Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Jack Brotherton, a visionary, started Hippo Hollow in 1995 as a small 6-bedroom getaway beside the Sabie River. Today, it is a 91-room country estate that is famous for combining the beauty of the bushveld with the comfort of a high-end hotel. The estate is named for the hippos that live there and graze along the riverbanks. It has become a popular way to access Kruger National Park while still keeping its family-run feel.

Your Sanctuary is Hippo Hollow

Chalets with Character

Our accommodation showcases the textures of Africa with careful design:

• Deluxe River Chalets: Large split-level suites with private balconies that hang over the Sabie River, featuring loft bedrooms and outdoor showers.
• Garden Chalets: Thatched-roof cabins surrounded by fever trees, with verandas overlooking our award-winning indigenous gardens.
• Courtyard Rooms: Modern double and twin rooms with balconies facing our central water features, ideal for business travellers.

Key Features

Every room includes:

• Handcrafted furniture using local materials
• Silent air-conditioning for climate control
• Premium bedding with 300-thread-count linen
• Ethically sourced bathroom amenities

Dining & Wellness

The Riverbank Restaurant

Our thatched-roof restaurant serves contemporary South African cuisine using fresh produce from nearby farms. The wine list features both emerging Mpumalanga vineyards and established Cape estates.

Bushveld Spa

Two treatment rooms offer massages using marula oil, with the option for open-air therapies accompanied by river sounds. Our heated plunge pool overlooks a frequently used hippo path.

Estate Facilities

• Two rim-flow swimming pools (one adults-only)
• Conference centre with capacity for 80 delegates
• Wedding chapel with river views
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout

Location & Conservation

Our 15-acre estate is part of a wildlife corridor and is situated 12km from Kruger’s Numbi Gate. We’ve implemented solar heating and a greywater recycling system, and partner with local conservation groups on projects including rhino monitoring programmes.

Hippo Hollow is more than just accommodation – it’s a gateway to authentic Lowveld experiences. From families seeking adventure to couples desiring romance, luxury never distances you from nature’s rhythm.