Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Room, staff, food and overall atmosphere were all disappointing. It honestly feels like the hotel is focused on pushing guests through rather than creating a comfortable or welcoming experience. What makes it worse is that this is likely one of the first places international visitors experience in South Africa. It’s genuinely disappointing that their first impression of the country could be like this, because it does not reflect the warmth and hospitality South Africa is known for. The staff come across as if they don’t want to be there. There is none of that genuine, welcoming energy you would expect, which makes the entire stay feel cold and impersonal. Attention to detail is clearly lacking. There was a card meant for messages to housekeeping that had already been written in, which suggests it’s neither checked nor replaced. Small things like this say a lot. Even basic upkeep seems to be overlooked. On Saturday night, guests were sitting outside, smoking, having drinks and watching a hippo, yet the ashtray was never emptied and was still full of cigarette butts the following morning. The room layout makes very little sense. The toilet roll holder is placed far from the toilet, there are no plugs next to the bed, and the walls are visibly marked and in need of a proper clean or fresh paint. Overall, it feels like a place that has stopped caring about the guest experience, which is a real shame given the role it plays in shaping visitors’ first impressions of our country.

The grounds are well kept

Room, staff, food and overall atmosphere were all disappointing. It honestly feels like the hotel is focused on pushing guests through rather than creating a comfortable or welcoming experience. What makes it worse is that this is likely one of the first places international visitors experience in South Africa. It’s genuinely disappointing that their first impression of the country could be like this, because it does not reflect the warmth and hospitality South Africa is known for. The staff come across as if they don’t want to be there. There is none of that genuine, welcoming energy you would expect, which makes the entire stay feel cold and impersonal. Attention to detail is clearly lacking. There was a card meant for messages to housekeeping that had already been written in, which suggests it’s neither checked nor replaced. Small things like this say a lot. Even basic upkeep seems to be overlooked. On Saturday night, guests were sitting outside, smoking, having drinks and watching a hippo, yet the ashtray was never emptied and was still full of cigarette butts the following morning. The room layout makes very little sense. The toilet roll holder is placed far from the toilet, there are no plugs next to the bed, and the walls are visibly marked and in need of a proper clean or fresh paint. Overall, it feels like a place that has stopped caring about the guest experience, which is a real shame given the role it plays in shaping visitors’ first impressions of our country.

Die Unterkunft war direkt am Fluss und man konnte die Hippos direkt beobachten

Wir hatten einen Kabelbrand in der Unterkunft, aber es wurde schnell repariert.

This was a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the scenery and the pool! After the early game drive, a lay down and a swim were amazing. The food was delicious and the staff very attentive. Would stay here again!!

Beautifully designed property and great rooms. A good starting point for visiting Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route.

The food and service in the hotel’s restaurant were fairly average. However, it offers a great view of the Sabie River, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot elephants or hippos.

o pequeno almoço era bom. Os funcionários deveriam ser mais prestáveis de forma ao cliente que fique na esplanada junto ao rio, não tenha de fazer kms a ir buscar coisas que necessite.

O facto de ter o quarto virado para um parque de estacionamento e ter tido à porta do quarto um autocarro a trabalhar logo de madrugada. Ainda mais pelo facto do estacionamento ser bastante espaçoso.