Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Hippo Hollow Country Estate is a hotel on the banks of the Sabie River just outside Hazyview in Mpumalanga. It is one of the most practical bases for self-drive trips into the southern Kruger, with Phabeni Gate about 13 km away, and it suits families and groups who want a proper hotel with a restaurant rather than a self-catering lodge. As the name suggests, hippos come out of the river to graze on the lawns.

What to expect

There are 91 units across four types: deluxe chalets, river chalets facing the Sabie, garden chalets and standard rooms. Facilities include two swimming pools, landscaped gardens, a curio shop and a conference centre. The restaurant and bar have indoor and outdoor seating and a terrace over the river, which is the spot for an evening drink. Birders should watch the bank for kingfishers.

The estate also hosts the Shangaan River Club, an evening of Shangaan food, music and dance held in a thatch-roofed boma.

Practical details

• Location: on the Sabie River near Hazyview, Mpumalanga.
• Phabeni Gate into Kruger National Park is about 13 km away.
• WiFi is available.
• The estate can arrange outings ranging from wildlife and cultural trips to adventure activities.

Good to know

Ask for a river chalet if the view matters to you, as the garden chalets and standard rooms look onto the grounds instead. Hippos on the lawn are wild animals, so keep your distance after dark and follow the staff’s advice. Hazyview lies between the Drakensberg escarpment and the lowveld, so the estate works for a mixed itinerary of Kruger game drives and mountain scenery.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: Hippo Hollow Country Estate, Greater Kruger Park.