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What to See
Hippopotamus
[ Hippopotamus amphibius ]
Submerged giant with a moonlit grazing ritual.
Beneath the shimmering surface of Africa’s rivers, the hippopotamus reigns — a colossal, water‑borne guardian shaped by sun, mud, and ancient instinct. As it rises to breathe, the landscape seems to shift around it, revealing a creature whose quiet power and surprising grace define the rhythm of the waterways it calls home.
The African hippopotamus is one of the continent’s most iconic and formidable mammals. Weighing up to 1,500 kilograms (3300 lbs) and measuring over 4 metres (13 ft) long, these semi-aquatic giants are built for life in rivers, lakes and swamps. Despite their bulk, hippos are surprisingly agile in water — where they spend most of their time submerged to keep cool and protect their sensitive skin from the sun.
Hippos are herbivores, grazing mainly on grass during nocturnal foraging trips that can span several kilometres. By day, they rest in water, often in large pods, surfacing every few minutes to breathe. Though social, males are territorial and can be aggressive. Their dung plays a vital ecological role — fertilising aquatic habitats and supporting fish populations.
In Africa, hippos are commonly found in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Botswana to name but a few. Top viewing spots include the Mara and Talek Rivers in the Maasai Mara, the Rufiji River in Nyerere national Park and the South Luangwa in Zambia. For luxury safari experiences, lodges like Naibor, Angama Mara, and Sand Rivers Selous offer prime access to hippo habitats — often with views right from your tent or deck.
Do see our following guides for all the best parks, best camps & lodges and recommended safari trips to take in the Africa Hippopotamus.
Where to go in Africa
What are the best parks & regions for seeing African Hippopotamuss in 2026/27?
A glance at some of the best hotels & lodges for Hippopotamus in 2026/27.
Don't miss our full Where to Go On Safari guide for a full details and ideas......
What are the Best Camps & Lodges for African Hippopotamuss for 2026/27?
We highly recommend the following camps & lodges for Hippopotamus for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over them or to check latest prices, excursions and availability for you to your schedule.
Tubu and Little Tubu Tree Camps
The Okavango Concessions
From $2,940 per person per night
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Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp
Serengeti National Park
From $950 per person per night
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Don't miss our full Top Five Safari Hotels & Lodges in Africa guide for 2026/27
What are your best itineraries and tailormade trips to see African Hippopotamuss in 2026/27?
A run through of some of the sample itineraries we have prepared over the years. Please note that we only tailor-make our safaris so these should be used as a guide for both the itinerary and pricing.
The Best of Zambia
Lower Zambezi National Park, Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Victoria Falls
From $7,500 per person
See the Trip
A Focus on Botswana
Chobe National Park, The Okavango Concessions, The Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zambia
From $5,500 per person
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World Class Waterfall and Safari
Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Victoria Falls
From $7,000 per person
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Great Safari, Great Beach
Nyerere National Park, Southern Tanzania, Stone Town, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches
From $3,500 per person
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Botswana Highlights
Chobe National Park, The Okavango Concessions, The Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls
From $4,000 per person
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Zambia and Zanzibar
Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Tanzania, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches
From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Crocodiles and Leopards
Lower Zambezi National Park, Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park
From $6,000 per person
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Authentic Lodges and Mobile Camps
Chobe National Park, The Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zambia
From $4,500 per person
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A Tanzanian Odyssey
Arusha, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, Northern Tanzania, Nyerere National Park, Southern Tanzania, Western Tanzania
From $6,500 per person
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Desert and Delta
Chobe National Park, The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, The Okavango Delta
From $6,500 per person
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A Mobile Camp Exploration
Kwando Linyanti and Selinda, The Okavango Delta
From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Do visit our Africa Safari Finder page to find more trips and locations...
What are the “Big Six” safari animals you must see in 2026/27?
There’s every chance, with a little planning and help from The Africa Specialists™ that you can see every one of your favourite “Big Six” animals in 2026/27. Use our following wildlife guides to the Big Six to get started…
Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?
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100% tailormade
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Expert knowledge
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A trusted service
Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.
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