Big Cave Camp | The Safari Awards

The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

Big Cave Camp

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Big Cave Camp

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Best Value Safari Property - 2014: Finalist

All you need to know

Intro

The Big Cave Camp wilderness area was purchased by Cyril Waddy in 1947 and has been in the family ever since. The Waddys are from pioneering stock and have lived in the country for four generations. Avid bush lovers, the entire family spend a large part of their time exploring, hiking and learning about the many 
species of trees, flora and fauna that abound in the Matobo Hills.

Big Cave Camp was started by Mike and Yvonne Waddy as a recreational facility for the family in 1980 and was subsequently developed as a tourist facility by David Waddy. Dave can recall how they first lived in a two man tent, with no electricity or generator. Everything was either paraffin or gas operated. 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.

Quick Facts

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Tented Camp ( less than 20 tents)
Accommodation

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.
Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Tented Camp ( less than 20 tents)

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