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Dombo Hippo Pools

4.5
Β·87 reviewsΒ·Khwai, Botswana

Experience wild Botswana with hippos at your doorstep and elephants roaming through camp. A community-run gem offering unparalleled wildlife immersion...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early November

Wildlife is abundant

CrowdMedium
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Dombo Hippo Pools - Image 1

Dombo Hippo Pools

Best Time

Early November

Wildlife is abundant

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience wild Botswana with hippos at your doorstep and elephants roaming through camp. A community-run gem offering unparalleled wildlife immersion.

4.5
(87 reviews)

"The hippos are right there and the campsite has everything you need. The surrounding area also hosts plenty of wildlife!"

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸ•οΈ Campsite Choice Matters

Opt for a riverside site for prime hippo viewing, but be mindful of elephant paths.

🐘 Respect Wildlife

Never approach or feed elephants. Listen to your guides and maintain a safe distance.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 Β· 87 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

πŸ‘Ά Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Hippo Spectacle

Riverside Hippo Spectacle

Campsites along the river

Witness hippos grazing and interacting just meters from your tent. An unforgettable, immersive wildlife experience.

Elephant Passages

Elephant Passages

Throughout the campsite

Elephants frequently roam through the camp, offering breathtaking close-up views of these gentle giants.

Reddit
Dugout Canoe Safari

Dugout Canoe Safari

Khwai River

Glide silently on the water for intimate wildlife viewing and a unique perspective of the riverine ecosystem.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: Hippo Encounters

Prepare for incredibly close encounters with hippos right at your campsite! While thrilling, always maintain a safe distance and follow guide instructions. These magnificent creatures are a highlight, but respect their space for a memorable and safe experience. Reddit

Community-Run Charm & Amenities

Dombo Hippo Pools is a community-run initiative, offering a unique chance to support local livelihoods. While the hospitality is warm, be aware that campsite facilities like showers and toilets can be limited, especially during peak times. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Early November
Why
Wildlife is abundant
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Hippos become active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

πŸ•οΈ Campsite Choice Matters

Opt for a riverside site for prime hippo viewing, but be mindful of elephant paths. Reddit+1

🐘 Respect Wildlife

Never approach or feed elephants. Listen to your guides and maintain a safe distance. Reddit

πŸ›Ά Book Canoe Safaris Early

These popular excursions fill up fast, especially during peak season. Reddit

πŸ’§ Be Prepared for Limited Facilities

Sanitary facilities are few. Bring your own dishwashing supplies. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸ•οΈ Campsite Choice Matters

Opt for a riverside site for prime hippo viewing, but be mindful of elephant paths. Reddit+1

🐘 Respect Wildlife

Never approach or feed elephants. Listen to your guides and maintain a safe distance. Reddit

πŸ›Ά Book Canoe Safaris Early

These popular excursions fill up fast, especially during peak season. Reddit

πŸ’§ Be Prepared for Limited Facilities

Sanitary facilities are few. Bring your own dishwashing supplies. Reddit

🀝 Support Local

Enjoy the warm hospitality and know your visit supports the local community. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(87 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dombo Hippo Pools offers an incredibly immersive wildlife experience, with many guests praising the close encounters with hippos and elephants right at their campsites. The warm hospitality of the community-run staff is a significant highlight, making visitors feel welcome and supported. However, some guests note that the sanitary facilities for campers are insufficient, and campsite stands can be close together, which may detract from the experience during peak times.

"Fantastic experience, so glad we stayed 2 nights. We had a campsite on the river full of hippos with elephant often behind us. Lots of distance between each site. I had a wonderful experience when the matriarch elephant moved her herd to the side when walking up for a shower. It is also nice to support the local community who run the site, and they are very welcoming and supportive. Enjoyed the dug out canoe safari. Funny, I walked into the bush behind us once and a teanage male elephant sent me back to where I was supposed to be :-). Maybe next time I should follow the rules !"

