Close encounter with Jessica the Hippo
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Jessica the Hippo

4.6
·698 reviews·Hoedspruit, South Africa

Meet Jessica, the hippo rescued as a baby, now offering unique feeding and interaction experiences. A heartwarming story and unforgettable encounter.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Lunchtime

Jessica's feeding time!

CrowdMedium
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Close encounter with Jessica the Hippo

Jessica the Hippo

Best Time

Lunchtime

Jessica's feeding time!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Meet Jessica, the hippo rescued as a baby, now offering unique feeding and interaction experiences. A heartwarming story and unforgettable encounter.

4.6
(698 reviews)

"An unbelievable experience, a must-do on the bucket list!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book in Advance!

Secure your spot to avoid waiting and ensure a smooth visit. :ticket:

⏰ Be Punctual for Feeding

Jessica won't wait for her lunch! Arrive on time for the best experience. :stopwatch:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Feed and Interact with Jessica

Feed and Interact with Jessica

Jessica's Riverside Home

Get up close to feed, pet, and even kiss this gentle giant. A truly unique and humbling experience with a remarkable animal.

Reddit
Jessica's Remarkable Rescue Story

Jessica's Remarkable Rescue Story

Visitor Center

Learn about Jessica's incredible journey from a flood-rescued baby to a beloved family member. Her story is heartwarming and inspiring.

InstagramReddit
Meet Her 'Family'

Meet Her 'Family'

The Property

Beyond Jessica, you might meet other friendly animals on the property, adding to the charm of this unique sanctuary.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Jessica

While Jessica the Hippo is a beloved attraction, booking your visit in advance is highly recommended. This helps manage visitor flow and ensures a smoother experience, especially during peak times. Some visitors noted a wait if not pre-booked, so secure your spot to avoid disappointment. InstagramReddit

Punctuality is Key

Jessica has a schedule, particularly for her meals! Arriving on time is crucial, as she won't wait for her lunch. Being punctual ensures you don't miss out on the interactive feeding and petting experiences that make this visit so special. Reddit

Best Times

When
Lunchtime
Why
Jessica's feeding time!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you ever heard of Jessica the Hippo? She lives an hour from where I grew up & I got to take my family back there again yesterday. What a magnificent animal! After some heavy floods she was found by her guardians as a tiny baby, umbilical chord still attached. They took her in & she’s now a part of the household. Please go & have a look at her on Youtube 🙏🏼 She lives free in the Blyde River...
marlondutoit
16.7K likes • 302.8K views

🎯 Book in Advance!

Secure your spot to avoid waiting and ensure a smooth visit. InstagramReddit :ticket:

⏰ Be Punctual for Feeding

Jessica won't wait for her lunch! Arrive on time for the best experience. Reddit :stopwatch:

Jessica the Hippo looking for her potatoes and tea.
shellykobb
29.3K likes • 810.1K views
A story that is known world wide, Jessica the hippo was rescued after devastating floods had washed her onto the banks of Tonie and Shirley’s property. Taking her in and providing for her she has grown beautifully and is even best friends with the paw friends on the property. A friendly hippo with a big story and an even bigger heart. • • Book your visit at www.jessicahippo.com
homesofafrica
64 likes • 2.4K views

💖 Bring Your Manners

Jessica can be a bit of a diva; politeness goes a long way! Instagram :heart:

👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

An unforgettable experience for all ages. Kids and adults alike will be amazed. InstagramReddit :family_child:

Experience the wonder of Jessica the hippo & Seun! The interaction with the hippos are a true highlight, with their massive size and gentle demeanor. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable visit.. For bookings email us at: info@keeyahtravelsolutions.co.za #travelbucketlist #keeyahtravelsolutions #keeyahtravel #travelsouthafrica #travelplugsinsouthafrica #jessicathehippo #mpumalanga #travel ...
keeyahtravelsolutions
22 likes • 3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book in Advance!

Secure your spot to avoid waiting and ensure a smooth visit. InstagramReddit :ticket:

⏰ Be Punctual for Feeding

Jessica won't wait for her lunch! Arrive on time for the best experience. Reddit :stopwatch:

💖 Bring Your Manners

Jessica can be a bit of a diva; politeness goes a long way! Instagram :heart:

👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

An unforgettable experience for all ages. Kids and adults alike will be amazed. InstagramReddit :family_child:

💋 Ladies Can Kiss Her!

A unique opportunity for female visitors to share a kiss with Jessica. Reddit :kiss:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(698 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently rave about the unbelievable and unforgettable experience of meeting Jessica the Hippo. The opportunity to feed, pet, and even kiss her, coupled with her heartwarming rescue story, makes for a truly unique encounter. The affordability and the caring nature of the staff are frequently praised, though some note the potential for a tourist trap feel with payment processes. Reddit+2

"A pleasant time spent. Booked in advance and paid afterward (it's a bit of a tourist trap when you pay). We should be able to pay online or upon arrival. We ended up waiting in line. But I recommend the place; it's very interesting for children and adults. Thank you for your welcome."

D’geo

"Unbelievable experience. A must do on the bucket list. Great owner, who was kind to change our booking time and greeted us well on arrival even though we were running a little bit late. Caring people look after beautiful gracious animals. Once in a life experience you should do, 100% recommended. Very affordable and unforgettable! Do it 💯%!"

Sergey Yashumov (Русский гид в Австралии)

"Incredible story ans sharing with Jessica the hippo and her family.
If you are a lady you may give her a kiss 💋
Such a curious and amazing experience.
Be punctual, she won't wait for you for her lunch !"

