HerbivoreVulnerable
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Experience the third-largest land mammal in its natural habitat. Dive into a unique wildlife adventure with Samton Safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
About the Hippopotamus
The hippopotamus is the third-largest living land mammal and one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, responsible for an estimated 500 human deaths per year. Despite their rotund appearance, hippos can run at up to 30 km/h on land and are extremely territorial in water.
They spend up to 16 hours a day submerged in rivers and lakes to keep their massive bodies cool under the tropical sun. At night, they leave the water to graze on grasslands, consuming up to 35 kg of grass per night.
The Masai Mara's rivers, Serengeti's pools, and Queen Elizabeth National Park's Kazinga Channel are all excellent locations for hippo viewing.
Fun Facts
1
Hippos secrete a natural red-tinted sunscreen called "blood sweat"
2
They can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes
3
A hippo's bite force is about 1,800 PSI — enough to snap a canoe in half
4
Baby hippos are born underwater and must swim to the surface for their first breath
Best Places
Where to See the Hippopotamus
These are the top destinations where you have the best chance of spotting the Hippopotamus in the wild.
More Safari Animals
WILDLIFE SAFARI
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