More Than Just a Place to Stay
Hippo Waterfront
Cabins
Camping
Restaurant
Conferencing
View Accommodation Options
About Hippo Waterfront Lodge
Nestled on the tranquil banks of the Crocodile River, just 10 km from Mbombela (Nelspruit) and less than 6 km from the Mbombela Stadium, Hippo Waterfront Lodge offers the perfect blend of comfort, nature, and warm Lowveld hospitality.
Whether you're travelling for business, a family getaway, a romantic escape, or an adventure in the Lowveld, our beautifully renovated lodge provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by indigenous trees, abundant birdlife, and breathtaking river views. Guests are often treated to unforgettable sightings of the hippos, creating a truly unique African bush experience.
Choose from our selection of stylish timber chalets, self-catering units, luxury suites, camping and caravan facilities, each thoughtfully designed to provide comfort while embracing the beauty of the natural surroundings. Many of our accommodations feature private verandas overlooking the Crocodile River, where you can unwind to the sounds of flowing water and wildlife.
Hippo Waterfront Lodge also offers a welcoming restaurant, conference venue, beautifully maintained gardens, and family-friendly facilities, making it an ideal destination for holidays, business travellers, school groups, celebrations, and corporate events.
Experience the beauty of the Lowveld, exceptional hospitality, and unforgettable moments at Hippo Waterfront Lodge—where nature meets comfort on the banks of the Crocodile River.
Accommodation
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the tranquillity of Hippo Waterfront Lodge, where comfortable accommodation meets the beauty of the African bushveld.
We offer a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveller, whether you're visiting for business, a family holiday, a group getaway, or a weekend escape.
Our accommodation includes:
- Self-Catering River View Chalets – Comfortable timber chalets with private verandas overlooking the Crocodile River.
- Backpacker Chalets – Affordable, clean, and practical accommodation, ideal for school groups, contractors, sports teams, and budget-conscious travellers.
- Caravan & Camping Sites – Six spacious caravan stands with award-winning private ablution facilities, perfect for campers seeking a peaceful bush retreat.
- Luxury Self-Catering House – A spacious three-bedroom, all en-suite self-catering home offering modern comforts, generous living areas, and the ideal setting for families or groups.
Wake up to spectacular river views, abundant birdlife, and the possibility of spotting the hippos from the comfort of your accommodation. At Hippo Waterfront Lodge, every stay offers the perfect balance of relaxation, comfort, and an authentic Lowveld experience
Leopard Chalets
Sleeps 2-3
Perched on stilts and overlooking the tranquil surroundings of Hippo Waterfront Lodge, our charming Leopard Chalets offer a unique bushveld escape with beautiful views and modern comforts.
Elephant Chalets
Sleeps 6-8
Our spacious Elephant Chalets are the perfect choice for larger families and groups, comfortably accommodating six to eight guests in a peaceful bushveld setting.
Rhino Chalets
Sleeps 4
Our spacious Rhino Chalets are ideal for families, friends, and small groups looking to enjoy a relaxing self-catering stay in the heart of the Lowveld.
The Vulture Suite
Sleeps 6
Experience the ultimate in comfort and privacy at The Vulture Suite, Hippo Waterfront Lodge's exclusive luxury self-catering retreat. Perfectly suited for families, groups, business travellers, or couples seeking extra space, this beautifully appointed suite offers an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Lowveld.
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Buffalo Backpackers
Sleeps 4
Our Buffalo Backpacker Chalets offer affordable, comfortable accommodation for travellers, school groups, sports teams, contractors, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty of the Lowveld without compromising on comfort.
Lion Caravan stands
6 Stands
Experience the tranquillity of the Lowveld at our spacious Lion Caravan Stands & Camping, perfectly positioned within the peaceful surroundings of Hippo Waterfront Lodge. Whether you're travelling with a caravan, motorhome, RV, or rooftop tent, our well-maintained camping facilities offer the ideal base to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature.
Restaurant & Conferencing
Conferencing Facilities
We have conferencing facilities for up to 50 people. The area is air-conditioned and catering can be arranged. A full bar is available…
What to Bring for Your Stay at Hippo Waterfront Lodge
To ensure a comfortable and memorable stay at Hippo Waterfront Lodge, we recommend bringing the following essentials:
- Personal necessities
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A torch or flashlight for evening strolls around the lodge
- Binoculars and a camera to capture the abundant birdlife and hippos
For your convenience, all accommodation units are equipped with fresh linen, towels, and essential amenities. Simply arrive, relax, and immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the Lowveld.
Facilities & Activities
Conference & Function Venue
Host your next meeting, conference, training session, or private function in our modern, air-conditioned conference venue overlooking the beautiful Crocodile River. Accommodating 50–60 guests, the venue is equipped with a large projector screen, multimedia projector, food serving counters, and a fully licensed bar, making it ideal for corporate events, team-building sessions, celebrations, and special occasions. Tailor-made catering packages are available to suit your requirements.
Restaurant & Bar
Enjoy delicious home-style cuisine at our restaurant while taking in spectacular views of the Crocodile River. Whether you're joining us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or sundowners on the deck, our fully licensed bar and warm hospitality create the perfect setting to relax and unwind.
Fishing
Experience the tranquillity of fishing along the banks of the Crocodile River. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including catfish (barbel), eel, carp, and yellowfish, offering an enjoyable experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners.
Nature Walks & Bird Watching
Reconnect with nature as you explore the lodge's scenic surroundings. Enjoy peaceful walks along the riverbanks, discover an abundance of indigenous birdlife, and keep an eye out for our famous resident hippos and other wildlife that make Hippo Waterfront Lodge such a unique Lowveld destination.
Children Under 12
Airport Shuttle Service
Self-Braai / Barbecue
Laundry Service
Bar on the Premises
Conference
Wifi
Swimming Pool
Afrikaans/English
Garden
Restaurant
Pets by Arrangement
“We camped here for one night on our way to the Kruger. Arrived after 20:00 with no problems and received a warm welcome – the owner informed us of a hippo grazing on the river banks on our arrival. Wonderful seeing a hippo so clearly and the trees are beautiful! Clean private ablution and apart from the slightly challenging road leading here, it was an overall wonderful experience! Will definitely like to come again an hopefully enjoy the beautiful, clean swimming pool which we didn’t have time for this time.â€
“This is a wonderful place to visit when you travel through the Lowveld. It has such beautiful natural surroundings and the log cabins give it that true bushveld atmosphere. Great place to spend time relaxing in nature. Just be aware that the hippos are real!â€
“We would come back without thinking twice! Service has been absolutely welcoming and super friendly. The unit is clean, modern and feels like home. Beautiful here!â€
“As a well travelled person I’m recommending this establishment for anyone who wants to stay over or spend a few more days. The kitchen staff can cook up a storm and the hospitality is great. Accommodation is clean and well serviced. The pricing is really fair for the environment that it offers. A well deserved 5â€
