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Where to see Hippos in Africa- 10 Top best places to see Hippos in Africa 2024

Where to see Hippos in Africa – An African safari offers an immersive experience beyond merely checking off the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. While these creatures are the spotlight, the diverse wildlife in safari destinations extends far beyond. Among these fascinating beings is the hippopotamus, commonly known as the hippo—a robust, water-loving ungulate whose Greek name translates to ‘river horse.’

With an impressive weight of 1,500kg/3,300lb, hippos are unmistakable with their barrel-shaped bodies, vast mouths, formidable teeth, and penchant for spending daylight hours submerged in rivers or lakes. The distinct grunts and snorts of hippos create an integral soundscape of any African safari. For those seeking encounters with these intriguing creatures, several prime locations beckon.

In the realm of African safari adventures, sightings of hippos are quintessential. Their habitat often includes rivers and lakes, making these environments ideal for witnessing these magnificent creatures in their element. Several renowned African destinations stand out as excellent places to observe and listen to the distinctive sounds of hippos echoing through the wild.

These locations offer immersive opportunities to witness hippos: from the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River or the picturesque lakes of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater to the meandering channels of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Moreover, the lush banks of Kenya’s Mara River and South Africa’s Kruger National Park boast remarkable settings to encounter these magnificent animals.

African safaris, therefore, extend beyond the pursuit of the Big Five, inviting explorers to embrace the symphony of wildlife that includes the unmistakable presence and sounds of the majestic hippopotamus. These remarkable creatures, with their imposing stature and unique behaviors, contribute significantly to the awe-inspiring tapestry of the African wilderness.

1.Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda

Where-to-see-Hippos-in-Africa

A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), with its rich blend of savannah and wetland landscapes, conveniently pairs with gorilla trekking in the nearby jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A standout feature of QENP is the captivating boat excursion along the picturesque Kazinga Channel, renowned as one of Africa’s prime spots to observe hippos, elephants, buffalo, and a diverse array of waterbirds.

The optimal time for witnessing hippos in QENP aligns with year-round availability during boat trips. Many visitors plan their excursions during the peak gorilla trekking periods of June to August and December to February. This strategic timing allows for a comprehensive safari experience, combining the remarkable sightings of hippos in QENP with the opportunity to explore the jungle and encounter gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

2. Katavi National Park – Tanzania

Nestled in the remote reaches of western Tanzania, Katavi National Park remains an obscure gem, drawing only a fraction of the visitor numbers compared to renowned parks like Serengeti. Despite its lesser-known status, Katavi stands out as a premier destination for witnessing the spectacle of hippos in Africa. Particularly towards the conclusion of the Dry season, this park becomes a hotspot for observing these magnificent creatures, offering a rare and remarkable experience.

During the months of August to October, at the pinnacle of the Dry season, Katavi National Park hosts an extraordinary phenomenon. Here, hundreds upon hundreds of hippos congregate in a single pool, creating an awe-inspiring sight. This gathering often leads to intense territorial disputes among the hippos, characterized by aggressive displays of headbutting, clashing teeth, and resulting in bloody skirmishes.

The unique opportunity to witness these dramatic confrontations and observe the sheer abundance of hippos makes the period from August to October an optimal time for visiting Katavi. It’s a window that unveils the raw, untamed nature of these creatures and underscores Katavi’s distinction as an unparalleled haven for witnessing the remarkable behaviors of African hippos.

3. Okavango Delta – Botswana

Where-to-see-Hippos-in-Africa

Spanning over 22,000km²/8,494mi², the Okavango Delta stands as the planet’s largest inland delta, showcasing a mosaic of permanent and seasonal wetlands nourished by the Okavango (Kavango) River’s flow into the sandy Kalahari soils. Unsurprisingly, this sprawling ecosystem harbors one of Africa’s most significant hippopotamus populations. A unique and immersive way to encounter these creatures is by gliding through the Delta’s intricate channels aboard a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe.

The Okavango Delta’s allure lies in its year-round appeal; it welcomes visitors with its diverse wildlife at any time. However, wildlife enthusiasts seeking encounters with hippos will find the period between July and October particularly rewarding. During these months, the Delta thrives with abundant wildlife activity, offering excellent opportunities to witness these massive mammals in their natural habitat.

Nevertheless, the Delta’s charm transcends seasonal boundaries. Visitors exploring this natural wonder at any time are likely to encounter hippos while navigating the waterways in a mokoro. These gentle giants frequent the Delta’s channels, providing enchanting glimpses into their daily lives, making a journey through the Okavango an enriching experience regardless of the time of year.

4. Liwonde National Park – Malawi

Where-to-see-Hippos-in-Africa

Liwonde National Park, often overlooked but not to be underestimated, stands as a Big Five safari destination, characterized by the commanding presence of the Shire River. This river, winding from Lake Malawi to its convergence with the Zambezi, defines the park’s landscape. A delightful highlight of a visit to Liwonde is embarking on boat trips along this untamed African waterway. The river boasts an exceptional concentration of hippos and provides splendid opportunities for elephant sightings and birdwatching.

