Hippos wallow in rivers and pools by day to keep their skin from drying out and come ashore to graze at dusk. They are territorial and responsible for many human deaths in Africa each year, so we watch from a safe distance. Grumbling pods are a highlight of boat safaris.
Ungulates
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
A huge, semi-aquatic grazer that spends the day in water and feeds at night.
Size
Up to 1,500-1,800 kg
Lifespan
40-50 years
Diet
Grass, grazed at night.
Habitat
Rivers, lakes and wetlands.
About the hippopotamus
Did you know?
01
Hippos cannot swim; they walk or bounce along the bottom.
02
Their skin secretes a reddish fluid that acts as a sunscreen.
03
They can hold their breath for about five minutes.
When to see it
Seen all year round; the best sightings depend on where you are.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Where to see it in Tanzania
Trips that go there
Where to meet the hippopotamus
More wildlife to discover
Ungulates
Masai Giraffe
Giraffa tippelskirchi
The tallest animal on Earth, and Tanzania's national animal.
Serengeti, Tarangire +7 more
Ungulates
Plains Zebra
Equus quagga
A striped grazer that leads the Great Migration alongside wildebeest.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +6 more
Ungulates
Common Warthog
Phacochoerus africanus
A tusked, bristly grazer that trots away with its tail straight up.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +6 more
Big Five
VU
Big cats
African Lion
Panthera leo
The largest social cat, living in prides and ruling the Serengeti plains.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +7 more
Start Planning
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