Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
46KM peg, Matobo Kezi Rd, Matobo National Park - The Matopos Zimbabwe
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US$356
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US$356
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US$356
US$299
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
#2 of 4 lodges in Matobo National Park - The Matopos
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Hiking
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Car park
Paid internet
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Bicycle tours
Walking tours
Baggage storage
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Bottled water
Coffee / tea maker
Electric kettle
Walk-in shower
Complimentary toiletries
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Hair dryer
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Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Zulu
Location
46KM peg, Matobo Kezi Rd, Matobo National Park - The Matopos Zimbabwe
Getting there
See all nearby hotels
187Reviews1Q+A23Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 131
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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.
Helpful
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 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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.
+1
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.
Helpful
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.
Helpful
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 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
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.
Excellent location for access to the Motopos and surrounds with a delightful lodge and individual rooms, but service did not meet expectation. The meals / food were not up to the standard required and were, sadly, disappointing.
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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.
Helpful
Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 11 Sept 2023
Hi Paul and Jennifer. Many thanks for taking the time to review Big Cave, and in particular for emailing us with your feedback, which sadly was negative. This however is positive from our perspective as we can then raise the issues, and deal with them in a positive fashion. I will respond to you via email as well. Apologies that your stay was not up to expectation. Best Regards Dave Waddy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Would recommend a stay at the Big Cave Camp. Great setting, very comfortable rooms and fabulous food. A communal dining room table means you get to meet other guests and is very sociable. A guided walk around the lodge grounds is a must!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 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.
Helpful
Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 27 Aug 2023
Thanks very much for the lovely review. We are thrilled that you so enjoyed your stay and hoping to have you back soon! Best Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a great 3 night stay with visiting family and friends from Belgium in July 2023. Guides were excellent, lodges clean and comfy, food and service were great. The staff arranged a superb picnic lunch for our group, out on the rocks on our last day, overlooking the vast and fascinating scenery! Brilliant!!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Plan to leave early if heading by road to Vic Falls or Hwange...with a packed lunch.
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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.
Helpful
Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 17 Aug 2023
Thanks so much for the lovely review. We are so pleased you had such an enjoyable stay! Look forward to you staying at Big Cave again soon. Best Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
This place is wonderful and unique. Built into the rocks on the edge of Matobo National park, the location and the huts are stunning. Sunrises and sunsets from here are jaw-dropping beautiful. Every one of the staff were incredible and the guides were knowledgeable and very helpful. The food was exquisite - served in a dining hall built into the side of a huge boulder - and there were always great options for our varied-diet group. The huts were delightful. Not overly spacious, but well designed, and the views from each one are awesome. Beds were super comfortable and the hot showers were sumptuous. Big Cave was a perfect base for our combination of self-guided tours and tours with their guides. Our guided walk in the bush to encounter a mother and calf white rhino was special. Our particular guide didn’t share as much natural history about the rhinos and the region as we had hoped for, but the rare experience was well worth it. Side note - you can definitely self-guide in the park, but you miss out on some of the local knowledge and will not-likely see the rhinos. And be prepared for roads that are challenging and unpredictable, even for four wheel drive vehicles - including the driveway to Big Cave itself. One of our favorite experiences was a trip outside the park to Silozwane cave where the route suggested by a Big Cave guide took us through beautiful countryside past many villages. The cave is absolutely remarkable and the short side-trip to the top of the mountain provided stunning views. Note: the short walk to the cave was listed as a difficulty of 5 out of 5, but we’d put it at a 3 - as long as you are wearing good walking shoes. When we came down from the cave there was a group of locals with arts and crafts arrayed for us to shop from. It was a great opportunity to learn a bit about them and support the local economy. We'd highly recommend Big Cave to anyone planning to go to Matobo. …
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: 4 wheel drive helpful getting down the driveway to Big Cave if you are self-driving. The water is...
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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.
Helpful
Response from David Waddy, Owner at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
Responded 13 Aug 2023
Hi Tim, thanks so much for your comprehensive review. We are really thrilled that you enjoyed your stay so much with us. Will definitely also take note of your input re the rhino experience with further input from the guides. Thanks very much! Best Regards Dave
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$238 - US$356 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
ZimbabweMatabeleland South ProvinceMatobo National Park - The Matopos
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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Frequently Asked Questions about Big Cave Camp (Lodge)
What are some of the property amenities at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)?
Top room amenities include a mosquito net, a view of the mountains, and a walk-in shower.
What food & drink options are available at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)?
Yes, free parking, a parking garage, and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Big Cave Camp (Lodge) have airport transportation?
Yes, Big Cave Camp (Lodge) offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Big Cave Camp (Lodge)?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Zulu.