes for an amazing historical experience that includes tales of battles fought in the Hills!
Big Cave offers a natural rock pool, unique dining facility in the Leopards Lair lounge dining area, and bush breakfasts and dinners upon request. In addition we offer cultural tours to the local school, Ndebele village and traditional healer.
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants




































Honeymoon suites:
'Kozi' and 'Ntwane', with King size bed, boast voluminous space that includes a lounge area. Both Honeymoon suites are 'A' framed granite under-thatch room that is nestled within the granite rocks on top of a Kopje (Hill) overlooking the Big Cave Camp Valley and the majestic Matopos National Park. 100% Egyptian cotton linen and pillow cases to add to your comfort. Overhead fan to cool in the summer and Aranda Faux minx blanket to keep you warm and snug p in the winter months. En-suite bathroom, flush toilet, shower and double basins with hot running water.
Doors open onto a private deck with spectacular views overlooking Matopos National Park.
These rooms are both situated the highest from the rest of the chalets on the 'Kopje'
















Mbila, Bhalabhala, Bhejane, Skhova, Ndwangu & Igogo
The 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 the majestic Matopos National Park. 100% Egyptian cotton linen and pillow cases to add to your comfort. Overhead fan to cool in the summer and Aranda Faux minx blanket to keep you warm and snug in the winter months.
Double / Twin chalets have 2 standard length single beds pushed together. These beds can be converted to king size with mattress converters.
Bathrooms include en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water.
Double glass doors open onto a private deck.




















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 a Kopje (Hill) overlooking the majestic Matopos National Park. 100% Egyptian cotton linen and pillow cases to add to your comfort. Overhead fan to cool in the summer and Aranda Faux minx blanket to keep you warm and snug in the winter months.
Double / Twin Family room have 2 standard length single beds pushed together. These beds can be converted to king size with mattress converters and 1 double bunk bed.
Bathrooms include en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water.
Double glass doors open onto a private deck.












Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Natural History Tours, Night Drives, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Battlefield Tours, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse-back Safaris, Mountain Biking, Museums, Natural History Tours, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Our qualified guides will take our 4 x 4 safari open vehicles into the Matobo National Park. Once in the Park we will pay for our walking permit of US 20.00 per person. From there we proceed to look for the rhino by vehicle. The vehicle is then parked close to where the rhino were last seen or where we can see fresh spoor, and we then continue on foot. Once we have sighted the rhino we accompany a team of National Parks officers up close and personal to get amazing pictures of the white rhino. US 65.00 per person excluding Park Fees and walking permit. It is truly an amazing experience! US 65.00 per person excluding Park Fees US 15.00 per person, and Rhino walking permit US 20.00 per person. Duration 3.5 hours approximately.












We normally do this activity in the afternoon. Safari Vehicle and guide departs from the lodge entering the Park from the Western side. We proceed to Nswatugi cave, which is one of the best quality San rock art sites in the Matobo National Park, and as a reminder is a World Heritage area. Once we have visited the cave, and chatted about the origin and meaning of the rock art paintings, we then proceed via Maleme Dam to Rhodes Grave. We aim to get to Rhodes Grave / Worlds View around sunset, which makes for a wonderful historical tour, and even better sun downers with an incredible view! US 65.00 per person excluding Park fees US 15.00 per person, and Monument fees US 10.00 per person. Duration 4 hours approximately.




















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.












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.












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.












The Leopards Lair is our main dining area which incorporates a 25 meter boulder into the room.The room has a communal dining facility, lounge area, and the " on the rocks "bar. Guests can also access wi-fi in this area as well. Guests can also sit outside on the terrace if they prefer.









On the far eastern side of the property we have Leopard rock, which has an amazing view across to Rhodes Grave and Worlds view. Here we can offer bush breakfasts and bush dinners.

Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
4 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Hideaways Nantwich, Hwange | Hwange National Park
A hidden gem within a hidden gem, experience this unique and intimate eco-lodge reclaimed from a bygone era. Hideaways Nantwich Lodge has a history closely tied to that of Hwange National Park, as described here by acclaimed author Tony Park. Nantwich Lodge attracts true safari lovers who want to get off the beaten track and discover the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife of Northern Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Perched up on a hill overlooking a large dam with resident crocodile and hippo, the game lodge boasts some of the best game viewing in the area. This remote safari lodge in Hwange National Park promotes conservation and responsible tourism by preserving the natural heritage of this great wilderness.
- Images
- Video
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services















Each room has been lovingly recreated in an eco-friendly way, adding a refreshing modern touch and a new purpose. We have repurposed existing into stylish and useful accents around the lodge, a prime example of true African innovation. All six rooms sleep two guests with four of them having inter-leading doors allowing for families or friends to share yet still have privacy.




Each room has been lovingly recreated in an eco-friendly way, adding a refreshing modern touch and a new purpose. We have repurposed existing into stylish and useful accents around the lodge, a prime example of true African innovation. All three rooms sleep two guests.




Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Pool, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Bath, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Bird Watching, Cooking Courses, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Search for wildlife in an open-air safari vehicle in Hwange National Park. Professional guides embark with our guests in search of wildlife during day and night-game drives. Guests are escorted through the Hwange region in an open game drive vehicle that safely transports them to all the wildlife hotspots. Your guide is an expert in his field and will share his niche knowledge with you while also tailoring your journey to what you are most interested in.
Game drives are either half-day (in the morning or afternoon), full-day, or in the evening for nocturnal game viewing.




The flat plains that Nantwich is known for makes an excellent environment for guided bush walks. The terrain is comfortable to traverse and wildlife is easily viewable. Our expert guides ensure that guests are safe on these walks, while sharing their unique insights about this remote area. Unique to the area are the natural springs close by.




The Hidden Eye is our extraordinary new hide at Nantwich Lodge, a haven designed to captivate and delight our esteemed guests. Nestled amidst the breathtaking natural landscape, this hide embodies the epitome of game viewing excellence. Crafted with meticulous precision, our hide seamlessly merges with the surrounding environment, ensuring minimal disruption to the wildlife that frequents the area. Immerse yourself in the heart of nature’s magnificence, as you witness firsthand the mesmerizing dance of animals in their natural habitat.
Situated mere steps away from our marvellous waterhole, the hide offers an unrivalled vantage point, granting you the privilege of experiencing exhilarating game sightings right from the comfort of the lodge. Whether you seek solace or adventure, our hide is the perfect sanctuary for those seeking an alternative to traditional game drive.




Nothing quite beats a pampering session in the wild African bush, hence the introduction of our in house ecospa at our lodge. Enjoy a variety of luxurious treatments in the natural tranquillity of mother nature and experience the perfect spa and safari holiday in Hwange.
The spa’s philosophy is about rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul through a unique combination of African and Western massage techniques. Set in the magnificent natural surroundings, indulge yourself with some unique treatments and excellent game viewing at the same time on your Hwange safari.




Night drives are a fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of Nantwich Lodge in a whole new light. As the sun sets and darkness falls, our expert guides will take you on an unforgettable adventure through the concession. The night brings out a different side of wildlife, and you'll have the chance to witness animals that are rarely seen during the day.




Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Alternative Accommodation
Ilala Lodge Hotel | Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Ilala Lodge Hotel is ideally located only 8 minutes away from the spectacular Victoria Falls, making it geographically the closest hotel to the waterfall on the Zimbabwean side. As a family-run hotel, Ilala Lodge has 73 stylish, well-appointed rooms, that offer the ultimate in comfort and luxury. The hotel’s location affords guests unique views of the mist that rises from the mighty waterfall, known as the ‘smoke that thunders
Experience gourmet dining at Ilala Lodge Hotels' top-rated Cassia Restaurant. Centrally located only minutes away from Victoria Falls, the newly-renamed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.
Relive the historical journey embarked by David Livingstone exploring the mighty Zambezi River aboard the Ra-Ikane fleet. Named after his instrumental guide, the boats represent the grace of a bygone era honouring the rich history of Victoria Falls and its explorers, adventurers and heroes. The Ra-Ikane offers a variety of cruises, including birdwatching, breakfast, lunch and sunset, as well as private charters.
- Images
- Video
- 360 Panoramas
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants



























Ilala Lodge Virtual Tour
26 twins, with 2 large three-quarter beds in each room.
All rooms have en suite bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV hair dryer, safe and have individual coffee, free WiFi, room service and tea facilities. The rooms are spacious with railway teak furnishings. Complimentary initial stocking of mini bar is also included.
All rooms look towards the Victoria Falls, and the National Park. There are often wild animals grazing on the lawn, and the windows and doors rattle from the force of the water from the mighty Victoria Falls.
All rooms have either a private patio or their own seating area on the lawn, facing the Falls.





6 x double rooms with 1 king size bed in each. 2 of these rooms are inter-leading with Classic twins rooms so ideal for families.
Like the Classic Twin rooms, all double rooms have an en-suite bathroom with separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV hairdryer, safe, room service and have individual coffee and tea facilities and free WiFi. Complimentary initial stocking of mini bar is also included.
The rooms are spacious with railway teak furnishings. All rooms face the mighty Victoria Falls and the Zambezi National Park, so you'll often see wild animals grazing on the hotel lawns - while seated comfortably on your private patio area.





8 Twin rooms with 2 x 3/4 beds in each room. Like the double rooms, these all have an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, twin vanity basins (no bath). Air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV, hairdryer, safe, free WiFi, room service and individual coffee and tea facilities. Complimentary initial stocking of mini bar is also included.
Private patio with sliding doors from the bedrooms, with magnificent views of the sun rising over the Victoria Falls.





