Hippos abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

What is a hippopotamus?

• Hippopotamuses are ungulates that seek the coolness of mud and water during the day; from dusk onwards, they go onto land in search of grass.
• There are two species of hippopotamus: the common hippopotamus and the much rarer pygmy hippopotamus.
• The name hippopotamus comes from the ancient Greek for “river horse.” Despite their name, hippopotamuses are more closely related to giraffes and antelopes than to horses.
• Hippopotamuses cannot swim, but they can walk along the bottom while submerged for up to fifteen minutes.

When is the best time to see hippopotamuses?

• During the dry season, in particular, hippopotamuses can be found in large groups in areas where enough water remains.
• In regions where boat tours are offered to view hippopotamuses and other African wildlife, water levels must not be too low, both to ensure safe navigation and to avoid getting too close to the animals.
• During the day, they are primarily found in rivers and lakes, while in the evening, they may also be encountered on land.

Where is the best place to see hippopotamuses in the wild?

Africa

• In the wild, hippopotamuses are found exclusively in Africa. You can encounter them in various African countries.

East Africa

• Kenya: including Amboseli National Park, Maasai Mara, and Meru National Park.
• Malawi: including Liwonde National Park.
• Uganda: including Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Rwanda: Akagera National Park.
• Tanzania: Katavi National Park or the Selous (now Nyerere National Park), along the Rufiji River and Lake Nzerakera.

West Africa

• Ghana: an interesting destination that includes the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary near Wa; groups of hippopotamuses also inhabit Bui National Park.
• Guinea-Bissau: the only place in the world where hippos live in saltwater. The Bijagós Archipelago is also home to many other remarkable animals.
• Benin: a destination for adventurers, with hippos found in Pendjari National Park and along the Ouémé River.
• Liberia: home to the largest population of pygmy hippos.
• Small groups of pygmy hippos can also be found in Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.

Southern Africa

• Botswana: the Okavango Delta is Africa’s “hippo paradise.”
• Namibia: several locations.
• Zambia: various prime locations, such as South Luangwa (along the Luangwa River) and the parks along the Zambezi River.
• South Africa: including Kruger National Park, the St. Lucia Wetlands, and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Are there hippos in the Nile?

• In ancient Egypt, the animal was viewed as a symbol of evil and chaos, and hunting hippos was a popular pastime.
• Hippos still live in the Nile itself, and many can also be seen in the lakes through which the river flows.
• The Nile, which stretches over 6,000 km, originates from both Lake Victoria, shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, and Lake Tana in Ethiopia. From there, it flows into South Sudan and continues through Egypt toward the Mediterranean Sea. Hippos can still be found in the Nile in all these countries, except for Egypt.

How dangerous is a hippo?

• With its short temper, the hippo is one of the deadliest large animals in Africa. Every year, approximately 500 people worldwide are killed by hippopotamus attacks. The number of people injured is much higher.
• Solitary males or females with young can quickly become aggressive if you get too close.
• A hippopotamus signals its anger by opening its mouth, revealing all of its imposing teeth.
• Pygmy hippos are less aggressive, and attacks by them are never fatal.

What should you do if you encounter a hippopotamus?

Encountering a hippopotamus on land:

• Avoid walking between a hippopotamus and the water.
• Try to stay in open areas during the evening; this reduces the risk of suddenly finding yourself too close to a hippopotamus, which might cause it to attack out of fright.
• If a hippopotamus attacks you on land, the best course of action is to jump aside. To prevent such a situation, it is best to avoid dense vegetation along the riverbank and paths used by hippopotamuses.

Encountering a hippopotamus in the water:

• Maintain a safe distance, and keep in mind that there may be other hippopotamuses underwater near the ones you can see.
• Prevent startling the animals by making enough noise, for example, by talking or tapping your paddle against the side of your boat.
• If a hippopotamus yawns at you, you are too close and should increase the distance as quickly as possible.
• In the event of an attack in the water, it may help to strike the water with your paddle and move toward deeper water. If the hippo gets hold of you or your boat, fighting back is your last chance. Aim for the eyes.