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Rates
Hippo Water Front Lodge
Hippo Water Front Lodge
Hippo Water Front Lodge
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Clean and comfortable log cabins with river views await visitors. Here guests can just relax and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. Bird watching, fishing and hippos in the river are just some of the exciting things this lodge has to offer.
The sub-tropical climate gives the lodge a delightful setting in a lush countryside with lawns filled with trees, birds, flowers, fruits and nuts. Frequent visits by the river‘s resident hippos create a lot of excitement every now and again.
There are many places of historical interest and natural beauty nearby, like Gods Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Sabie, Potholes, Sudwala caves, Pilgrims Rest and botanical gardens which offer delightful day-drives. 3 Hours from Johannesburg and 45 km from the Kruger Park, Hippo Water Front is the ideal stopover to the Kruger National Park, Maputo and the Mpumalanga Lowveld. It is also a perfect base to explore the natural wonders and the rich history of the area.
Clean and comfortable log cabins with river views await visitors. Here guests can just relax and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. Bird watching, fishing and hippos in the river are just some of the exciting things this lodge has to offer.
The sub-tropical climate gives the lodge a delightful setting in a lush countryside with lawns filled with trees, birds, flowers, fruits and nuts. Frequent visits by the river‘s resident hippos create a lot of excitement every now and again.
There are many places of historical interest and natural beauty nearby, like Gods Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Sabie, Potholes, Sudwala caves, Pilgrims Rest and botanical gardens which offer delightful day-drives. 3 Hours from Johannesburg and 45 km from the Kruger Park, Hippo Water Front is the ideal stopover to the Kruger National Park, Maputo and the Mpumalanga Lowveld. It is also a perfect base to explore the natural wonders and the rich history of the area.
Features
Reviews (109)
109 guests' feedbackQuiet weekend getaway to just recharge. Beautiful surroundings and silence with only nature's sounds surrounding you.
Excellent place and very tidy.
Very peaceful atmosphere. Really enjoyed the 'outdoor kitchen'.
Great place to stop over on our way to or from Kruger National Park.
The management and people there are awesome, friendly, helpful and very hospitable.
There is so little attention to the finish and appearance.
What an amazingly peaceful little place. So many night sounds and nocturnal visitors. The cabins are clean and well maintained, would definitely go back.
Great place quiet lovely scenery and birds.
Quiet place with friendly reception. Accommodation had everything we needed and more. Visit was just too short.
We enjoyed the weekend at Hippo Waterfront, the open kitchen entertainment deck was awesome concept. Rooms was comfortable, air-con bonus in the Lowveld humidity. Very secure and save for kids.
Really nice stay!
Lekker rustig. Dit is baie mooi en mens kan uitrus daar as mens ’n besige week gehad het.
It was nice and relaxing there. Will definitely recommend to other people again.
Sorry not to stay longer. Great location.
So beautiful here, enjoyed every moment.
We arrived late, but our host Johan was waiting for us. He made us feel at home immediately with his hospitality. The hippos were our morning wake up call and at night they made their way back up-river again. Totally ready to entertain us with their "river ballet". Good value for money.
I suppose it’s okay for a stopover but not a holiday or even long weekend. As the price is about R100-150 more than we are accustomed to paying this was very poor. At 350 per night we expected the cloakrooms and kitchen area to be in pristine condition and cleanliness. The swimming pool looked more like a duck pond than a pool.
We stayed for 3 days and each day was as amazing as the one before. The owner and staff on site are friendly and accommodating, and it's like a home away from home. The chalets are fantastic, and the outdoor kitchen is a stroke of genius. The view from our chalet was magnificent, and the gardens and foliage were breathtaking. We will definitely go back!
It was very nice. My boy really enjoyed the hippos and it was all very clean and safe. Will go again.
We were very surprised with what we got. The cabin was in front of the river. Large, green lawn and large trees. Ideal for a family to stretch their legs in front of the Kruger. Or for a getaway. Well appointed. Clean and tidy. Shower was spacious. Had a great sleep over.
Very nice place. So well located. People are very helpful. And manatees are amazing to see so close.
