The lavish accommodations at Hippo Lakes Lodge are "glamping" on steroids! Tents feature plush beds, wrap around patio decks with lake views, individual AC and heating units.  Each tent has ensuite bathrooms  equipped with  towels and linens and includes a lockable safe, mini refrigerator, hair dryer and a coffee/tea station.  You will also enjoy Wi-Fi, daily turndown service and housekeeping.  Tents  accommodate 2-4 guests and vary in size. Some even feature their own private heated pools. 

Each day you  will be led by Hippo Lakes professional guides on wild game drives through the vast 7500 acre property. You’ll have the opportunity to see over 30 animal species including hippo, buffalo, wildebeest, leopard, giraffe, kudu, sable, eland, nyala, hyaena and wild dog.  These daily game drives are led by some of the most experienced game rangers in the industry with a passion for wildlife and an unusual gift in communicating with you the wonder of all the creatures you will encounter.  Depending on the time of year, these tours will typically last between 2-3  hours. Evening drives include South African "Sundowner" experience. 

 In addition to the daily game drives on-site at Hippo Lakes, you also  have the option to go on two "Big 5" game drive excursions to neighboring reserves to encounter lion, elephant and rhinos in contrasting landscapes. The greater Waterberg region is reported to have more rhino than all of Kenya and Hippo Lakes proudly supports anti-poaching initiatives for all species in the area. 

Not only do the extremely knowledgeable game rangers take you on daily drives they act as your hosts and guides all week and are the magic that brings your incredible safari experience to life. Whether sharing fascinating wildlife facts during a morning drive or creating a cozy atmosphere around the evening campfire, the team at Hippo Lakes makes every moment unforgettable. You leave not only with breathtaking new memories but with new friends that feel like family by journey's end.  

Your stay includes all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) prepared on site by Hippo Lakes' resident chef.  You will indulge in a gastronomic journey like no other where gourmet meals redefine the art of dining in the heart of the African wilderness. If you have specific dietary restrictions Hippo Lakes can prepare a menu to your liking.  Alcohol is also included with our exclusive all-inclusive pricing.  

 The Brai is a fundamental part of South African culture and an experience that is not to be missed. Think of it as a next level wilderness BBQ in the actual African bush where an unforgettable traditional South African meal is cooked slowly over hardwood or charcoal giving it an incredible, flavor. It's truly a highlight of the week to enjoy South African cuisine and cocktails under the canopy of stars and around the fire. 

Not only do most tents come with their own private plunge pools, Hippo Lakes Lodge also has a large main resort rock  pool and lapa area perfect for relaxing after a game drive. You can also go fishing right from the docks if you bring your own gear or you can pay a nominal fee to rent gear from the lodge. 

You can  rest assured that great care is taken in both the game drives and accommodations to keep you out of danger from the animals. Tents are solidly built above ground on magnificent decks out of reach from the water-based animals and all lodge areas are enclosed in a safe zone where you can freely enjoy the amazing landscape without a ranger. Optional hikes with experienced rangers outside the safe zone are easily arranged for those with a taste for even more adventure.  

You will enjoy the personal service and care that complement the beauty of  South Africa's breath-taking vistas. Hippo Lakes consistent evaluations rate staff 10/10 for friendly, non-intrusive service that will make you feel welcome and special as you experience African hospitality at its best.  

Hippo Lakes offers safe, reliable and comfortable transportation services to and from O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. Vehicles feature comfortable seating and a fully insured, experienced driver. 

Our dedicated team of partners between Beach Cruising With Kelli Travel and Hippo Lakes are here to offer  you true concierge service to guide you through your entire safari planning process from booking your tent to making your travel arrangements and answering the plethora of questions you'll inevitably have. 

 The Elephant Encounter is an incredible opportunity to get up close with an elephant and hear the amazing stories of elephant rehabilitation.  More than just a "touch and feed” encounter, this comprehensive interaction allows you to enjoy these gentle giants and experience, acutely, their intellect and warmth. 

You won’t want to miss the helicopter ride and getting to see both the views and wildlife from a whole new perspective.  Priced according to number of guests participating and if the weather permits.

Indulge in  ultimate relaxation amidst the serene beauty of Hippo Lakes.  Massage services allow you to unwind and pamper yourself during your free time. Expert therapist will ensure you feel refreshed and renewed. 

 This option allows  you to extend your stay at Hippo Lakes through the weekend for an additional two nights Instead of departing Friday morning, enjoy two more full days of leisure. Enjoy an additional game drive each day, swimming at the pools, reading on your tent deck as you watch the hippos, and enjoying the finest cuisine.  This package includes 90 minutes of massage treatment at your tent, a special nighttime game drive, a South African lobster dinner, and picnic lunches!  

Hippo Lakes also offers options for a 4-night extension to your safari experience in Cape Town. The Boutique Cape Town extension package includes airport transfers, accommodation, and 3 days of touring with a professional guide. Ground Transportation during the tour days, is included along with complimentary breakfasts. 

Also included are select VIP experiences such as Table Mountain Cable Car (weather permitting), Boulders Beach Penguin Viewing, Cape Point National Park and the Cape of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Chapman's Peak Drive (the famous cliff-side drive) and wine tasting in Stellenbosch. 

The Ultimate Cape Town tour includes all of the above along with a sunset boat cruise with sushi in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront... helicopter flips... and a smaller, more exclusive group. Also, the Ultimate Cape Town Tour includes guiding on the last day (Tuesday) that is not included in the Boutique tour. 

More info about pre-safari extension to see the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia coming soon! Stay tuned!

All of that sounds great right? But how in the world do you get to South Africa? We can help you with all the logistics of getting from the U.S. to Johannesburg and Cape Town too,  if you choose to add the extension. We arrange flights with pre and post stays in Johannesburg.  We work with the airlines vacation companies and have access to unpublished fares that can be locked in with low deposits 

We can also help you with securing comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard your journey and give you peace of mind knowing that you are well-prepared for your adventure and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise such as medical emergencies or trip interruptions.