PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Big Cave Camp reposes atop an enormous granite whaleback, with inspirational views across the famous Matobo National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
- 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 eight thatched A-frame cottages, 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.
- From game viewing, rhino tracking, famous rock art, history, culture, flora and fauna in the Matobo Hills to mountain biking in the national park, guests have a wide variety of activities to choose from, all accompanied by a qualified guide.
EXCLUSIVE LUXE VOYAGER VIP BENEFITS & BEST PRICE
We negotiate rates & benefits for our clients directly with the hotels’ senior management. Our rates match or in many cases are lower than the best online rate for the property. Our clients also enjoy a suite of extra VIP privileges and recognition while staying at a partner hotel.
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival.
- Daily complimentary buffet breakfast for two.
- Up to $100 dining or spa credit per stay, and or in-house dining / spa discounts.
- Welcome amenities (wine/chocolates/fruit) and card from the GM.
- Complimentary private airport transfers.
- Complimentary roll-away bed if required.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Enhanced recognition through VIP status at all touch points in the guest experience.
A complete or partial suite of VIP benefits will be offered, subject to the property T&C, including availability, category of room & length of stay.
ACTIVITIES:
Activities include game drives (day and night) by qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you. The open land cruisers will accommodate six passengers on tiered seating so that views are not blocked and photographic opportunities are enhanced. Each of our vehicles are fitted with permanent canvas roofing to protect you from the varying weather elements, whilst still allowing an optimised up close and personal experience of wildlife. Guests who have booked a private vehicle can request for the roofing to be removed in advance of their safari.
Activities include guided walks lead by qualified guides. We believe that there is much more to an African safari than being driven around in a vehicle while passively viewing animals. In combining the ultimate itinerary with an expert guide, we create the complete journey, where experiences, knowledge and passions are shared and whereby a standard Safari is transformed into an extra-ordinary one.
Hwange National Park is known to be one of the highest diversities of wildlife and bird-life species more than any other National Park in Southern Africa. Here are up to over 470 birdlife species in the area.
The African Bush Camps Foundation is committed to empowering rural communities. We partner with communities on the outskirts of wildlife areas to become economically sustainable whilst ensuring that natural resources are protected and cared for. We also support local schools and run education programmes for children in communities. We invite guests who stay with us at our camps in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe to take a cultural tour of the nearby villages that we work with. This helps travellers gain a deeper understanding of the country they are visiting and its people. As extraordinary as a safari is, these tours allows you to engage with Africa and its rich cultural heritage. If you are interested in adding perspective and value to your safari, speak to our reservations team to pre-arrange a village visit whilst on safari.
Chat with one of our expert travel designers today to begin planning your perfect vacation
Call: +852 9465 4577
Email: travel@theluxevoyager.com
To be found on a private estate in the extraordinary Matobo Hills; Big Cave Camp is a unique lodge built on to the granite hillside. It has eight simple A frame thatch chalets, each with its own en suite bathroom and private balcony with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The central living areas are designed around the natural position of some massive boulders. The Leopards Lair includes a teak bar, lounge and communal dining area. The adjacent library is a cosy retreat for those wishing to spend a quiet moment learning more about the history of the area.
The emphasis at Big Cave is on outdoor living with breakfast and lunch served outside. At night dinner is served around a traditional campfire with the magnificent backdrop of the Matobo Hills behind. Refuge can be taken during the midday heat in the nearby pool boma area where ice cold drinks are served. From game viewing, rhino tracking, famous rock art, history, culture, flora and fauna in the Matobo Hills to mountain biking in the national park, guests have a wide variety of activities to choose from, all accompanied by a qualified guide.
Somalisa Camp consists of seven tents, while Somalisa Acacia has two family tents and two standard tents. All tents are en-suite with flush loos, indoor and outdoor showers with hot running water and beautiful copper bathtubs. Hot water bottles are provided to ward off the chill over the cold winter nights. The tents also have an internal fireplace which are lit during the cooler months.
Luxury Tent
Somalisa Camp has just seven elegantly furnished tents, all with en suite bathrooms. There are two double bed suites and four with twin beds. You may find it hard to choose between relaxing in the hammock on your private deck or unwinding in the grand bathtub with its lovely views over the savannah. In winter, snuggle up in front of the wood-burning fireplace. The bathroom is wonderful – one generous shower is set indoors, the other offers a refreshing vista from a sheltered section of the deck outdoors.
There are flush toilets, complimentary toiletries and wonderful dressing gowns – the coolest cotton kimonos in summer and thick towelling gowns for winter. The decor evokes the classic safari era, featuring beautiful finishes and the finest bed linen and soft furnishings. All suites have charging stations that include USB points for your devices.
After a day of guided bush walks and game viewing in Hwange, arrive back at camp for a magical dining experience under the stars. Under the light of an open fire and flickering safari lanterns you will be treated to fine cuisine and superb wines from South Africa and around the world. The first meal of the day is a light brunch served before early morning activities, followed by an early lunch with a decadent high tea in the afternoon and later, sundowners with snacks usually served while out on the afternoon or evening game drive.
Dining
Meals are taken at the mess tents of either camp. Dining is communal and guests are joined by their guides and the management who are adept at answering the endless questions you have at the end of a day’s safari. The guides will always keep an eye on the waterhole below and it is not uncommon to spot lion and hyena coming down to drink in the darkness. If you do wish to dine privately though this can of course be arranged.
Somalisa Tented Camp’s main relaxation area opens out onto wooden decks that frame scenic views and an inviting swimming pool. There is a small library as well as a bar area, and although the camp is fully solar-powered, batteries can be recharged in the main reception area. Between game drives, browse the safari shop for gifts to remind you of Africa.
Pool
Both Somalisa and Somalisa Acacia feature small swimming pools in which to cool off during the heat of the day. At Somalisa they have had to build a second pool for their guests as the first was being emptied quickly over the day as huge numbers of elephant came to drink from it, understandably seeming to prefer the sweet borehole water to that of the muddy waterhole below.
Area & Location
Area, Country
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Nearest Airport
Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), Victoria Falls
Local Currency
British Pound, US Dollars, Euro, South African Rand
Time Change
GMT +2:00
Language
English, Shone, Northern Ndebele
Best time to go
Best visited between May through October
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