Big Cave Camp

Fantastic quiet retreat! We stayed her for a family reunion. Loved the beautiful rooms and the views of the bush, hills and the most spectacular sunsets. Food was great, staff took great care with allergies in our group. Exceptional service all around, but a special shout-out to our guide, Sandile. His expertise on traditional plant medicine and ceremonies made our game drive so much more than just a tour. It was deeply enriching. Nature lovers will adore the lizards, monkeys that you share the camp with, and the surroundings—just remember to bring bug spray! Loved the bird chorus throughout the day but especially early in the morning. A perfect, peaceful getaway.

Big Cave is uniquely nested into a hillside with an expansive view of the landscape below. Be forewarned the lodge’s remoteness brings challenges. Wifi is only available in the reception/dining area and lags when multiple guests are logged in. There’s no power late at night so charge your electronic devices early. It’s worth packing a flashlight for the occasional power outage. Walkways between cottages are not paved, a bit of a challenge for the mobility impaired like myself. After running the shower for over ten minutes one evening - not good conservation protocol - I still could not get any hot water. I ended up taking a sponge bath with water heated from the electric kettle. More exasperating was a glaring lapse by the housekeeping staff. Despite repeated reassurances of overnight laundry service, I even confirmed this with the manager, I received my clothing the next morning, neatly folded but UNWASHED. Overall, my stay was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Fantastic except that the management allows overlanders camping at the campsite the free run of the lodge area. They monopolize the pool, talk on speakerphone, video chat as if in a hotel lobby rather than a safari camp. Supposedly the policy that they are only allowed to use the lodge when there are no guests, but this was not enforced even after we complained numerous times. Finally they were asked to leave, but only after a 24 hour “occupation”. Owners need to decide what kind of place they are running

Amazing location, bettered only by the wonderful team who run it. Like nowhere else we have ever stayed.