Written by: Mareike Pietzsch

Zimbabwe, wedged between Botswana and Mozambique, is a dream destination for walking safaris. “Why’s that?” you may ask. Well, Zimbabwe has dreamy landscapes (desert, bushland, rolling mountains), a tradition of guiding, and, of course, fantastic wildlife – with a guarantee to see the Big Five.

Zimbabwe has many national parks and green areas, which are dotted around the country for nature lovers.

A green patch near Bulawayo, Matobo Hills or Matobo, covers an area of 420km² and is dotted with granite koppies and wooded valleys. “Matopo Hills is a breath-taking backdrop for these amazing creatures. Our two guides have a wealth of knowledge of the bush and the Matobo history!” says David Waddy who runs Big Cave Camp.

Walking safaris with rhino in Matobo are run by Big Cave Camp. David Waddy says, “Our walking experience only takes place with a limited number of guests to view white rhinos up close on foot. Guests spend a large amount of time observing these rare species in their natural surroundings.”

Click here to read the full story
http://africageographic.com/blog/zimbabwe-perfect-destination-walking-safaris/

This camp is located on a large private reserve and is built on a hill with panoramic views across the park to other hills and with the typical sight of rocks precariously balanced at all angles on view for miles in the distance. The approach is via a dirt track and the feel is of total isolation.
The camp consists of a small number of individual chalets scattered across the hill with a common area for guests to eat and relax in a small central building. Within the camp itself are numerous large boulders and indeed the public rooms incorporate one of these into the living space to stunning effect.
The Chalets are spotless and perfectly functional with good showers and comfortable beds but the balconies offer the perfect place to take in the sunset and view the Zebra and Wildebeest grazing in the valley.
The camp manager Lynn made our stay a true pleasure and we cannot thank her enough for her hospitality. Even though we were on our own at the camp we never felt uncomfortable due to her kind and relaxed nature. Everything was organised and efficient. The food be it breakfast lunch or dinner was excellent.
We were able to complete a tour with Shepherd who is a knowledgable and enthusiastic guide. He loves his job and this made for a great adventure when we were able to walk in the bush to see the bushman art and visit worlds view. Shepherd collected us from our hotel in Bulawayo and dropped us off at the bus station after our two day stay. Lynn even arranged for packed lunches to be provided for the bus journey.
We visited with my wife and 10 year old daughter and the memories of Big Cave Camp will remain with my daughter for life. She loved the Lizards and the Dassies (a kind of Rabbit) scurrying about everywhere. The screeches of Baboons and the talk of Leopards roaming the area added to the sense of being somewhere special.
This is not a luxury camp in the sense of 5*deluxe facilities but if you want to be close to nature,to experience warm hospitality and efficient service.to have good food and company and professional guided tours then go here. You will not regret it. Thank you again Lynn and Shepherd and I promise you I will be back.

    Stayed January 2017, travelled with family

Quiet and peaceful in the bush, amongst rocks and caves. Very unique and different. Had a great morning bush walk; several animals around in the afternoon; close to Matobo National Park to explore World's View; good facilities and service; excellent food.

Reviewed on Tripadvisor

Some Guest Feedback from recent guests at Big Cave Camp.

Hi Lin
A quick message to confirm that the mad Brits managed to find their way through Bulawayo and on to Norma Jeans with the minimum of hassle thanks to you and Laura's excellent instructions. We tried to email from there without success so we're doing it now. We've been home nearly a week now but haven't got the dust out of our nostrils yet. I realised that Big Cave was the Africa I'd been looking for, and Jen is in close agreement here. Your hospitality was second to none, and Sheppard definitely the best guide of the whole trip. We'll be telling the tales for a long time
yet,and the "White Rhino" is rapidly spreading in Cornwall!, Thanks again for looking after us, and don't retire too soon as we intend returning with our friends in a couple of years. Hope you coped with the Bikers OK.!
Kind regards
Louis and Jenny

Guests were treated to a special Full Moon dinner at Big Cave Camp this last weekend.

This special dinner, enjoyed a specially prepared menu as well that started off with mushroom vol-e-vants, followed by a traditional braai (barbeque) that included delicious BBQ pork chops, rib eye steak, borewors, potatoes and onions in foil roasted in the fire. And what braai would be complete without sadza and gravy (traditionally prepared meilie pap), as well as the accompanying salads.

Guests enjoyed mini pavlovas with cream, strawberries and a mixed berry sauce under the light of the full moon.

The champagne was popped to celebrate such a special evening!

The chilly evening did not worry the guests too much, and a large fire was lit to help keep everyone warm and to create a wonderful ambience on top of Leopards rock.

Guests commented how amazing and wonderful the evening was.

On return to the lodge, guests were treated to a hot toddy before retiring onto bed.

All in all it was a night to remember!

Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports globally and South Africa leads this trend. Big Cave is an ideal environment to mountain bike in. It is pristine and without many bikers, allowing for some of the best single track mountain biking in the world.

Riding on the granite is an experience not many have had the opportunity to do. It is not uncommon to ride for four or five kilometers on the granite, surrounded by spectacular scenery. Dave Waddy, owner of Big Cave grew up in these hills and is a perfect mountain biking guide. His enthusiasm for the sport has taken him off many beaten tracks and he leads trail rides from Big Cave. Typically set departures with groups spending 5 nights at the camp. Dave then tailor makes the rides to suit fitness levels of the cyclists.

Departure Dates
Start 12 September 2016     End 17 September 2016
Start 07 November 2016      End 12 November 2016
Start 13 February 2017        End 18 February 2017

Click here to download the factsheet for future information

See the link through to the newspaper article. http://www.radiodialogue.com/high-court-blocks-zanu-pf-mp-big-cave-seizure-bid/

Big Cave Camp , Matobo Hills "The Lodge on the Rocks" takes some time to shine a light on the little creatures in their national park which keep the eco system intact. Especially the hyraxes!
They’re often overlooked, especially in Africa where there are so many distractingly magnificent big beasts.

Read more on the Classic Safari Camps blog.

http://www.classicsafaricamps.com/blog/2015/08/the-cycle-of-life-at-big-cave-zimbabwe/