We had a great time at Hippo Water Front Lodge. It is very peaceful and so beautiful scenery. Will definitely book here again for a week.
Short dirt road is in very god condition and hardly notice the 3500 meters once off the main highway. This really let you start to relax. Once at the gate, you know it's going to be a great stay. Facility is great and adequate with personal friendly service. We did not want to leave after 5 days and the hippos is the best closeup and relaxing 5 min away from the mall if you need to go. Will recommend this.
We thoroughly enjoyed our night. The view is beautiful and our girls were very excited to see the hippos. Peaceful atmosphere that is definitely needed when you go away.
I will definitely visit Hippo Water Front Lodge again with my grandchild, it was safe and we really enjoyed it. Our place was cleaned daily and we had a really good rest.
Our family will definitely return. The accommodation was nice, the views and atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Nice, was so calm nice.
Efforts should be made to provide better mattresses and there were rats/mice on the roof! Otherwise we were completely satisfied!
It's our second time staying here and is not disappointed! Beautiful surroundings and clean, comfortable and great accommodation. The children enjoyed the large lawn and trees and it was great fun to watch the hippo's. We will definitely come back again!
Very pleasant stay for the second time.
It was wonderfully peaceful among the trees with the monkeys running around and the sound of manatees playing in the water. We could walk to the river and photograph the manatees. It was very nice. It was just cold at night so pack warm clothes for the night.
It was such a pleasant quiet time there and wish we could stay much longer. The scenery is so beautiful and the accommodation near the water was a joy. Can only speak positively of the place and will certainly visit again and visit for longer.
Neat, clean and everything you need is available.
You definitely feel at home with nature here, the cabins are comfortable, and have everything you need for a weekend getaway. The linen needs to be replaced, it is "well worn" but everything else was simply breathtaking. the hippos kept us entertained the entire weekend and if you're a birder, you're at the right place!
Very nice experience for the children to spend the night in a wooden house. Neat unit with everything needed for a short stay. Hippos 150 yards from the unit in full view was a bonus, kids loved it.
We had such a good experience and our children couldn't wait to look for the hippos. We could see and hear them! The kids really enjoyed the lawn and trees. The unit was neat and the kitchen outside was something different! Would definitely return.
Pragtige doodstil plek! Was lekker om die apies en seekoeie te sien elke dag. Rustige natuurskoon! Beslis 'n moet! Sal weer gaan, al is dit net vir voëlkyk! Baie dankie.
I recommend this place, absolutely fantastic.
Was a pleasure to stay here again and will definitely return to enjoy the wonderful view and great accommodation!
Had a great stay at this beautiful place! Friendly service, the log house has everything you need, with the most beautiful view of the river and lawns. The hippos are a huge bonus. Will definitely visit again!
What a lovely retreat in nature and to see the hippo's in the water was such a surprise. The only suggestion which I would like to give is to move the braai area perhaps near to the patio, otherwise the monkeys was a treat and the facilities were good.
Calm atmosphere. Clean and tidy. Service is friendly. Wildlife is beautiful.
The stay was amazing and the hospitality of the owners was fantastic. The place is peaceful, beautiful view of the river and the green grass was so welcoming. Would recommend the place to other people anytime. Real value for money.
Layout in such a way that you enjoy complete privacy. Everything was clean and tidy. Lawns mowed, easy to get to river. Beautiful view.
Nice and peaceful. Friendly.
Wow! How beautiful and neat it is not only at Hippo Waterfront Resort. We had an incredible time relaxing and enjoying the scenery and the manatees incredibly. Everything one needs is in the unit. Nothing comes short. I would recommend this place to everyone.
Peaceful place to relax.
We really enjoyed it, the service was excellent and the place beautiful and green the manatees were of course a highlight. I highly recommend it to anyone. We will definitely visit there again.
Neat accommodation. The staff makes you feel at home immediately. Felt like paradise. Will definitely go back. Outstanding.
