The Best Places To See Hippos In Africa

The Best Places To See Hippos In Africa

A glimpse of ears and nostrils poking above the water surface belies the true size of the hippopotamus. These huge animals spend most of the day submerged in rivers and lakes coming out at night to graze. The males are extremely territorial and aggressive, using their long incisors to defend their patch and their loud, distinctive honking to assert their presence. Seeing hippos is on many people’s safari wish-lists and here are some of the best places to go.

1. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

The Luangwa River has large numbers of hippos and this becomes even more apparent as the dry season progresses and the river dries up. Where water remains the river becomes clogged with hippos as they fight for space in the diminishing pools. 

Where To Stay:

Stay on the banks of the Luangwa at Nkwali for a safari in the classic Zambia style and search for hippos as well as leopards, elephants and lions.

2. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta are in part shaped by the movement of hippos carving out channels. Taking to the waters of the Delta is part of the quintessential Botswana safari experience and boat trips and mokoro canoe trips can give the opportunity for close viewing but your guide will always keep a safe distance from these territorial animals. 

Where To Stay:

The annual flood turns the area around Kanana Camp into a watery paradise; the perfect place to see the Okavango Delta at its best with hippos in abundance.

3. Selous, Tanzania

The meandering Rufiji River flows through the vast Selous Game Reserve (now called Nyerere National Park) in southern Tanzania and the river’s channels, as well as the park’s lakes, see large pods of hippos congregating. Sunset cruises to the sounds of hippos snorting are a special way to end the day – and something you won’t find in the Serengeti.

Where To Stay:

There are thousands of hippos in Selous and whilst staying at Siwandu on the shores of Lake Nzerakera guests can take boat trips on the Rufiji River and on the lake for close up sightings up Africa’s “river horse”.

4. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

The wide expanse of the Zambezi River in this part of Zambia as it stretches across to Zimbabwe on the opposite bank and the surrounding tributaries and waterways are the perfect environment for hippos. Boat trips on the river and canoe safaris in the meandering channels can provide exciting encounters with pods of hippos but your guides will always keep a respectful distance. 

Where To Stay:

Chongwe River Camp sits on the confluence of the Zambezi and Chongwe rivers and you may even be able to watch hippos wallowing in the water from the comfort of your tent.