Hippo Hollow

As one of the long standing hotels in Hazyview Mpumalanga, Hippo Hollow believes strongly in supporting and uplifting the local Hazyview communities. We are involved in a number of fundraisers and events from which the community benefits throughout the year. A few of these include the Hyde Lowveld Enduro Club's Hazyview Race and the Vodacom Hippo Hollow Challenge which takes place in June. Read more about our community involvement below. The Shangaan River Club at Hippo Hollow is named after the local people, the Shangana who are regarded as the earliest inhabitants of the area. This successful initiative has been running since 2003 and not only re-engages children with their African heritage, but helps to preserve the legacy for generations to come and empowers traditional dancers. In each performance, the local chief narrates a song or proverb from tribal legends enlightening guests with their ancient and intriguing culture. Currently, the Shangaan River Club has 18 local dancers (between the ages of 13 - 26 years), under the leadership of Abraham, our troupe leader. The dancers are from the Venda, Tswana, Zulu and Swazi Cultures and are all originally from the Msogwaba (Nelspruit) Community. Continuing to support the local communities surrounding the lodges in Hazyview Mpumalanga, Hippo Hollow endeavours to employ and contract as many local people as possible. We are loyal and have ongoing relationship with our contractors, evident in our building and maintenance teams. Frank Mgwenya, a carpenter from Marite community has been working with Hippo Hollow since opening in 1995. His assistants, Clifford Mgwenya (son), Thapelo Mgwenya (cousin) and Sponono Mathebula are also part of the community. Eric, our builder from Shabalala community has been with us since 1992. Our painter, John from Numbi community worked here a long time ago and then came back in 2012, with his assistant, Xolani from the Mkhuhlu community.