Hippo Water Front Lodge is great. Peaceful, good reception and the units are in good condition. Close to Nelspruit so you can just quickly drive to town if needed. If you are someone who appreciates tranquility and nature, you would enjoy Hippo Water Front Lodge. Thanks Hippo, my weekend there by you was wonderful.
The people are very friendly. They treated us well. It is in nature and very quiet nice place to go and rest and get away from people and city life. I would go back there again.
Simple accommodation with beautiful natural scenes by the river. Friendly service and clean.
They can make a plan with the Dstv which doesn't work at all, maybe just wanted to watch the rugby, no signal.
Thank you very much for the nice weekend we were able to spend there and for allowing our puppy. It was really an experience to be so close to the manatees while fishing.
Had a great time, friendly welcome.
It was a beautiful place, will go again anytime.
Beautiful surroundings not too far from town. View over river and Hippo entertainment was something special for young and old. We really enjoyed the quiet and cozy atmosphere at the bar, as well as the braai facilities there. Braai facilities at wooden houses are in an awkward place. This lodge is certainly high on the value for money list, although the cabins and bedding need some attention and love. The owners and manager were helpful and friendly during our visit.
The place is a nice and quiet. Close to other Tourist Attractions. Will definitely visit again. A great getaway from the city. Feel at one with the nature.
Value for money, very clean and peaceful.
We rested well. Accommodation was clean and tidy. Everything worked. Anton at the bar in the evenings was fantastic. Our children really enjoyed it and are already planning their next holiday at Hippo Waterfront.
Hippo Water Front Lodge is everything we need. The food is delicious. The surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful. The river in front of our place is amazing. We could go for a walk. We rested. I will go again for sure. Thank you very much for a wonderful weekend!
Very nice place for a getaway. Will recommend it.
The place is very well-equipped. It is very tranquil and the ideal place to break away for a weekend. Everyone is friendly and I will recommend it to anyone.
Very friendly people and will go back again. Quiet and very relaxing. We all enjoyed our stay at Hippo. Nelspruit only 13 km from Hippo Waterfront.
One tends to be sceptical, but we were pleasantly surprised with how beautiful and neat the lodge is. Thank you Johan for your hospitality, superb place, would love to return.
Everyone very helpful and friendly. Place really very neat. Would recommend it to anyone.
The gravel road to Hippo Water Front Lodge is not among the best and when we arrived Friday afternoon there was a great storm. We were completely cut off from society. My daughter-in-law from Nelspruit who is pregnant, and my 93-year-old mother, were there with us. The plan was for my son to come to fetch them later. Due to the storm my son couldn't reach us - all the roads to the resort were under water. The owner brought us candles and offered the cabin next to us to my mother and daughter-in-law. Such a wonderful gesture, we are so grateful. The cabins are small, very basic, but wonderfully beautiful, neat and with a great view, quiet and peaceful. Will definitely make use of this place again if ever we go to Nelspruit again.
The lodge is in a peaceful area where you can relax. Keep your eyes open for small things, you'd be surprised by what you can see. It is neat and the very friendly and accommodating owner makes your stay pleasant. Kids and pets welcome, with lush green grass to play on and a lovely cool swimming pool. Excellent place to visit.
Do not know if it happens every night but we were invited to have a nice dinner and there were nice facilities. There were real hippo's -not just the name. There is a dirt road that I was not aware of but my sedan could handle it.
Very nice, quite and tranquil area. Was great to view the Hippos in the river in front of the Bungalows. Nice, clean, secure and affordable accommodation.Great value for money! Host Johan was very friendly and stay was most enjoyable! Will surely visit Hippo Water Front Lodge again.
Hippo is beautiful. Very relaxing.
By far the best self-catering unit in the Nelspruit area. Beautiful setting by the river with air conditioning in chalets - great. Neat and clean and area is well maintained. However, mattresses on beds will soon need to be replaced, but at least were still acceptable.
The management is friendly and go the extra mile to make your stay pleasant.
Enjoyed the stay. Everything as advertised.
Johan and staff were friendly and helpful, had a wonderful holiday there although Hippos weren't there to see, much to everyone's disappointment.
