Hippo Hollow Country Estate

We only spent one night at Hippo Hollow, but returned home refreshed, revitalised and feeling completely relaxed. The staff are superbly helpful, warm and friendly, the check in process is seamless, the bed huge and comfy, we loved the double shower but star of our riverside chalet was the deck overlooking the Sabie River and Elephant Whispers. Enjoying a sundowner gin and tonic while watching the elephants across the river revel in a cooling spray-down set the scene for our bush escape. Sipping early morning coffee on the deck was all the more special for our ring-side seat as the elephants emerged from their sleeping stables and underwent some training, then meandered up and down the hillside opposite us nibbling on branches as they wended their way back and forth. Hippo Hollow provided a magnificent buffet dinner on the night we were there; a wide array of hot and cold dishes, catering for vegetarians and carnivores and even the fussiest eater would have found something to tempt their tastebuds. An excellent Vrede and Lust Case's Ridge Syrah accompanied the meal which was rounded off by Cointreau pancakes, vanilla ice-cream and caramel sauce. We needed the walk back to our chalet and time spent on our deck enjoying the night noises before turning in - our bulging tummies were working hard! The buffet breakfast had a range of expected foods - a large assortment of hot items, pastries, fruit, cereals, yoghurt, cheeses and cold meats washed down with excellent coffee and juices. The quality and deliciousness of our meals was first class and we simply overate, because saying 'no' didn't enter our heads! Thanks so much, Hippo Hollow team. Overall, the hotel is great value for money, the service excellent, the facilities clean and comfortable and we felt welcomed and at home.

Breakfast with a view of elephant say no more… We heard at night you can see hippos we did not see them. Great African design and vibe in the hotel Beautiful green surroundings. Large clean rooms Very close to Kruger national Park in this amazing scenic rout Should improve their breakfast

My husband, son and I stayed here for 1 night on our way back to Johannesburg. The hotel is a lovely, old-fashioned property spread over extensive grounds with comfortable (if rather dark) rooms. The night we were there the only food option was a buffet, but there was an excellent choice of delicious food and the breakfast next morning was a continental platter followed by a choice of several hot dishes - also very good. The downside to our stay was as follows: As my husband is unable to walk we had booked a wheelchair-friendly room (booked approx. 10 months previously) but when we arrived my husband and I were allocated a small room with steps up to the entrance and a tiny bathroom with a small shower stall as no wheelchair-friendly rooms were free! When we pointed out that this was totally unsuitable the staff were very helpful in finding us a larger room with a flat entrance way and a bathroom large enough for the wheelchair but, unfortunately, although they had kindly put a chair in the shower, it was not possible for my husband to get in and out of it, so he had to forgo his shower before our 34-hour journey home. If we had been given the room we booked, then I would have given the hotel 5 stars.

I am staying in Hippo Hollow hotel at this moment. I would only rate it as three star. No phones in rooms and no television. The only food in the evening is buffet style and no chance of ordering anything different. The staff are very helpful and friendly but would not recommend this hotel to guests who are used to something better

Awesome facilities and we took the river chalet which was immaculate and the service is excellent with such a beautiful view of the river. A big thanks to staffs Lorraine and Amo who have been looking after us during meal time with ther wonderful smiles. Of course, we could not leave without mentioning staff Pinky who is so lovely, energise, her simplicity and it just made us dont want to leave this place!

Gorgeous resort close to Kruger park. Lovely setting dining over the river. Great food. Very friendly and helpful staff. Do book on the Elephant Experience across the river - you will be amazed and thankful you went.