Hippo Hollow

Kruger and surrounds, South Africa

Virgin rating

The hotel

With Hippo Hollow’s idyllic location on the banks of the Sabie River it's not unusual to see hippos 'mowing' the grass when you are dining in the waterside restaurant. By day, you'll spot kingfishers and other attractive water birds from thatched garden and river chalets with beautiful garden and pools views. As well as the delights of Kruger, there's much to discover in the area including God's Window and the Blyde River Canyon.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Safari
  • Swimming Pool
  • Babysitting service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Wheelchair access
  • Laundry Service
  • Internet Access
  • Golf
  • Restaurant

Where is it

On the banks of the Sabie River, 2 km from Hazyview, Mpumalanga. A 15-minute drive from Kruger National Park and 30-minute drive from the Panorama Route. 5-hour drive from Johannesburg. Transfer time from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport: 50 minutes.

Hotel information

37 individual thatched chalets and 54 rooms. All with tea/coffee-making facilities, safe and hairdryer. Courtyard Standard Rooms are on the 1st floor and have balconies, with air-conditioning and twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Courtyard Hotel Rooms have balconies and verandahs overlooking the gardens, air-conditioning, satellite TV, WiFi access and twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Garden Chalets have verandahs overlooking the gardens and 1 king-size bed or twin beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

River Chalets have a private deck overlooking the Sabie River and include a loft with 2 single beds, as well as a king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Please note: Chalets do not have TVs, telephones, WiFi access or air-conditioning, each chalet has its own ceiling fan.

Hippo Hollow Restaurant (à la carte), Ladies Bar and wine cellar. 2 swimming pools. Boma. The Shangaan River Club offers not just a meal, but a blend of history and entertainment under the African sky (approx R 460 pp). Helicopter trips*. Golf and seasonal river-rafting available nearby. Complimentary WiFi. Laundry service*.

Wheelchair accessible rooms available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (704)
  • Very good (507)
  • Average (156)
  • Poor (56)
  • Terrible (28)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lovely setting

Apr 11, 2024 Louise B

What an amazing little place. I loved it here could have stayed a few more days. This was part of our SA tour stayed here for Kruger. Take a torch as lights go off for two hrs every night and it's pitch black only light is in hotel area. Prices reasonable breakfast buffet very good pizzas yummy and scenery just stunning. There is nowhere to go and… Read more
What an amazing little place. I loved it here could have stayed a few more days. This was part of our SA tour stayed here for Kruger. Take a torch as lights go off for two hrs every night and it's pitch black only light is in hotel area. Prices reasonable breakfast buffet very good pizzas yummy and scenery just stunning. There is nowhere to go and no taxis come here stayed three nights. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best Relaxing break away

Apr 2, 2024 Yolandi S

Our recent trip to Hippo Hollow Country Estate was one of our Memorable holidays. From arrival to departure we were treated with the utmost friendliness and professionalism from all the staff! My son was treated like a King with every Breakfast and was made sure he was comfortable and relaxed as well, they really went out of their way to make him… Read more
Our recent trip to Hippo Hollow Country Estate was one of our Memorable holidays. From arrival to departure we were treated with the utmost friendliness and professionalism from all the staff! My son was treated like a King with every Breakfast and was made sure he was comfortable and relaxed as well, they really went out of their way to make him happy! And then there is not even talking about the most beautiful views and relaxing and tranquil atmosphere with Elephants and Hippos on your doorstep. I would definitely recommend Hippo Hollow for your next trip. If you don't believe me try them for yourself! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing stay!!

Mar 11, 2024 Odyssey265668

The staff were really nice and helpful. The food at the restaurant was very tasteful! We even saw some baby hippo’s at night in the river! The beds are huge, Wich I was really nice. The rooms are also very clean. The whole vibe & scenery of this hotel is lovely and a true African experience.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Tired and dated

Feb 22, 2024 Trip48873888096 Rayleigh, United Kingdom

Its in a great location to visit the Kruger National Park, and first impressions are very good, its in a great setting. However the rooms are a little dated and tired and could do with a make over. The restaurant staff were unfriendly to the point of being rude, as if we were an inconvenience to them. The service was extremely slow, but the food… Read more
Its in a great location to visit the Kruger National Park, and first impressions are very good, its in a great setting. However the rooms are a little dated and tired and could do with a make over. The restaurant staff were unfriendly to the point of being rude, as if we were an inconvenience to them. The service was extremely slow, but the food was ok when it eventually arrived Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent choice - close to Kruger Park

Feb 16, 2024 jandv0akville Oakville, Canada

Our two-night stay in this quiet haven, close to Kruger Park was both relaxing and enjoyable. The friendly staff made us a packed breakfast for an early morning game drive. Our well-designed river-view chalet overlooked the nearby game sanctuary and this was a big plus.