Hippos are one of the most memorable sights on a Tanzanian safari. You smell a hippo pool before you see it, then hear the grunts and splashes. They spend the day in water and come out at night to graze. They are also one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
Hippo facts
| Name | Common hippopotamus (“river horse”) |
| Swahili | Kiboko |
| Weight | About 1.3–2 tonnes or more |
| Diet | Grass; up to around 40 kg a night |
| Social life | Groups called pods, led by a dominant bull |
| Status | Vulnerable |
Why hippos stay in the water
Hippo skin is thin on the surface and loses moisture fast. Staying in water keeps them cool and protects them from the sun. Their eyes, ears and nostrils are on top of the head, so they can see, hear and breathe while nearly submerged.
“Blood sweat”
Hippos secrete a red-orange oily fluid from their skin. It is not blood or sweat. It acts as a natural sunscreen and may help protect against infection.
Hippos don’t really swim
Hippos are too dense to float easily. They walk along the bottom or push off in bounds. They can hold their breath for several minutes and even sleep underwater, rising to breathe without waking.
Night grazing
At dusk, hippos leave the water and follow paths to grazing areas, sometimes walking several kilometres. They return before the heat of the day. In some camps you can hear them grazing near your tent at night.
Why hippos are dangerous
- Bulls are fiercely territorial in water.
- They can run fast over short distances on land.
- They are aggressive if someone stands between them and water.
- Their jaws open very wide, with large tusks.
A yawn is often a warning, not tiredness. Read about the most dangerous animals in Africa.
Best places to see hippos
| Place | Notes |
|---|---|
| Retima Hippo Pool, Serengeti | Dozens packed into the Seronera River |
| Ngoitoktok spring, Ngorongoro Crater | Picnic site with hippos in the pool |
| Rufiji River, Nyerere | Seen from boats |
| Great Ruaha River | Crowded pools in the dry season |
| Mara River, northern Serengeti | Along the migration crossing points |
| Arusha National Park | Momella Lakes |
Boat safaris with hippos
A boat safari on the Rufiji in Nyerere brings you to eye level with hippos. Boat captains keep a safe distance and know where pods rest. See Nyerere & Ruaha.
Safety tips
- Never walk near water at dusk or night without an escort.
- Stay back from riverbanks.
- Do not block a hippo’s path to the water.
- Follow your guide’s instructions at hippo pools.
For the northern parks, try Serengeti & Crater, which passes the Retima pool and the crater. Read about the largest animals in Africa.
Frequently asked questions
No. They secrete a reddish oily substance that protects their skin from the sun and may help prevent infection.
Not really. They walk or bounce along the bottom of rivers and lakes and can hold their breath for several minutes.
The Retima Hippo Pool in the Serengeti, the Ngoitoktok spring in the Ngorongoro Crater, and from boats on the Rufiji River in Nyerere.