Andrew Knight

"We spent 4 nights here in early November this year and it was the absolute best experience! The hippos are right there and the campsite has everything you need. The surrounding area also hosts plenty of wildlife!Everybody there was extremely friendly and kind. Viva, who was in charge of our site, was so kind and knowledgeable! He even helped us fix our tent :) Thank you to Hippo Pools, village of Khwai, Viva, Doctor, Binnie, Travis and Topo for a top notch stay and experience!"

Emma Shearer

"Private campsite close to Moremi reserve north gate. Exceptionally placed alongside the river bank. They offer campsites and chalets. There is also a newly build restaurant and bar on the riverfront. Hippos are everywhere in the river. Elephants pass through the camp regularly and in numbers.
There is one drawback - the sanitary facilities for the campers are too few and there is no installation for dishwashing."

Robert World

What People Like

Close hippo and elephant encounters
Welcoming community staff
Riverside campsite atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited sanitary facilities
Campsite proximity

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

Dombo Hippo Pools is located near the north gate of the Moremi Game Reserve. Access is typically via 4x4 vehicle, as roads can be sandy and challenging. Many visitors combine a trip here with a safari through the Okavango Delta or Moremi. Reddit

It is strongly advised to use a 4x4 vehicle. The roads leading to and around the campsite can be sandy and difficult to navigate, especially after rain. Reddit

Road conditions can vary significantly. Expect sandy tracks, and be prepared for potential mud if it has rained recently. A 4x4 is essential for a comfortable and safe journey. Reddit

While there are airstrips in the wider Khwai area, direct flights to Dombo Hippo Pools are uncommon. Most visitors drive in or arrange transfers from larger hubs like Maun. Reddit

Driving at night is generally not recommended due to the high risk of wildlife encounters, including large animals like elephants and hippos. Stick to daylight hours for travel. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Pricing can vary depending on the type of accommodation (campsite or chalet) and season. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date rates. Reddit

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred campsite. Reddit

Campsites are generally accessible throughout the day, but it's advisable to arrive during daylight hours for safety and ease of setup. Check-in procedures should be confirmed with management. Reddit

As Dombo Hippo Pools is situated near the Moremi Game Reserve, there may be associated park entry fees or conservation levies. Confirm these requirements when booking. Reddit

It's wise to carry sufficient cash, as card facilities may be limited or unreliable in remote areas. Confirm payment methods with the management beforehand. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can expect abundant hippos in the river, elephants frequently passing through the camp, and a variety of other wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species in the surrounding areas. Reddit+1

Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. While they are a major attraction, always maintain a significant distance and never approach them. Listen to your guides. Reddit+1

Activities include dugout canoe safaris (makoro trips), guided bush walks, and game drives. The main attraction is the incredible proximity to wildlife from the campsite itself. Reddit

The sanitary facilities for campers are limited, with reports of only two showers and two toilets for a number of visitors. This can be a drawback during busy periods. Reddit

Mobile signal and Wi-Fi are generally very limited or non-existent in this remote location, allowing for a true digital detox. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a newly built restaurant and bar on the riverfront, offering dining options for visitors. Reddit

Self-catering is common for campers. Ensure you bring all your own food and cooking supplies, as options for purchasing food outside of the restaurant are scarce. Reddit

Campsites typically provide space for cooking, but you will need to bring your own portable stove, fuel, and cooking utensils. Reddit

The restaurant likely serves a mix of local and international dishes. It's best to inquire directly about their menu and opening hours. Reddit

Yes, there is a bar available on the riverfront where you can purchase drinks. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography. This is also when animals are most active. Reddit

A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a safe distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots and camp scenes. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific photography restrictions, but always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disturbing wildlife. Never use flash photography directly at animals. Reddit

Yes, it is safe to take photos from your campsite, but always maintain awareness of your surroundings, especially with hippos and elephants nearby. Reddit

Absolutely! A dugout canoe safari offers unique photographic opportunities. Ensure your camera is protected from water splashes. Reddit

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