Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
The hippopotamus is Africa's most dangerous large animal and one of its most fascinating. Despite their docile appearance lounging in rivers, hippos kill more people in Africa than any other wildlife. These massive semi-aquatic giants spend their days submerged in water, emerging at night to graze on land. Watching a pod of hippos with their ears twitching, nostrils flaring, and territorial males displaying their enormous tusks is a safari highlight. The sounds of hippos (grunting, honking, and bellowing) are the quintessential soundtrack of African rivers.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Hippopotamus amphibius
- Family
- Hippopotamidae
- Diet
- Herbivore: grasses (grazes at night on land)
- Social Structure
- Pods of 10-30 individuals
- Top Speed
- 30 km/h
- Lifespan (Wild)
- 40 years
Best Parks to See Hippopotamuss
Top safari destinations for hippopotamus sightings
South Luangwa
Zambia
Guaranteed
Hippo pods throughout the Luangwa River. Walking safaris offer unique perspectives. Excellent at night.
Okavango Delta
Botswana
Excellent
Hippos in crystal-clear channels. Mokoro trips pass close by. Dramatic territorial displays.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
Guaranteed
Hippo pools along the Mara River. See them near migration crossings.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania
Excellent
Hippo pools in Seronera area and along the Grumeti River.
Kruger National Park
South-africa
Good
Found in major rivers. Sunset at hippo pools is atmospheric.
Queen Elizabeth
Uganda
Guaranteed
Kazinga Channel boat safari offers incredible hippo viewing with huge pods.
Best Time to See Hippopotamuss
Dry Season
June, July, August, September, October
Hippos concentrate in remaining water sources, with large pods in rivers and pools.
Golden Hour
Year-round
Late afternoon when hippos begin emerging is magical. Morning sees them returning to water.
Night Drives
Year-round
Hippos graze at night on land. Night drives reveal their terrestrial behavior.
Physical Characteristics
Male Weight
1500-3200 kg
Female Weight
1300-2500 kg
Top Speed
30 km/h
Lifespan
40 years (wild)
Conservation Status
Population
Decreasing115,000 - 130,000
Estimated wild population
Main Threats
- Habitat loss and water scarcity
- Hunting for meat and ivory (teeth)
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Climate change affecting water sources
- Unregulated hunting in some regions
Viewing Tips
Best viewed from a distance or from vehicles. Hippos are extremely dangerous
Boat safaris offer excellent perspectives but maintain safe distance
Listen for their distinctive grunting, honking, and bellowing
Watch for yawning. It's actually a territorial threat display
Late afternoon is best when they begin emerging from water
Never get between a hippo and water. They panic and charge
Photography Tips
Mouth-open yawning displays make dramatic images
Eye-level shots from boats (safely) are powerful
Capture the interactions: fighting, playing, nursing calves
Sunset silhouettes with ears and nostrils breaking the surface
Include environmental context: river, reeds, birds on backs
Water droplets when they surface add dynamic elements
Interesting Facts
Hippos secrete a red oily substance that acts as sunscreen and antibiotic
They can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes underwater
A hippo's bite force is around 1,800 PSI, enough to bite a crocodile in half
Despite their bulk, hippos can't swim. They walk or bounce along the bottom
Hippos kill more humans in Africa than lions, elephants, or crocodiles
Baby hippos are born underwater and must swim to the surface to breathe
They can run up to 30 km/h on land, faster than most humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are hippos so dangerous?
Hippos are extremely territorial and aggressive, especially when protecting young or feeling threatened. They have massive teeth, powerful jaws (1,800 PSI bite force), and surprising speed on land (30 km/h). They kill an estimated 500 people per year in Africa.
Can hippos swim?
Surprisingly, hippos cannot actually swim. They're too dense to float and instead walk or bounce along the riverbed, pushing off the bottom. They can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes and often sleep underwater, surfacing unconsciously to breathe.
Why do hippos stay in water all day?
Hippos have extremely sensitive skin that can dry out and crack in the sun. They secrete a red oily 'blood sweat' that acts as sunscreen and antibiotic, but water is essential for thermoregulation and skin health. They graze on land at night when it's cooler.
How big do hippos get?
Male hippos can weigh up to 3,200 kg (7,000 lbs), making them the third-largest land animal after elephants and white rhinos. They're about 5 meters long and 1.5 meters tall at the shoulder. Their mouths can open nearly 180 degrees.
What do hippos eat?
Despite their size and aggressive reputation, hippos are herbivores. They emerge from water at dusk to graze on grasses, eating 35-40 kg per night. They follow the same paths to grazing areas, creating 'hippo highways' that other animals also use.