Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Hotels
•
Independent
8.6 (50 reviews)
R40, Mbombela, Mpumalanga, 1242 , Mbombela , ZA
27-13-7377752

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Facilities

Boat tours nearby
Free WiFi
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Designated smoking area
Concierge service
Picnic area
Free airport transportation
Gift shops or newsstand
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent location close to Phabeni/Kruger gate
Beautiful river views and terraces with wildlife sightings (hippos, elephants)
Friendly and attentive staff praised by many guests
Good value for money and many recommended the stay
Nice facilities and pleasant property setting
Good breakfast and dinner reported by several guests
Cons:
Inconsistent cleanliness: reports of damp/thatch smells and at least one buffet-related illness
One guest experienced poor handling of breakfast packs by management
Some rooms/buildings are a bit dated and need maintenance
Food service issues: slow restaurant service and occasional poor food handling
Noise from nearby cars and the property is large (can feel spread out)

Categories

Cleanliness
7.6
Mixed mentions: some guests said the accommodation was 'very clean' while others reported damp or unpleasant smells and at least one buffet-related illness, indicating inconsistent cleanliness standards.
Service
9.3
Generally praised as friendly, welcoming and attentive staff who assisted promptly; however, one notable negative incident involved inflexibility from management over breakfast packs. Overall service is strong despite that isolated failure.
Location
9.5
Consistently highlighted as excellent — ideal positioning for Kruger/Phabeni gate access, fantastic river and wildlife views; repeatedly noted as a primary asset.
Room Quality
7.8
Rooms offer great views and pleasant terraces but several guests noted aged buildings, damp/thatch smells in rooms and some maintenance issues.
Amenities
8.9
Strong amenities: restaurant/buffet, wildlife viewing from the property (hippos, elephants), and proximity to gates; the site and facilities are described as very nice overall.
Value for Money
9.2
Explicit positive mentions of 'Good Value for Money' and multiple recommendations suggest guests feel the stay represents strong value.
Food and Beverage
7
Mixed reports: some found dinners and breakfasts very good, while others experienced long restaurant wait times, handling issues with breakfast packs, and at least one report of illness linked to the buffet.
Overall Experience
9.5
Overall sentiment is very positive — beautiful setting, great views, wildlife sightings and friendly staff lead many guests to recommend or wish to return, despite some service/food/room issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-05-15 04:49

Property Description

Outdoor Swimming Pools and Lazy River
Indulge in relaxation with 2 outdoor swimming pools and a lazy river at your disposal.

Dining and Beverage Options
Savor delicious meals at Hippo Hollow Restaurant and enjoy drinks at the bar/lounge.

Additional Amenities
Benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and babysitting facilities. The hotel also offers a computer station, dry cleaning services, and event facilities for your convenience.

Book your stay at Hippo Hollow Country Estate and experience a tranquil retreat on the river, just a short drive from Kruger National Park.

Important information:

  • Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: MQP

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Sustainability Certifications

    Property confirms they are implementing guest safety measures

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Children and extra beds

    No rollaway/extra beds available

  • General

    Guests are provided with free hand sanitizer

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 50 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.6
Service: 9.3
Location: 9.5
Room Quality: 7.8
Amenities: 8.9
Value for Money: 9.2
Food and Beverage: 7
Overall Experience: 9.5
M
Mirlania • couple • br
9
Inesquecível
Pros:

Funcionários atenciosos e um café da manhã delicioso.

Cons:

N/A

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
A
Alexander • extended_group • de
10
Sehr schöner Aufenthalt
Pros:

Charme und Lage der Anlage. Bisher jedesmal an mind 1 Tag der Aufenthalte Flusspferde beim Grasen während des Abendessens. Bei mind. 3 Nächten sollte das Glück hold sein, die Flusspferde zu sehen😄 gegenüber des Flusses sieht man auch oft die Elefanten des Elefanten camps

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
J
Jental • couple • za
4
Pros:

Nice property,used it before

Cons:

They didn’t put any water in my room,I didn’t appreciate that.

2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
M
Marleen • family_with_children • za
8
Very nice relaxing weekend
Pros:

Location was excellent. Good breakfast. Very friendly staff

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
S
Sharon • family_with_children • za
9
Perfect overnight stay in Hazyview - close to town but felt like you were out in nature.
Pros:

Breakfast was perfect - catered for everyone's needs. Loved the heated outdoor seating area in the restaurant, and our evening meal was really good. Beautiful surroundings on the banks of the river - felt like were in nature - but close to Hazyview town.