It is a beautiful place and the most beautiful view of the river. I would go back again anytime. There was no horse riding, so in their description they have to take it down. All the staff were very friendly and made you feel at home.
Hidden gem, almost reluctant to tell too many people about this place in case it loses it's uniqueness.
Hippo Water Front Lodge is very peaceful, clean and tidy. The children really enjoyed it, very spacious, nice big lawn to play on and run around.
We had a great time, very peaceful.
We had a great time at Hippo. Johan and co are very hospitable. The children had fun riding their bikes around.
A lovely place, very friendly people and very relaxing. Clean and neat. Will book again, anytime! The little monkeys were adorable!
We stayed one night and it was the ideal place to overnight on the way to the game park. Clean and neat.
Comfortable and relaxing next to the Crocodile river with hippos walking up and down the river and eating the grass between the houses at night.
Thank you Anton en Jan from Hippo Water Front Lodge, Mpumalanga. The long weekend was unforgettable, but short. Beautiful nature and breathtaking area. We were very sad when we had to go back to Vereeniging. The management and cleaners were very considerate and cleaned the chalets every day while we were out. We really liked the cute monkeys that begged for bread on the patio, and then the hippos, wonderful! Concealed natural beauty by the Creator. Wouldn't know what to say to people that complain about this place. We are no-nonsense folk and we appreciate nature. Thank you LekkeSlaap for good service. Greetings and best wishes!
In one word, best ever to settle down and relax with friends and family. You will definitely see us again.
Nice quiet and neat place to have a holiday. Very friendly personnel.
Beautiful scenery under huge trees with lush green lawns and the bonus of viewing manatees and other small game in their natural habitat!
See the stars.
Very friendly staff who made an effort to make us feel at home. We were central enough to take day trips to various attractions and really enjoyed our stay.
If you like 5 star facilities this is not the place for you. It is a wooden house with everything you need. It feels like camping out. Everything is neat and clean and the people are very friendly. For me personally, it's a nice place to spend the night or for a weekend trip.
Very good location, excellent value for money!
We had a great time - the location is fantastic, among the trees by the river, pretty grass between the houses. Beautiful little houses and the patio / social area is very nice. Unfortunately there was an issu - bad smell in the toilet when we got there. They tried to do something about it when we complained but the cistern still didn't get enough water so it wouldn't flush properly. The bathroom was dark - more powerful light would help a lot - and the lounge could do with a bit of finesse.
Beautiful place, enjoyed the tranquility very much. Very close to Nelspruit. Short piece of dirt road just a bit bad.
Particular environment.
Very reasonable accommodation for the price paid. Area and lawns are immaculate and very beautiful. Very restful.
It is a place with a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. The units are clean and tidy and make visiting a feast.
We were very satisfied with the chalet, Anton's help and the beautiful surroundings of the Hippo Waterfront Lodge. The only problem was the one night we overslept. We should have booked for a longer time. Next time we will go for at least a week. Many thanks for LekkeSlaap's help when we were waiting at the gate. You are very professional.
It was delicious! It's very quiet and clean.
I would recommend anyone to go there is very beautiful and green and peaceful and the staff are all friendly and helpful.
Beautiful, peaceful place to stay! Will definitely go there again!
Wooden houses are clean and tidy. They really thought of everything. Wonderful to be among the animals. Friendly help and hospitality.
We were received with open arms. The nature is beautiful there. We enjoyed dinner and breakfast there, it was really worth it. Unfortunately, most of the employees smoke and for a non-smoker it is sometimes inappropriate if someone provides a service with a cigarette in their mouth.
Location is beautiful. Kitchen equipment is in very good condition, but the bedding was not clean and fresh. There was hair from previous guests on the sheets and it didn't smell fresh either. The sheets are old and full of lint. The braai place is behind the house. The rest of the guests visit on the beautiful wooden deck and the braaier has to stand alone and braai, it's impractical.
The overall stay was very pleasant, but the rooms weren't serviced every day because according to the cleaning staff there are no spare keys. Because the rooms were not serviced, we even had to get our own toilet paper.
