hippomoon lodge game reserve

Спасибо хозяину за приём! Было всё чудесно. Номер красивый и комфортный. Завтрак полноценный. За дополнительную плату можно заказать ужин. Территория огромная, животные приходят на пруд. У хозяина много собак, они все дружелюбные.

Great atmosphere, wonderful surroundings and excellent room.

The is a really singular property. It's a work of art in some ways. There is a large wildlife estate attached to the accommodation and the animals come in for feeding in the evenings and the mornings which is perfect for viewing. We enjoyed running in the estate and driving around to see the animals. The owner Xavier was not there during our stay, we nevertheless heard a lot about him. The dinners were good and a great opportunity to socialise with other guests.

We got a free upgrade to a room in the main house. To be honest I think it was as much for the hosts convenience as it was for ours since I think the room we booked was in the bush camp and all other guests were at the main house. The room we got belonged to the owner. It was large and well appointed, but there was no hot water in the bathroom. We had to trek across the main living space (where there were always people) to go shower in another room. I appreciate that it might have been unavoidable but given that this was our only experience of the place it wasn't a perfect one. I suspect this won't be a issue for many guests.

This lodge is absolutely spectacular and very unique. Xavier, the owner, is phenomenal. Peter and I had great discussions with him. Lots of fun and laughter. He is an extremely interesting person. Superb food. Great surroundings. The "golden wildebeests" and the "kissing giraffe" on the property are very special. Noteworthy are the 1928 Bugatti and the Triumph motorcycle in the living room. There are vintage cars all over the property. I have never seen a more interesting place like the Hippomoon Lodge. As a world traveller I must admit that this is one of the most spectacular, interesting and fun place I have ever stayed at. Highly recommendable!!!!!! Thanks Xavier!

Could not think of anything

The trip at hippo Moon reserve would’ve been worth it even just for the breakfast it was that good! Xavier outdid himself! Well

I personally like a soft mattress, but that’s personal.

Our stay at Xavier's Hippo Moon Lodge was absolutely amazing, more than a stay, it was an experience. With great reviews and ratings so high, my partner and I were curious about the place - and we were so glad for the decision. Xavier, who we read so much about, is one of a kind in person. Entertaining, funny, wise and with life stories and experiences for days. We got amazing up close with his giraffe, and other game animals, and his army of loving dogs. The guesthouse itself is a work of art, with exquisite designs, artifacts, classic cars, and architecture in each room. We had the most amazing hospitality, food, and famous 5 course dinners cooked by Xavier himself. Our friends visiting Hoepsruit, also got to meet Xavier, and have an amazing dinner. All in all, this was the most memorable weekend we have had, and we hope to visit again. Thank you Xavier, Patricia, Pretty and the team HippoMoon- hope many more people get to have magic times at your lodge.

Nothing :)

It was wild and beautiful. Xavier has created unique spaces that blend with and enhance the natural landscape. His passion is evident in the health and diversity of the wild animals that live in his refuge. He is an excellent chef, loves to entertain and it is clear that he is living his dream. You will not be disappointed.

Let me be clear. I loved staying here! The HOSPITALITY??? Top tier. Xavier, Patricia, Patrick, Chantelle. It’s like we were visiting our estranged eccentric, rich uncle’s family. Home away from home. We met some amazing people who were also staying there and the staff facilitated our acquaintance effortlessly. The food? Xavier & Patricia cook the food and it was nothing short of amazing. Every single day. I particularly enjoyed the soup Patricia made as well as the pasta and sweet desserts Xavier spent hours making. I actually don’t know how they do it with such little staff. We genuinely felt at home and ALL our needs (& wants) were accommodated for. We even booked one more night and felt sad when we had to leave. Also… if they recommend an activity - DO IT!!! The eccentric interiors? What a sight! Everyday we were finding something new in the house to marvel at. lol. Thoughtfulness in every piece. Some of the art pieces were handmade by Xavier. Please read the reviews and look at the pictures to ensure you know what you are getting yourself into. We booked the castle and we could be secluded from other guests and still had the choice of joining in on the festivities in the main house. I am a dog lover and I was in heaven. Friendly dogs everywhere ready for belly rubs. Animals everywhere around the property. I could go on and on but we will definitely be back. I wish I could share more photos.

Gun to my head? I would be nitpicky about the cleanliness in our castle/room. It was dusty. It is a thatch roof and while I am quite aware of the negatives of a thatch roof (especially in the wilderness), sleeping and facing up at spiders and spiderwebs gave us the mental creepy crawlies while we slept. But we truly loved the accommodation. I would suggest a thorough, mechanical spring cleaning of the castle atleast once a month. Where the cleaners are able to reach the high ceilings, pool and outdoor showers etc.

We loved everything and wished we could have stayed longer. There was no 11 to rate this place so we gave it a 10. Xavier and Patricia are awesome guests and make you feel at home. The reserve is incredible with animals at your doorstep. The Lodge is stunning and extremely well decorated and the food incredible. Thanks for everything - we will be back !

We only stayed for one night at the Hippomoon Lodge but were treated to quite an eventful time there. I was celebrating my 50th birthday and on meeting the colourful and effervescent Xavier, we were shown round our room which was nothing short of spacious, a large room with an equally large adjoining bathroom. I'm sure that Xavier would agree that the real star is lovely Patricia who was exceptionally kind and helpful. The hospitality here set the tone for our ZA experience, nothing was too much trouble. Xavier is a prolific raconteur so sit back with a drink and enjoy the anecdotes. The lodge is around 30 min drive from Hoedspruit Airport along an unmade road that will hopefully be completed soon. Around the lodge are a variety of animals that can be enjoyed at close quarters. Xavier took us out in his truck to explore the animals on the estate that included giraffe, zebra, ostrich and a variety of buck. In the evening, we were served with a lovely meal cooked to perfection, while appreciating the effort made to make my birthday really special. The electrical storm added a little sparkle to the evening. The lodge is a fun place to stay, roomy and very comfortable. You will be really well looked after and there is plenty to see just by relaxing within the outside space that includes a small pool and recliners. Thanks again to Patricia and Xavier for their warm hospitality and helpful advice that set us on our way on what was a memorable trip.