The design of the lodges is A-frame granite under thatch, which ensures they are cool in summer and warm in winter. The eight lodges, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate African creative flair. Included is a honeymoon suite, as well as family rooms for those with small children.

The chalets can sleep up to a total of 21 guests and are configured as follows:
• Ndwangu: 1 x Family suite accommodating 2 adult and 2 children with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private deck with breathtaking views.
• Bhejane: 1 x Triple chalet including a double bed and single bed with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private viewing deck.
• Igogo, Mbila, Bhalabhala: 3 x Twin chalets with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private deck.
• Ingwe: 1 x Family room including a double bed and double bunk bed with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private balcony, with stunning views of the valley below.
• Ntwane: 1 x Honeymoon suite that can include 2 children on a sleeper couch, lounge area, en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water. Doors open onto a private deck with spectacular views.
• Skhova: 1 x Twin chalet with en-suite flush toilet, shower and basin with hot water.
• Khozi: 1 x Single chalet no ensuite bathroom for guides or pilots accommodation. Special rates apply.
Ndebele Village
Big Cave Camp offers an overnight experience in authentic Ndebele Village Huts. Your Ndebele hut sleeps 2 people at a cost of $20 per person per night.

The hut has electricity and a plug point so you can recharge cameras or phones. The art on the walls was done by a local Ndebele staff member so is completely authentic. There are shared ablution facilities with the Big Cave Camp campsite.

You get the rustic camping experience but with a permanent roof over your head and don’t have to pitch a tent!

Cost $20 per person per night.

Bulawayo Airport (Joshua Nkomo International) is 23 kms from Bulawayo.

There are daily direct flights from Harare and others three times a week from Victoria Falls.

There are also daily direct flights  from Johannesburg and other centres. Check with your travel agent.

Transfers:

Big Cave is 46 kms from Bulawayo. We can arrange pick up from the airport or from a pre-arranged venue in Bulawayo.

Taxis are also available at the airport.

Transfer fees are applicable.

Matobo National Park has a wide diversity of wildlife with 175 bird, 88 mammal, 39 snake and 16 fish species. Animals include rhinos, sable antelopes, impala, kudu, eland, klipspringer and leopards. The park contains a large population of the latter, due to the abundance of hyrax, which make up 50% of their diet. The game park in the west has been designated as an Intensive Protection Zone for the Black and White Rhino as well as hyenas, hippopotami, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest sand ostriches.

Matobo National Park contains the highest concentration of black eagles, and breeding pairs of these birds, worldwide.
A limnological research centre has operated since 1950 at Maleme Dam and researched species such as the yellow-fish Barbus mattozi.
Matobo’s diverse birdlife is reflected in the checklist of 347 species which have been recorded in the area. This is an impressive number for a small park and it is a popular destination for birders. The park is famous for its large concentration of raptors and has the world’s largest concentration of Verreaux’s eagles, which are also commonly known as Black Eagles. They can be seen perched on top of rock formations or soaring along the cliffs in search of prey. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Birds to be seen include: Augur buzzard, Black-collared barbet, Mocking cliff-chat, Black-shouldered kite, Coqui francolin, Spotted eagle owl, African Crowned Eagle, Martial Eagle, African Hawk-eagle, Augur Buzzard, Black-chested and Brown Snake-eagle, African Fish-eagle, Bateleur, Lanner Falcon, African Harrier-hawk, Gabar Goshawk, Rock Kestrel, Yellow-billed and Black Kite, Wahlberg’s Eagle and Steppe Eagle.

Fully inclusive rates include:

• Accommodation twin share, or single
• All meals and snacks
• Drinks – local drinks including beers, wine, soft drinks and spirits.
• Coffee & tea available throughout the day
• Swimming pool
• Relaxing lounge

Big Cave is located in the South West of Zimbabwe in the Matobo Hills and is situated very close to the National Park.

The lodge  is 46 kms, approximately 45 minutes from Bulawayo. The road is tarred right up to the turn off to Big Cave.  A 4WD is not necessary.

Road Distances:

Bulawayo – Beitbridge 320 kms (200 miles)

Bulawayo –  Gweru 164 kms (102 miles)

Bulawayo – Hwange 337 kms (210.63 miles)

Bulawayo – Harare 440 kms (274 miles)

Bulawayo – Kariba 803 kms (502 miles)

Bulawayo – Masvingo 280 kms (174 miles)

Bulawayo – Matopas 45 kms (28.10 miles)

Bulawayo – Mutare 578 kms   (359 miles)

Bulawayo – Nyanga  686 kms (429 miles)

Bulawayo – Victoria Falls 438 kms (274 miles)

Gweru – Masvingo  164 kms (102.5 miles)

Hwange – Victoria Falls 102 kms (63.75 miles)

There are a number of activities you can participate in whilst staying at Big Cave or you can simply relax in your room, in the lounge or by the pool.

Activities include:

• Drives or guided walks on the Big Cave property
• Mountain Biking
• Guided tours to see San Bushman paintings 
• Visit to Cecil John Rhodes grave and ‘View of the World’ (Matobo Hills)
• Guided tour through the Matobo Hills 
• Walking safaris 
• Game drives (Matobo Hills (Matopas)National Park)
• Guided tours of Bulawayo
• Birding 
• Sunset sundowners in the National Park
• Swimming
• Rates exclude museum and monument fees

• Matobo Hills National Park
• Cecil John Rhodes grave and ‘View of the World’
• Bulawayo (40 mins) – Natural History Museum, Art Gallery, Railway Museum, and Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre
• Tshabalala Game Sanctuary (36 kms from Big Cave on the Matopas road towards Bulawayo)
• Khami Ruins (22 kms from Bulawayo on Old Khami Road)
• Maleme Dam

Monthly Averages:

• January        29°C
• February       29°C
• March           29°C
• April              27°C
• May              26°C
• June             23°C
• July              23°C
• August          26°C
• September    29°C
• October        31°C
• November     30°C
• December     29°C
•  

Summer highs can reach   38° to 40°c

Winter lows can reach          5° to 8°c