Big Cave Camp reposes atop an enormous granite whaleback commanding inspirational views across the famous Matobo National Park. Sophisticated African architecture incorporates colossal boulders into a luxuriously appointed thatched lodge positioned amidst ancient Khoisan rock art.

 

 

Find solitude within an intimate retreat as secluded as the original Kalanga grain bins that nestle amongst the rocks.

 

Big Cave borders the Matobo National Park, and game viewing is done both on the private property as well as into the Whovi Game Park. The Whovi wilderness area is a specially protected area for both white and black rhino. Matobo Hills has the last significant population of rhino in Zimbabwe, and the best way to view and photograph these rare creatures is on foot, with a professional guide. Big Cave offers drives into the Whovi Park, with a professional 

guide-to view not only rhino, but also leopard and a selection of plains game.

 

Guests can enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to creep up on these wonderful animals on foot once the correct area has been located by the professional guide. Night drives on the Big Cave wilderness area can be enjoyed (depending on the time of the year) to view the nocturnal creatures of the Matobo Hills.

 

If you would like help save the rhinos you can donate on savetherhino.org.

 

Matobo Hills boasts one of the highest concentrations of birds of prey anywhere in the world. Big Cave has several nesting sites on and adjacent to the property. The Black Eagle is one of the more majestic birds to grace the area, and other sort after species is the elusive Cape (Mackinder's) Eagle Owl. Big Cave offers excellent opportunities for the bird watcher.

 

The Matobo conservation society organises numerous events in Matobo, including two mountain bike races per year which ends at Big Cave, see www.matobo.org for event details. Matobo is ideal mountain biking territory and cyclists can ride through the National Park and on Big Cave property. E-mail info@bigcave.co.za for more information.

 

Matobo Hills gained its World Heritage Status principally on the rich cultural diversity of this area. The Matobo Hills boasts one of the highest concentrations of rock art anywhere in the world. This ancient Khoisan art can be viewed in the both the National Park and even within the immediate vicinity of Big Cave Camp. These famous rock art galleries can be visited on foot or by 4x4.

 

One of the more famous sites is Nswatugi Cave, which is normally combined with a trip to Rhodes Grave, World's View which is a beautiful drive through the Recreational Park.

 

Tours to the nearby Ndebele Village and Whitewaters Secondary School provides an insight into the lives of the local people. The school in particular has been supported by guests of Big Cave Camp for many years. To date a library has been constructed and school fees, science equipment, desks, chairs, sporting goods and building materials have been donated. In times of real hardship a guaranteed meal has also been provided for all the school children. In addition a number of children have had their education sponsored by guests of Big Cave Camp.

 

Today they are still very much involved in promoting tourism to Zimbabwe, after what has been a tough few years. The lodge was expanded to accommodate 16 guests, the property restored to pristine condition and a wildlife sanctuary was created for the natural species of game that occur in the Matobo Hills. The Waddy family continues to live and prosper in this beautiful area.