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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.
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 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 up 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'
Room Facilities
Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Lounge, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Queen Bed, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Vanity Cabinet
Mbila, Bhalabhala, Bhejane, Skhova, Ndwangu, Mziki, Mpun& 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.
Room Facilities
Balcony , Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Queen Bed, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Vanity Cabinet, Wardrobe
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.
Room Facilities
Balcony , Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Bunk Bed, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Hand Towels, Laundry Facilities, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Twin Bed, Vanity Cabinet, Wardrobe
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
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available), 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, 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
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.
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
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.
