Hippo Hollow Lodge Country Hotel

3 readers found this review helpful

Fantastic location. Fantastic staff. Amazing rooms and food to die for!
This was our first visit to South Africa and it certainly won't be our last.
From start to finish, the staff made us feel very welcome and thanks have to go to Cyril from behind the Bar and TC the Restaurant Manager. Both were exceptional in their professionalism and tireless in making our holiday special.
The Restaurant offers some really mouth-watering meals and whilst there, we tried the Kudu, Ostrich and Crocodile. All excellent value for money and delicious. Have to recommend the Kudu and Ostrich combi meal, which was unbelievable!
Hazy View is only a 5 min walk from the Hotel and has a few shops and a Pub, where the local beer is made. However, it's hard to pull yourself away from the Hotel, especially with all the wildlife around the place.
Outside our room and on a small island in the Sabi River, we had 2 crocs, several kingfisher and some Egyptian geese. There was a dead snake outside the Hotel, but I suppose that doesn't count.
Oh! And get a look at the road sign just at the entrance to the Hotel. Warning motorists about Hippos!
We did the Kruger Safari, thanks to Thomsons Tours and had a day to remember, even if we didn't see any big cats or Rhino. The Hotel sets you up with a brill packed lunch, but do wrap up warm as it's very cold in the morning.
Within the grounds of Hippo Hollow is the local Shangaani tribe Camp, which offers you a chance to see the local 'tribe' entertaining, with folklore and dancing. The night begins with African Drums and fires and then you're greeted by the Chief himself and a tipple of the local beer.
Food is included and again TC does his best to make you have a great time. You'll also get a chance to chat with a Sangoma or local medicine woman, but we missed this due to the lovely food on offer. All the youngsters taking part are orphans and the energy and dedication is amazing.
All in all, Hippo Hollow is a great experience and if the Hippos don't come to see you, head out of the Hotel and up the road towards Hazy View...at the first junction turn right and drop down the hill. When you get to the Golf course, just ask nicely and they'll let you in and direct you to the lake, where around 20 hippos wallow.
One last word of advice is for anyone taking Travellers cheques. The reception at Hippo Hollow doesn't change them, so you're left either paying the bill with Rand or your Card...
Can't wait for our return! 10 out of 10.