Very private, but the gravel road kills your touring spirit. When it rains yoh yoh yoh, it's a struggle! The rooms and equipment are very good and Mr Nel is welcoming to his guests.
Map
Rooms
Leopard Chalets
Rhino Chalets
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Leopard Chalets
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Description
Leopard Chalets offers a bedroom, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom is en-suite with a shower, basin and toilet. There is 1 double bed and 1 single bed in this unit. The unit features a 3-speed ceiling fan, heater, a TV with SABC channels, bedside draws, storage shelf, hanging room and a private balcony overlooking the river.
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No parties or loud music at the chalets.
No day visitors allowed.
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Description
Leopard Chalets offers a bedroom, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom is en-suite with a shower, basin and toilet. There is 1 double bed and 1 single bed in this unit. The unit features a 3-speed ceiling fan, heater, a TV with SABC channels, bedside draws, storage shelf, hanging room and a private balcony overlooking the river.
Rhino Chalets
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Description
Rhino Chalets offers 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom is en-suite with a shower, basin and toilet. There are a double bed and twin beds or 4 single beds in this unit. The unit features a 3-speed ceiling fan, heater, a TV with SABC channels, bedside draws, storage shelf, hanging room and a private balcony with a braai stand.
Room Arrangements
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About This Room
Services
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Extras
Entertainment
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Rates displayed are on a room only basis.
House Rules
No parties or loud music at the chalets.
No day visitors allowed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Rhino Chalets offers 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom is en-suite with a shower, basin and toilet. There are a double bed and twin beds or 4 single beds in this unit. The unit features a 3-speed ceiling fan, heater, a TV with SABC channels, bedside draws, storage shelf, hanging room and a private balcony with a braai stand.
Elephant Chalet 1
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Description
Elephant Chalet 1 offers 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom is en-suite with a shower, basin and toilet. There is a double bed and 4 single beds in this unit. The unit features a 3-speed ceiling fan, heater, a TV with SABC channels, bedside draws, storage shelf, hanging room and a private balcony with braai stand.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Services
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Extras
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis.
House Rules
No parties or loud music at the chalets.
No day visitors allowed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Elephant Chalet 1 offers 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom is en-suite with a shower, basin and toilet. There is a double bed and 4 single beds in this unit. The unit features a 3-speed ceiling fan, heater, a TV with SABC channels, bedside draws, storage shelf, hanging room and a private balcony with braai stand.
Elephant Chalet 2
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Description
Elephant Chalet 2 offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom is en-suite with shower, basin and toilet. There is a double bed and twin beds in each room. The unit features a 3-speed ceiling fan, heater, a TV with SABC channels, bedside drawer, storage shelf, hanging room and a private balcony with braai stand.
Room Arrangements
Rates
About This Room
Services
Bathroom
Room Facilities
Appliances
Extras
Entertainment
Price Includes
Rates displayed are on a room only basis.
House Rules
No parties or loud music at the chalets.
No day visitors allowed.
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
Elephant Chalet 2 offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom is en-suite with shower, basin and toilet. There is a double bed and twin beds in each room. The unit features a 3-speed ceiling fan, heater, a TV with SABC channels, bedside drawer, storage shelf, hanging room and a private balcony with braai stand.
Clean and comfortable log cabins with river views await visitors. Here guests can just relax and enjoy the peacefulness of nature. Bird watching, fishing and hippos in the river are just some of the exciting things this lodge has to offer.
The sub-tropical climate gives the lodge a delightful setting in a lush countryside with lawns filled with trees, birds, flowers, fruits and nuts. Frequent visits by the river‘s resident hippos create a lot of excitement every now and again.
There are many places of historical interest and natural beauty nearby, like Gods Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Sabie, Potholes, Sudwala caves, Pilgrims Rest and botanical gardens which offer delightful day-drives. 3 Hours from Johannesburg and 45 km from the Kruger Park, Hippo Water Front is the ideal stopover to the Kruger National Park, Maputo and the Mpumalanga Lowveld. It is also a perfect base to explore the natural wonders and the rich history of the area.