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#2 of 4 lodges in Matobo National Park - The Matopos
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Cleanliness
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Travellers' Choice
Big Cave Camp reposes atop an enormous granite whaleback commanding inspirational views across the famous Matobo National Park. Big Cave Camp has a four star lodge with restaurant, as well as a well equipped camp site with adjacent Ndebele village. Sophisticated African architecture incorporates colossal boulders into a luxuriously 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 seven thatched A-frame lodges, 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.
Wonderful experience during our 4 nights stay, warm welcome from everyone, kindness of the staff, excellent food and abundant, impressive knowledge form de guides. We were received like family members. I traveled with my mother 86 years old and she felt very comfortable.
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Date of stay: February 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thanks very much for reviewing Big Cave, and we are so pleased that you enjoyed both the staff, food and your excursions! We thoroughly enjoyed having your mom to stay with us too. Such a lovely lady. Best Regards Channa and Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our first time at this spectacular lodge but it certainly won't be my last. On arrival you definitely get the 'wow factor' with the lodges and reception/dining area built sympathetically into the amazing granite rock landscape! The lodges were stylish and comfortable with a thatched 'A' Frame construction and gorgeous views of the surrounding Matopos Hills. We were fortunate to be hosted by owners Dave & Channa and we really enjoyed the inclusive atmosphere and chat with all the guests and staff dining round the same table. The food was delicious and the lodge staff and activity guides were friendly and knowledgeable! We booked a Rhino Tracking morning and were not disappointed coming across two immature rhinos very quickly and the tracking a male Rhino in foot for some distance which allowed us to take some fantastic pics! If you're doing the Matopos, do it with these guys! …
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:We only booked one night, but we wished we had booked two!!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 07 Feb 2024
Hi Grant, it was so great to meet you! Thanks so much for the lovely review. Channa and I are so glad you had a great time. Rhino tracking is always special ...We really hope to see you again soon, and good luck with New York! Best Dave and Channa
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayd at Big Cave Lodge for two nights. It was low season an very quiet. The whole staff was very friendly and made our stay unforgettable. Deliciius food under the stars in a amazing landscaoe and atmosphere. The pool is embedded in the rock, as well as a beautiful veranda by the pool with a small lounge. Everything was perfect. High recommended! Thanks to Gery and team to had us as your guests.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thanks so much for reviewing Big Cave. We are really happy that you enjoyed your stay, and hope see you back again soon! Best Dave Waddy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great location. Great food. Great activities. Everyone there is very friendly. The guides and the managers are well informed and really care about making sure you have a great experience. The rooms are spacious and very clean. This lodge is definitely worth checking out.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 09 Jan 2024
Thanks so much for the positive feedback Fiona. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay. Its very motivating for our staff to get such positive feedback too. We hope see you back to stay with us again soon! Best Regards Dave Waddy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Big Cave is the perfect private hideaway to relax and recharge your batteries. Cozy and comfortable accommodation, good food, and they cater to various dietary requirements. Definitely the kind of place one would like to visit over and over again.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 26 Sept 2023
Hi Dee. Thanks so much for taking your time to review Big cave Camp. I am very happy that you enjoyed your stay with us, and that you enjoyed the chefs food as well! We look forward to having you back again soon. Best Regards Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Really beautiful lodge in the most unique location. The honeymoon suites are beautiful and all of the team can’t do enough for you. Great location and would really recommend the visit to the local school and orphanage.
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Date of stay: September 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Dave Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 24 Sept 2023
Thanks very much for reviewing Big Cave. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us and the honeymoon suites! Best Dave Waddy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The unique setting amongst the rocks of Matobo, with views to rival World’s View, made staying at Big Cave Camp very special. All the staff were friendly and efficient. The food was delicious. We took the opportunity to get close to rhino with knowledgeable and professional guides - an amazing experience. We will be back.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Dave Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 24 Sept 2023
Good day Gill. Thank you for reviewing Big Cave. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Big Cave. The rhino tracking is indeed a special experience! Best Regards Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A beautiful place with the most amazing staff. Everyone is super helpful and they make your time there super awesome. It’s the place to be if you wanna spend the weekend relaxed and meet a variety of people from all over the world! Food is awesome. Rooms clean and tidy. Rhino walk was amazing Sundowners are an unforgettable experience with the amazing tour guide Tawanda 🔥🔥🔥
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Dave Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 24 Sept 2023
Thanks very much for reviewing the lodge Castro. It's always special to have locals staying with us and so glad that you enjoyed your stay so much! Best Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A quiet and relaxing bush weekend outing to celebrate a family event. Adel and Shepard and all the staff were the consummate hosts. First night was room service with complimentary bubbly..... Activities were relaxed and not rushed.. Hot water showers take a bit of getting used to, but luckily we had summer weather. All in all a very weekend we had
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Dave Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 24 Sept 2023
Thanks Philani for taking time to review the camp. It's always so positive to get such good feedback about our staff and management. Hope to have you to stay again soon! Best Regards Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent two nights in the Camp Site. Was a wonderful site. Clean and well run. The bathroom facilities are roomy with great hot water. The camp scullery well appointed. Camp Manager, Mr Brown was a wonderful host. The site has a great short walk ( 10min) to a Koppie with fantastic views over the region. And it's close to Matopo National Park. We drove straight there and booked a Rhino tracking walk with the NP game guides - was phenomenal. Possibly one of the highlights of my time in Zim. Only regret is we stayed 2 nights instead of 3.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 15 Sept 2023
Thanks very much for the wonderful review of our campsite. We are thrilled that you had such an enjoyable stay, and that Mr Brown looked after all your requirements! Best Regards Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
R 5,264 - R 6,037 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
ZimbabweMatabeleland South ProvinceMatobo National Park - The Matopos
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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