12 Double rooms with 1 x king size bed, with an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower (no bath), twin vanity basins. Air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV, hairdryer, safe, free WiFi, room service and Nespresso machine and tea facilities. Complimentary initial stocking of mini bar is also included.
Private patio with sliding doors from the bedrooms, with magnificent views of the sun rising over the Victoria Falls.





2 Classic Suites with 1 x king-size bed & 1 x ¾ bed in each suite. The Classic Suites are situated at the very top of the hotel with amazing views of the Victoria Falls.
All Classic Suites have en-suite facilities with a bathtub, separate shower, air conditioning, overhead fan, satellite TV hairdryer, safe, free WiFi, minibar fridge with complimentary stocking, writing desk, room service and have individual coffee, Nespresso and tea facilities.
A private patio where morning tea & coffee can be enjoyed while watching the sun rise over the mighty Victoria Falls.







2 Executive Suites in our new wing. Each suite has their own separate lounge area with satellite TV, Nespresso coffee machine, as well as tea making facilities, air conditioning, fan, lounge suite, writing desk, mini bar fridge, room service, private patio with sliding doors that lead off the lounge.
Separate bedroom adjoins the lounge but has a sliding door separating the two rooms. A king-size bed, clothes closet, hairdryer, safe, robe and slippers. En-suite facilities with walk-in shower, twin vanity basins and separate bath. Minibar fridge with complimentary stocking.
Own private patio with sliding doors leading off the bedroom.
Magnificent views of the sunrise over the mighty Victoria Falls.







The suite comes complete with a private lounge, kitchen, en-suite bathroom with double vanity basins, walk-in shower and an indulgent bathtub. There is a private balcony, where guests can indulge in a large spa bath while enjoying world-class views of the spray rising above the mighty Victoria Falls waterfall.
Guests receive a complimentary in-room mini stocking of breakfast offerings such as yoghurt, cereal cheese, mini bread loaves etc. as well as a relaxing river cruise - subject to availability.
In addition to offering an ideal romantic retreat, the suite can also be transformed into a comfortable and spacious family villa, via a pair of interleading doors into a secondary suite and deluxe guest room.









Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Laundry Service (Available), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Detached Private Bathroom, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), ATM, Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service, Travel Desk
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cycling, Fine Dining, Game Viewing, Game Viewing Hide, Horse-back Safaris, Massages, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Elephant-back Safaris, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, Massages, Rhino Tracking, River Cruises, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Squash Court, Tennis Court, Tree-top Canopy Tours, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Experience gourmet dining in Victoria Falls at the top-rated Cassia Restaurant. Centrally located only minutes from the Victoria Falls at Ilala Lodge Hotel, the newly-renamed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.
The Cassia Restaurant delivers an unmatched menu, paired with an extensive wine list comprised of carefully selected wines from South Africa’s top vineyards. The calming and tranquil ambience is further complemented by the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the background. A truly unforgettable dining experience not to be missed.












You know what they say about the early bird? If you are a passionate birdwatcher, don’t miss out on this river cruise! Keen bird lovers will delight in marking off their sightings in the birding booklet provided on board while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast including fruit platters, fresh pastries and a variety of cheeses and biscuits. Rare birds such as the African Pitta and the Narina Trogon have been sighted here, as well as hundreds of other bird species. The knowledgeable and experienced guides conduct these early morning river cruises.

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a continental breakfast as you cruise up the Zambezi River towards Kandahar Island while enjoying the sounds of the diverse birdlife and the African bush come to life in the early morning. Breakfast includes freshly baked pieces of bread and pastries, fresh fruit platters, jams, yoghurts and cheeses as well as an assortment of teas and coffee.

Sit back and relax while sipping a cold drink and enjoying a few quiet hours along the banks of the Zambezi River. Our lunch buffet includes cold meats, fresh salads and a wide selection of biscuits and cheeses, all catered by the award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel. The fully stocked bar is available throughout the cruise and the attentive crew is at your service.

There simply is not a better way to enjoy the dazzling African sunset than from the comfort of a Ra-Ikane boat on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Our ever-popular sunset cruise offers a unique way to explore the channels of the river and to get an up-close view of the pristine wilderness and African game along its banks. Enjoy an array of canapés, a full bar and a charming crew who can impart a bit of interesting Victoria Falls history with you on board the Ra-Ikane.

The Cassia Restaurant
Experience gourmet dining in Victoria Falls at the top-rated Cassia Restaurant. Centrally located only minutes away from the Victoria Falls at Ilala Lodge Hotel, the newly-renamed restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet, lunch and al fresco evening dining under the starry African sky.
The Cassia Restaurant delivers an unmatched menu, paired with an extensive wine list comprised of carefully selected wines from South Africa’s top vineyards. The calming and tranquil ambience is further complemented by the gentle rumble of Victoria Falls in the background. A truly unforgettable dining experience not to be missed.













Your Stay
1 Night
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
4 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 73
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Wildlife, Wine