“In the heart of Africa!!!”

In our two weeks in South Africa (and actually in all our travels), this was the best, most extraordinary, and most impressive accommodation we ever had! We arrived in the heart of nature and were welcomed so warmly, as if we'd always been at home. The wonderfully eccentric Xavier greeted us with his K9 dogs (Doberman, Kangal, Bulldog, etc.), who we immediately fell in love with (very affectionate towards guests, yet brave protectors of their territory!). The rooms and suites are all so lovingly furnished, anything but standard. Breakfast and especially dinner were outstanding; Xavier and Patricia (who used to own several restaurants) truly outdid themselves – superb! Around the fenced camp and bush camp, you could experience nature up close, a pure delight all day long. Zebras, wildebeest, and other animals all gathered at the fence. Ever seen a tame giraffe? Here, with a bit of luck, Mr. Mellmann might greet you with a kiss. Or Jessica the Hippo, the only tame hippo just 3km away... A personal safari (game reserve) in a nearby park with our hosts was also a truly special experience and encounter (Big 5 unfortunately without a leopard). We will never forget these 3 wonderful days with Xavier and Patricia; we were and are right in the heart of Africa! We experienced a lot during our 14 days in South Africa, but nothing was even remotely as intense as at Hippomoon Lodge (I could talk for hours about our stay, but you have to experience it for yourself!!!)

“Just perfect!”

We had the most wonderful and exciting experience at the Hippomoon Lodge! After a very warm welcome and a lovely lunch we saw al the beautiful wild animals at the estate. We were treated by Patricia and Xavier at an evening with excellent diner and after we all sat at the fire place with the sounds of Afrika at the back ground. Next morning a healthy breakfast and were happy to go for adventure! Thanks so very much, dear lovely Patricia and wonderful guide with great stories Xavier and team

Die lodge was fantasties, die gasheer was baie tegemoetkomend, die kos was heerlik en die hele ervaring was uitstekend. Sal dit aanbeveel.

Great stay . Very peaceful.

“Great stay!”

Great stay at Hippomoon! The reserve and rooms are unique, and we were treated like VIPs!

“Thanks Patricia & Xavier for remarkable hospitality and lovely dinner 😊”

Great atmosphere, wonderful surroundings and excellent room.

“One of the most spectacular place have ever stayed at.”

This lodge is absolutely spectacular and very unique. Xavier, the owner, is phenomenal. Peter and I had great discussions with him. Lots of fun and laughter. He is an extremely interesting person. Superb food. Great surroundings. The "golden wildebeests" and the "kissing giraffe" on the property are very special. Noteworthy are the 1928 Bugatti and the Triumph motorcycle in the living room. There are vintage cars all over the property. I have never seen a more interesting place like the Hippomoon Lodge. As a world traveller I must admit that this is one of the most spectacular, interesting and fun place I have ever stayed at. Highly recommendable!!!!!! Thanks Xavier!

Our stay at Xavier's Hippo Moon Lodge was absolutely amazing, more than a stay, it was an experience. With great reviews and ratings so high, my partner and I were curious about the place - and we were so glad for the decision. Xavier, who we read so much about, is one of a kind in person. Entertaining, funny, wise and with life stories and experiences for days. We got amazing up close with his giraffe, and other game animals, and his army of loving dogs. The guesthouse itself is a work of art, with exquisite designs, artifacts, classic cars, and architecture in each room. We had the most amazing hospitality, food, and famous 5 course dinners cooked by Xavier himself. Our friends visiting Hoepsruit, also got to meet Xavier, and have an amazing dinner. All in all, this was the most memorable weekend we have had, and we hope to visit again. Thank you Xavier, Patricia, Pretty and the team HippoMoon- hope many more people get to have magic times at your lodge.

“Best Stay Ever!”

Let me be clear. I loved staying here! The HOSPITALITY??? Top tier. Xavier, Patricia, Patrick, Chantelle. It’s like we were visiting our estranged eccentric, rich uncle’s family. Home away from home. We met some amazing people who were also staying there and the staff facilitated our acquaintance effortlessly. The food? Xavier & Patricia cook the food and it was nothing short of amazing. Every single day. I particularly enjoyed the soup Patricia made as well as the pasta and sweet desserts Xavier spent hours making. I actually don’t know how they do it with such little staff. We genuinely felt at home and ALL our needs (& wants) were accommodated for. We even booked one more night and felt sad when we had to leave. Also… if they recommend an activity - DO IT!!! The eccentric interiors? What a sight! Everyday we were finding something new in the house to marvel at. lol. Thoughtfulness in every piece. Some of the art pieces were handmade by Xavier. Please read the reviews and look at the pictures to ensure you know what you are getting yourself into. We booked the castle and we could be secluded from other guests and still had the choice of joining in on the festivities in the main house. I am a dog lover and I was in heaven. Friendly dogs everywhere ready for belly rubs. Animals everywhere around the property. I could go on and on but we will definitely be back. I wish I could share more photos.