Cyrielle Thonnon

What People Like

Unbelievable interaction
Heartwarming rescue story
Affordable experience

What People Dislike

Payment process

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Jessica the Hippo is located in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Many visitors travel by car, as it's a scenic drive through the region. If you're coming from further afield, you might fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and then rent a car or arrange transport. Some tour operators, like Keeya Travel Solutions, offer packages that include transport. Instagram

Public transport options directly to Jessica the Hippo's location can be limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange private transport. Local tour operators can often assist with this. Instagram

Many visitors combine a trip to Jessica the Hippo with a safari in the nearby Kruger National Park or other private game reserves. This makes it a convenient stop on a larger South African adventure. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific prices can vary, visits are generally considered very affordable and offer great value for an unforgettable experience. It's best to confirm current pricing when booking. Reddit

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended to ensure your visit and avoid potential waiting times. Some reviews mention paying afterward, but pre-booking is key for a smooth experience. InstagramReddit

Opening hours are typically aligned with feeding times, especially for interactive experiences. It's crucial to be punctual for your booked slot, as Jessica has her schedule. Check with your booking provider for exact times. Reddit

While some visitors mentioned paying afterward, it's advisable to inquire about online payment options when booking to streamline your arrival. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can feed, pet, and even kiss Jessica! Learning about her incredible rescue story and meeting her 'family' are also highlights. It's an interactive and heartwarming experience. InstagramReddit

The interaction is carefully managed by experienced handlers who ensure safety for both visitors and Jessica. Following their guidance is essential for a positive experience. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Jessica the Hippo is a fantastic experience for families. Children and adults alike find the interaction amazing and memorable. InstagramReddit

Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Since you'll be outdoors, consider the weather. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea for safety and comfort. Instagram

Yes, visitors are encouraged to capture memories! Many social media posts showcase incredible photos and videos of interactions with Jessica. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the focus is on the animal interaction, it's wise to check if any light refreshments are available. Many visitors opt to have meals before or after their visit in Hoedspruit. Instagram

It's best to confirm this when booking. Typically, the emphasis is on feeding Jessica, so outside food might be restricted. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic shots are during the feeding and interaction sessions, capturing the close-up moments with Jessica. Her unique personality often makes for expressive photos. Instagram+1

Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of the handlers' instructions and avoid using flash if it might disturb the animals. Instagram

A camera with good zoom capabilities can be useful for capturing Jessica's expressions from a safe distance. However, many memorable shots are taken up close during the interaction. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Jessica the Hippo offers an incredibly engaging and educational experience for families. Children are often mesmerized by the sheer size of Jessica and the opportunity to interact with her directly. InstagramReddit The story of her rescue is also a powerful lesson in compassion and animal welfare that resonates with young minds. InstagramReddit

It's recommended to book your visit in advance to manage expectations and ensure a smooth experience for everyone. InstagramReddit Being punctual for feeding times is also key, as it's the most exciting part for kids. Reddit The handlers are adept at making the interactions safe and fun for children, creating lasting memories for the whole family. Instagram

🌍 Bucket List Travelers

For those seeking unique and unforgettable animal encounters, Jessica the Hippo is a prime destination. The chance to feed, pet, and even kiss a hippo is a rare and thrilling experience that many add to their travel bucket lists. InstagramReddit+1

Her extraordinary rescue story adds a layer of emotional depth to the visit, making it more than just an animal sighting. InstagramReddit Travelers often describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that leaves a profound impact. Booking ahead and being punctual are essential to maximize this special encounter. InstagramReddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Jessica's Incredible Rescue and Life

Jessica the Hippo's story is one of resilience and interspecies connection. Rescued as a tiny baby after devastating floods washed her onto the property of Tonie and Shirley, she was taken in and nurtured. Instagram This act of kindness allowed Jessica to survive and thrive, forming an extraordinary bond with her human caregivers. She has grown into a magnificent animal, known for her gentle demeanor and unique personality. Instagram+1

Her story has gained international recognition, drawing visitors from around the globe who are touched by her journey and eager to experience her firsthand. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for Jessica, allowing her to live a life enriched by human care and interaction, a testament to the remarkable relationships that can form between humans and wildlife. Instagram+1

Visitors often describe the experience as humbling and surreal, getting to feed, pet, and even kiss a hippo. The dedication of her caretakers, like Shirley, is evident in Jessica's well-being and her trusting nature towards humans. Reddit+1 It's a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and the beauty of nature's unexpected connections.

Planning Your Visit: What to Expect

Visiting Jessica the Hippo is more than just seeing an animal; it's an immersive experience. Visitors are encouraged to book their slots in advance to ensure a spot and a smooth entry. InstagramReddit Punctuality is crucial, especially for feeding times, as Jessica adheres to her schedule. Reddit Arriving on time guarantees you won't miss the most interactive parts of the visit.

During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to get up close with Jessica. This includes feeding her, petting her, and for female visitors, the unique chance to give her a kiss. Reddit+1 The handlers are experienced and ensure that interactions are safe and respectful for both guests and Jessica. InstagramReddit Many visitors are struck by her gentle nature and the trust she places in her human companions. Reddit

Beyond the direct interaction, you'll learn about Jessica's remarkable rescue story, which is a significant part of her appeal. InstagramReddit The atmosphere is generally described as heartwarming and unforgettable, making it a must-do for many travelers. InstagramReddit Remember to bring your camera to capture these unique moments, but always follow the guidance of the staff. Instagram

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