The resort experience is designed to feel relaxed, comfortable, and easy to settle into. Guests move between shared lodge spaces, private tents, and the landscape beyond, with each part of the property supporting the pace of the week.
Some moments are quiet and restorative. Others are social and full of conversation. Together, they create a stay that feels well considered without ever feeling overstructured.
The two lodges offer distinct atmospheres. Lakeside feels closer to the water and more social in rhythm, while Mountainview offers a quieter setting with broader views and a stronger focus on wellness.
Meals, drinks, and downtime all unfold naturally within these shared spaces, while private tents remain a place to step away and rest.
Across the property, guests can expect a balance of comfort and ease: shared dining, bars, pools, fireside evenings, wellness amenities, and moments that feel shaped by the setting rather than staged around it.
Dining at Hippo Lakes is designed to be generous, comfortable, and easy. All safari packages include meals prepared by the on-site culinary team and served in shared lodge spaces throughout the week. The approach is relaxed and welcoming, with menus influenced by South African cuisine alongside familiar favorites.
Meals are typically enjoyed together in the lodges, with seating that encourages connection while still allowing space and ease. Private dining requests can be accommodated when possible, though dining at Hippo Lakes is intentionally communal in spirit.
All guests enjoy complimentary drip coffee at breakfast, along with tea, bottled water, and fresh tropical juices throughout their stay. Each tent is also stocked with a French press and ground coffee for mornings at your own pace.
Hippo Lakes takes pride in an exceptional wine selection, with a curated cellar that complements the quality of every meal.
Classic Safari guests receive two house drinks per day including soft drinks, beer, and wine. Signature Safari guests have open access to house drinks throughout their stay. Premium wines and spirits are available à la carte.
The spa experience at Hippo Lakes is designed to complement the safari, not compete with it. It offers guests a quieter kind of restoration between drives, with treatments that support the slower rhythm of the week.
Spa services are available at Mountainview Lodge, alongside the wood-fired sauna and wellness center.
Treatments are scheduled with the Lodge Manager during your stay, so guests are encouraged to arrange their preferred time while on site.
It is almost impossible to describe Hippo Lakes in words. Everything about the property is luxurious and magical. Before visiting, someone described it to me as “Heaven on Earth” and they didn’t oversell it one bit! The accommodations are first-class, the animals are incredible, and the food is second to none. But what makes Hippo Lakes unlike any other place is the people. We felt like family on the first day. Everyone strives to make your experience extraordinary and serve you like royalty. I rarely leave reviews for anything, much less ALL 5 Stars. But, Hippo Lakes deserves this and more. In 20 years of marriage, this is truthfully the FIRST vacation my wife wasn’t ready to get home from. That says it all!!
A stay at Hippo Lakes is designed to feel seamless from arrival to departure. These are the questions guests ask most often about what to expect on the ground. If something isn’t covered here, our team is always happy to help before you travel.
Yes, the culinary team is prepared to serve any dietary needs. Please communicate these ahead of time with your concierge.
Yes, at the Hippo Lakes Wine Cellar, top-rated South African wines hand-selected by a sommelier are available for tasting or purchase.
Yes, there are paved roads throughout the camp and some unpaved paths available during the day without exiting the camp.