We loved everything and wished we could have stayed longer. There was no 11 to rate this place so we gave it a 10. Xavier and Patricia are awesome guests and make you feel at home. The reserve is incredible with animals at your doorstep. The Lodge is stunning and extremely well decorated and the food incredible. Thanks for everything - we will be back !

We only stayed for one night at the Hippomoon Lodge but were treated to quite an eventful time there. I was celebrating my 50th birthday and on meeting the colourful and effervescent Xavier, we were shown round our room which was nothing short of spacious, a large room with an equally large adjoining bathroom. I'm sure that Xavier would agree that the real star is lovely Patricia who was exceptionally kind and helpful. The hospitality here set the tone for our ZA experience, nothing was too much trouble. Xavier is a prolific raconteur so sit back with a drink and enjoy the anecdotes. The lodge is around 30 min drive from Hoedspruit Airport along an unmade road that will hopefully be completed soon. Around the lodge are a variety of animals that can be enjoyed at close quarters. Xavier took us out in his truck to explore the animals on the estate that included giraffe, zebra, ostrich and a variety of buck. In the evening, we were served with a lovely meal cooked to perfection, while appreciating the effort made to make my birthday really special. The electrical storm added a little sparkle to the evening. The lodge is a fun place to stay, roomy and very comfortable. You will be really well looked after and there is plenty to see just by relaxing within the outside space that includes a small pool and recliners. Thanks again to Patricia and Xavier for their warm hospitality and helpful advice that set us on our way on what was a memorable trip.

“A truly fantastic bush experience! Highly recommended”

Unfortunately, our stay at Hippomoon Lodge was limited to just one night, but the experience was truly unforgettable. The serenity of the bush was breath-taking. We enjoyed stunning sunrises and sunsets, and were fortunate to witness incredible wildlife at the water hole right by the lodge. The decor and furnishings were of the highest quality. The host was incredibly attentive and extremely knowledgeable. The 5-star meals were exceptional. Everything was perfect. We will definitely return for a longer stay.

“Was a splendid stay and I would love to return real soon.”

Beautiful calm surroundings, an array of animals to see on the property and full view of them at the waterhole with a beautiful backdrop of mountains as you take a swim in the lovely pool. Neighbouring property houses the infamous Jessica the Hippo, a very special experience. Close by the Blyderiverpoort Dam another memorable boating experience of nature in beautiful symbiosis. A beautiful room with unexpected treats. Staff took really good care of my dog and myself, although we found ourselves in tricky situations with the dogs on site and unwelcome insects. I’m thankful for the quick care and attention they provided us. The food was freshly prepared, delicious and in abundance much thanks to the hosts Patricia and Xavier. I thank you for one of my best experiences of our beautiful country. The guests were lovely to mingle with and I never felt like I was alone.

“Fantastic memorable stay with Xavier and Patricia”

Xavier and Patricia are amazing, gracious hosts, they made sure we had everything we needed, recommended and booked our activities. We loved the tranquility of the bush setting and being able to see animals on our walks and in front of our room. Very relaxing environment from the moment you arrive, you feel you can rest and just enjoy the time away. The room was beautifully decorated and very comfortable. We look forward to coming back.😃

It's a very beautiful place Deep in the bushes ..

“Fantastic experience to stay with Xavier & Patricia in his wonderful place!”

Fantastic experience to stay with Xavier in his wonderful place. Special buildings with a lot of space in beautiful surroundings. Personal attention from Xavier and his staff, serving great meals.

“must!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

extermly unique experince-located in the middle of the bush sournded with animals-very speical host

“Great experience in a superb private lodge”

We only spent one night at the property, however we had the best time with Xavier and his animals. He was extremely warm and welcoming and cooked amazing food for us. We luckily got the presidential suite as an upgrade which was dreamy! Would definitely recommend to stay at this lodge.

“We wished we could have stayed longer and we will return!”

Hippomoon Lodge is ideally located to travel to several attractions including Kruger park and other private parks and animal sanctuaries. Very importantly as well, our host Xavier went the extra mile to make us feel welcome. He gave us plenty of recommendations which proved very useful. He's an excellent cook (the portions also were very generous) and has a great sense of hospitality. Patricia also was a star (friendly, welcoming and efficient). The room is super nice and original and the amenities are very clean and comfortable. The icing on the cake was to accompany Xavier feeding the zebras and various antelopes. We also saw giraffes and ostriches in his domain. We could not have hoped for a better beginning of our holiday in South Africa.

The abundance of wildlife in close proximity to our accommodation was amazing. A wonderful collection of memorobelia in the dining room; very tasty food, and Xavier and his staff are wonderful hosts.