Southern Africa — Curated Journeys

Exceptional journeys,
effortlessly delivered.

Hippo Travel designs, orchestrates, and delivers unforgettable Southern African experiences for discerning travelers — and the partners who serve them.

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African safari luxury

A Southern Africa
specialist, at your service.

Hippo Travel is a Southern Africa–focused travel company specializing in the design, orchestration, and delivery of exceptional journeys for discerning travelers — and the partners who serve them.

Our purpose is to create extraordinary, unforgettable moments for guests while removing complexity, risk, and operational burden for our travel partners. We take full ownership of the experience so partners can focus on relationships, and travelers can focus on the journey itself.

Your trusted
extension in Africa.

For travel advisors and partners, Hippo Travel operates as a trusted extension of your team. We protect your client relationships, uphold your brand promise, and provide the on-the-ground expertise required to deliver Southern Africa with confidence and total support.

We believe exceptional travel is defined by intention, care, and execution. By focusing on meaningful experiences and delivering them with precision, we help partners offer journeys that resonate deeply and last a lifetime.

Two extraordinary
flagship experiences.

At the heart of Hippo Travel's portfolio are two premier destinations, each distinct in character and united by an unwavering standard of excellence.

Hippo Lakes luxury safari

Hippo Lakes

A Travelers' Choice Award-winning luxury safari and private game reserve in the malaria-free Waterberg region — 3½ hours from Johannesburg. Thousands of pristine acres. Unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Malaria-Free Vaccine-Free No Visa (US) 5 or 7 Nights 98% Five-Star Reviews
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Saddle Safaris horseback riding
Horseback Safari

Saddle Safaris

Ride into the wild across South Africa's Waterberg region — one of Africa's most biodiverse landscapes. A once-in-a-lifetime horseback safari experience, available in 5- and 7-night packages, exclusively guided and fully supported.

Malaria-Free Vaccine-Free No Visa (US) 5 or 7 Nights Expert Guides
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Go further.
See more.

Pair your safari with one of our expertly managed tour extensions — each one thoughtfully designed for our guests.

Cape Town Table Mountain

Cape Town

All the highlights, one unforgettable city.

Cape Town unfolds with a rhythm of nature, history, and culture. From Table Mountain views to Bo-Kaap's colorful streets, a dramatic Peninsula drive, and the finest wine country — this tour blends highlights with flexibility.

Nights 4–5 nights, top-rated hotel
Tour Days 3–4 full guided days
Included Breakfasts, transfers
Group Size Max 10 guests
Experiences included
Table Mountain Cape Point Boulders Beach Penguins Bo-Kaap Walk Stellenbosch Wine Tasting Chapman's Peak

I had an exceptional experience during the safari and in Cape Town. The accommodations and the people surpassed my expectations. Hippo Travel truly delivered a seamless, memorable trip.

— Cheryl, Texas
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Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls

Two nights of wonder at the Smoke That Thunders.

This immersive journey captures the wonder of one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. A guided walk through the Zimbabwean viewpoints, dining above gorges, elephants and hippos on the Zambezi — and a sunrise boat cruise to close.

Nights 2 nights, top-rated hotel
Schedule Arrival · Falls · Cruise
Included Breakfasts, transfers
Group Size Max 10 guests
Experiences included
Falls Walking Tour Sunset Dinner Cruise Sunrise Zambezi Cruise Wildlife Viewing
⚠ Visa required · Malaria zone — consult your physician

Above and beyond! Y'all are the best!! From the moment we arrived to the farewell on the Zambezi — every detail was perfect.

— Julie & Delbert, Texas
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What sets us apart.

Every element of our service reflects the same standard that earned Hippo Lakes a 98% five-star rating. That standard travels with every journey we design.

Concierge Support U.S.-based pre-trip and on-the-ground coordination for every guest.
Trusted Expertise Deep roots in Southern Africa, backed by the Hippo Lakes flagship relationship.
Seamless Logistics Every detail from arrival to departure, thoughtfully considered and quietly handled.
Handpicked Stays Carefully selected accommodations that deliver on comfort, character, and location.
Top-Rated Guides Expert local guides who bring the landscape and wildlife alive with knowledge and warmth.
Luxury Touring Private vehicles, small groups, and refined itineraries — never cookie-cutter.

Moments that speak for themselves.

★★★★★

UNBELIEVABLE! I felt extremely safe, at home, and experienced nothing short of luxury. From meals to safaris to management, service was incredible.

— Lisa, Google
★★★★★

Our family had a wonderful week at Hippo Lakes. The property, accommodations and amenities are all top notch. The staff made the trip unforgettable.

— Scott, Google
★★★★★

Words and photos cannot express how amazing our trip was. Daily game drives, wildlife right outside your tent, amazing food and staff — this place has it all.

— Tripadvisor Guest

Ready to offer
Africa to your clients?

Whether you're a travel advisor exploring a partnership, or a corporate group planning an extraordinary incentive trip — we'd love to talk. Our team is here to help you deliver Southern Africa with confidence.