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 (706)
  • Very good (510)
  • Average (156)
  • Poor (56)
  • Terrible (29)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Horrible Hippo Hollow Hole

Jun 11, 2024 Botlhale S

Absolutely horrible experience, TV does not work, aircon only blowing cold air and wifi connectivity in the rooms is non existant; I will never return to this hole!! The staff are trying their best to manage and keep clients happy. Always friendly and helpful even though the problems are beyond their control. Restaurant is great and facilities… Read more
Absolutely horrible experience, TV does not work, aircon only blowing cold air and wifi connectivity in the rooms is non existant; I will never return to this hole!! The staff are trying their best to manage and keep clients happy. Always friendly and helpful even though the problems are beyond their control. Restaurant is great and facilities are well kept except the rooms. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing hotel with wonderful staff

May 27, 2024 Tractorloverboo Stalbridge, United Kingdom

What an amazing hotel!!! Arlene and the staff are all simply wonderful. Nothing is too much trouble. The food is divine and I could have stayed there for weeks. We saw hippos on the lawn in the most tranquil setting. Don’t hesitate to book this little piece of heaven
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Worth the money!

May 5, 2024 DayTrip24431721356

Great experience after a long day in Kruger Park. We had a chalet with river view...outstanding! Clean! Comfortable. Reception by staff on arrival excellent. Dinner good quality food and service. Breakfast outstanding. Cherry on top was sightings of hippo and elephants from the eating area Lastly good security ensures a peaceful visit to a smart… Read more
Great experience after a long day in Kruger Park. We had a chalet with river view...outstanding! Clean! Comfortable. Reception by staff on arrival excellent. Dinner good quality food and service. Breakfast outstanding. Cherry on top was sightings of hippo and elephants from the eating area Lastly good security ensures a peaceful visit to a smart venhe Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing setting and good food

May 5, 2024 waynearnold

Hippo Hollow is a restaurant in a hotel complex in a wonderful setting backing into the Sabie River. As the name suggests, there is a food chance of seeing hippos - and we did. We saw a large solo hippo and then a mother/baby. As for the food it was nice enough without being exceptional and the service was very good. I would definitely recommend… Read more
Hippo Hollow is a restaurant in a hotel complex in a wonderful setting backing into the Sabie River. As the name suggests, there is a food chance of seeing hippos - and we did. We saw a large solo hippo and then a mother/baby. As for the food it was nice enough without being exceptional and the service was very good. I would definitely recommend eating here Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Loved it!

Apr 23, 2024 Journey62355934266 London, United Kingdom

This was the most wonderful place to stay, lodge itself was gorgeous and spacious and the staff were incredibly attentive. Food out of this world. And add to that views of hippo, crocs and elephants from balcony - 5star!