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
W
Wynnie • solo_traveller • za
9
Pros:

Good, clean rooms

Cons:

TV,

2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
V
Véronique • couple • be
8
Bon séjour mais sans plus
Pros:

L’emplacement idéal pour visiter le Kruger et Blyde river Canyon
Le cadre de l’hôtel
Petit déjeuner buffet excellent

Cons:

1 seule bouteille offerte au début du séjour
La douche vieillotte et difficile à régler pour la température ( 2 robinets)
Le bruit toute la nuit, arrivée des clients à toutes heures (minuit, 2 heures ou 4 heures du matin) et qui n’ont aucun respect pour les personnes qui dorment (valises bruyantes)
Télévision non fonctionnelle et qui n’a jamais été réparée durant notre séjour de 4 nuits, malgré nos demandes
En cas d’affluence d’autocars, plus possible de manger à la carte le soir, seulement un buffet

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
S
sybil • solo_traveller • za
5
Money not well spend
Pros:

I loved the well kept neat gardens, the close facinity to KNP and surroundings
The friendly staff

Cons:

First night we made reservations for dinner which they did not made. Its humiliating not finding your name in a book and it feels like you are the guilty suspect not following protocol.

The functionality of the room does not make sense. 2 people, one chair.
No plug outlets at bed side tables.
Poor maintenance in rooms:
TV that was not working. After 2 nights and 3, plus written complaints, it was set again to E TV.
No other channels... it was a big let down. For the money spend per room at least offer a small bouquet of dstv channels or no TV at all.
The matrasses are due for an upgrade.
Cannot comprehend the little wall inside the shower which makes it impossible to stand below shower tap. Must to a back bend to reach water.
The toilet is leaking.
Is really impracticsl to reach a fridge inside a cabinet if the door is stuck and cant open properly.
I understand the aesthetics but really, its impractical.
No milk? Again, for the price you pay at least offer n small bottle of milk.
Thank you for the complimentary litre of water. But the add says 1 bottle per person. We were 2 persons, only received one and was informed when its finished we must buy our own.
Small things that made the stay not so pleasant.
The last frustration,and the worst of it I had was with the noise... 03h30 The game vehichles started the trucks and were talking rather loud. Someone started playing the drum outside...
The next day the same, without the drums luckily and the last morning 4h30 again.
No one can sleep with the noise right by your doorstep.
Suggestion: move over to the opposite side.
Overall It is a very beautiful setting and the food is generous and well prepared but I really dont think the rooms are worth the money you pay. Maybe with a serious more modern update I will reconsider

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
C
Chantelle Lomax • extended_group • za
10
Exceptional
2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
C
Chantelle Lomax • extended_group • za
10
Exceptional
2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
R
ReginaCelia • solo_traveller • br
9
Excelente
Pros:

Ótimo hotel para um game driver no kruger. Excelente restaurante com um lindo visual

2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
C
Chantelle Lomax • extended_group • za
10
Exceptional
2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
P
Pierre • extended_group • za
8
2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
O
Olivia • extended_group • us
9
Pros:

Location was great, nice amount of privacy for the whole property, and from other rooms. The porch in the back on the river was magical. Beautiful views of the river and hillside. Great sightings of hippos and crocs! Breakfast included was wonderful. They also pack you a breakfast bag to-go if your excursion leaves earlier than breakfast begins.

2026-06-26 • via Nuitee
A
Andre • solo_traveller • za
9
Excellent place for a good rest.
Pros:

The natural beauty and well kept premises / facilities.

Cons:

Nothing, all was very good.

2026-06-23 • via Nuitee
C
Chantelle Lomax • solo_traveller • za
10
2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • couple • za
7
Great. Rooms Need some upgrading
Pros:

Loved the area, the restaurant and the view of the river with hippos and you could see elephants!!! The breakfast was amazing!

Cons:

The style of the bedroom could use an upgrade to a more modern feel, especially cause the view from your room and the place as a whole is such a wonderful place.

2026-06-20 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • couple • za
10
2026-06-19 • via Nuitee
A
Anna • couple • nl
10
Topverblijf net naast Krugerpark
Pros:

Ligging aan de rivier met zicht op rand Krugerpark.
Vanaf balkon vogels spotten en soms olifanten of een krokodil.
Zeer aardig personeel.

Cons:

Niets

2026-06-18 • via Nuitee
M
Marleen • family_with_children • za
9
Very nice relaxing stay
Pros:

Staff was extremely friendly and service was excellent. Breakfast was good. Nice comfy rooms
Hippos was a treat

2026-06-17 • via Nuitee