hippo's rest

southern african bush retreat

Welcome

Welcome to the completely reformed, re-modelled and renewed Hippo's Rest. A tranquil haven, and the best-kept secret in Manguzi just for Youzi! Discover the newly transformed world of Hippo's Rest, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the mundane transforms into magic. Nestled amidst the untamed beauty of Manguzi, our quirky bush lodge is more than just a place to rest your weary head—it's a haven for adventurers, nature lovers, and dreamers alike.

Picture this: a private bush retreat on the coast of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, where the rustle of the bushes serenades you to sleep, and the wind carries the smell of salty sea air. Yes, you even hear the waves every now and then. Hippo’s Rest isn’t just another run-of-the-mill lodge; it’s a privately owned residence, a secret sanctuary tucked away from the chaos of the city, waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers like youzi. We recommend a 4×4 to visit Hippo’s Rest, but seasoned off-roaders should be fine too, depending on the weather.

Here, absolute solitude reigns supreme—imagine no noise except for the calls of nature and the occasional snort of a hippo. It’s just you, Hippo’s Rest, and the enchanting sounds of the bush.

A stone’s throw away from the Mozambican border, you can visit Ponta Do Ouro for a day of camarões (prawns) and Gatão Vinho (Google it!) —an absolute must for a coastal paradise where adventure meets relaxation, and every moment is infused with the vibrant spirit of Mozambique.

Hippo's Rest is about getting away and being "off-grid". We use paraffin to heat water and gas to cook. We have solar panels for lights and charging small devices.

Our lodge is perched high on an ancient dune, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Based on our location atop the dune, we experience the most welcomed breezes on hot days, making your stay refreshing and comfortable. From your cozy cabin overlooking our natural wetlands, immerse yourself in the sights of hippos wading, catch glimpses of rare birdlife, and marvel at the fiery African sunsets painting the sky in vibrant shades of pink and gold.

But don’t let our rustic charm fool you—we’ve got all the creature comforts of home and then some. Our uniquely operated showers, powered by a paraffin flute (yes, you read that right!), ensures a safe, hot, and steamy bathing experience like no other. And with minimal electricity (who needs it anyway? It’s an ESKOM privilege), we’re all about embracing the natural rhythms of the bush with gas and solar power.

Hippo’s Rest isn’t just a place to lay your head; it’s a gateway to adventure and discovery. Whether you’re fishing for thrills along the coastline, snorkeling with colorful coral reefs, birding, embarking on a 4×4 discovery, or enjoying a sunset safari, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And when the day is done, savour cocktails or an ice-cold beer on the deck, watching the sunset before gathering around the boma for a crackling campfire, sharing stories of the day while braaing your “vleis” on the braai facilities provided. Then retreat to your private deck and let the symphony of the bush lull you into a peaceful slumber under the stars.

Listen closely and you’ll hear the enchanting grunts of hippos in the evening and morning—a symphony of the bush as these majestic creatures moves from one Hippo’s Rest wetland to another. At night, the chorus of frogs fills the air with their melodic songs, lulling you into peaceful slumber. Keep an eye out for the mischievous nag apie, most playful and vocal under the cover of darkness. And come morning, awaken to the delightful chittering of birds, nature’s own alarm clock signaling the start of a new day.