While hippos grace the Shire River throughout the year, the optimal time for comprehensive wildlife encounters in Liwonde spans from July to October. During this period, the park brims with abundant wildlife activity, enhancing the overall safari experience. Travelers exploring Liwonde during these months can relish exceptional views of not only the plentiful hippos but also a diverse array of wildlife, making it a prime window for an enriching safari adventure.

5. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

Where-to-see-Hippos-in-Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s third-largest park, encompasses a breathtaking 280km/170mi coastal expanse extending from the Mozambique border. The picturesque village of St Lucia serves as the park’s gateway and stands as the sole settlement in South Africa where hippos routinely traverse the main road at night, seemingly unperturbed by the intrigued onlookers in restaurants and bars. However, if this unusual spectacle eludes you, an alternative chance to witness hippos awaits on a boat excursion along the adjacent St Lucia Estuary.

Throughout the year, St Lucia Estuary presents ample opportunities for observing hippos. Whether one visits during the balmy months or the cooler seasons, the estuary consistently hosts a thriving population of these majestic creatures. A boat trip along the waterways of St Lucia Estuary promises memorable encounters with hippos, ensuring a captivating experience amid the picturesque coastal wilderness of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

6. Akagera National Park – Rwanda

Where-to-see-Hippos-in-Africa

Rwanda’s sole Big Five safari site encompasses a picturesque wetland system sustained by the Akagera River, bordering Tanzania. For guaranteed hippo encounters, visitors can embark on boat excursions along Lake Ihema or venture to Lake Hago’s renowned “Plage des Hippos,” ensuring remarkable sightings of these creatures.

While hippos grace the landscapes of Akagera throughout the year, visitors combining a safari in this region with gorilla trekking elsewhere in Rwanda may find the best times to visit from June to September or mid-December to mid-February. These periods offer optimal conditions for a comprehensive exploration, ensuring rewarding wildlife encounters and enhanced safari experiences. Planning a visit during these months allows for a harmonious blend of witnessing the majestic hippos in Akagera while relishing the extraordinary thrill of gorilla trekking elsewhere in Rwanda.

8. South Luangwa National Park – Zambia

Where-to-see-Hippos-in-Africa

Zambia’s renowned safari destination, South Luangwa, is celebrated for its remarkable elephant, lion, and leopard sightings. However, beyond these iconic species, the river that lends its name to the park also serves as a prime habitat for hippos, offering exceptional opportunities for observation. Similar to Katavi, the spectacle of hippo gatherings peaks at the end of the Dry season when the remaining pools along the waterway become havens for large numbers of these colossal mammals.

The period from July to October marks the pinnacle of wildlife viewing in South Luangwa. During these months, coinciding with the park’s dry spell, the Luangwa River reaches its lowest levels. This creates ideal conditions for witnessing substantial concentrations of hippos congregating in the dwindling riverbeds. Visitors exploring South Luangwa during this window are treated not only to the diverse wildlife but also to the extraordinary sight of numerous hippos, enhancing the safari experience amidst the park’s captivating landscapes.

9. Kruger National Park – South Africa

Where-to-see-Hippos-in-Africa

Kruger National Park, South Africa’s primary Big Five sanctuary, boasts a rich diversity of iconic safari wildlife, including the magnificent hippos. These impressive creatures thrive in all permanent rivers and larger dams within the park’s expansive territory.

For optimal wildlife viewing, the period from June to September stands out as ideal in Kruger. Despite this seasonal peak, the park’s well-kept roads offer consistent access throughout the year, making hippo sightings possible at any time. Kruger’s less pronounced seasonality compared to other safari destinations ensures that visitors have the opportunity to spot these majestic hippos irrespective of the time they choose to explore the park, adding to the allure of encountering these fascinating animals amid the remarkable landscapes of Kruger National Park.

10. Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda

Where-to-see-Hippos-in-Africa

Uganda’s expansive and diverse park, Murchison Falls, encompasses East Africa’s awe-inspiring natural wonder—the spectacular waterfall formed by the mighty Nile River as it courses through a narrow crevice in the Rift Valley escarpment. Adventurous boat excursions to the base of this thunderous waterfall not only offer captivating views but also provide excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings, with the guaranteed delight of encountering several pods of hippos lazing in the shallows of the world’s longest river.

Murchison Falls stands as a year-round safari destination, ensuring consistent and rewarding hippo sightings irrespective of seasonal changes. The resident hippo populations within the park remain relatively stable throughout the year, making encounters with these magnificent creatures a constant highlight of any visit.

The allure of witnessing hippos in their natural habitat within Murchison Falls transcends seasonal fluctuations. Visitors embarking on boat trips along the Nile to marvel at the waterfall are treated to mesmerizing views of these semi-aquatic mammals lounging and frolicking in the river’s shallows. Whether during the dry or wet season, the hippos’ presence remains a steadfast feature of Murchison Falls, enhancing the overall safari experience.

Explorations within this renowned park unveil not just the thunderous spectacle of the falls but also the enchanting wildlife encounters along the Nile’s banks. Observing hippos in their natural habitat adds depth to the safari adventure, showcasing the rich biodiversity and allure of Murchison Falls as a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts year-round.

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