Fascinating Facts About Africa’s Mighty Hippos
- Johan Siggesson
- Jun 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 11
From their enormous size to their surprisingly complex social lives, hippos are some of the most intriguing animals in Africa. Here's a closer look at what makes them so unique.
Third largest land animal
Their "sweat" is pink and acts as a sunscreen
Very fast on land (30 km/h or 18.6mph)
They can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes
Hippos sleep under water
A hippo’s canine teeth, can grow up to 50 cm long (about 20 inches)
Hippos spend most of the day submerged in rivers or lakes to stay cool, emerging at dusk to feed. Despite their heavy build and slow appearance, they can run faster than humans on land and move swiftly through water using short bursts of energy.
Hippos are also highly social, often gathering in pods of up to 30 individuals. These groups are governed by a dominant male who defends his section of the water with loud grunts, yawns, and displays of power. Although they may appear peaceful while floating side by side, hippos are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than many predators, due to their numbers, territorial nature and strength. Their biology, behaviour, and contradictions make them one of the most fascinating species to observe and photograph.
Are hippos friendly?
If you keep a respectable distance they usually ignore you. Hippos may look calm, but they are highly territorial and unpredictable and if you enter their space, especially in water, they can become aggressive. Despite being herbivores, hippos are among the most dangerous animals in Africa, causing hundreds of deaths each year. It's best to admire them from a safe distance.
How much do hippos weigh?
Adult hippos usually weigh between 1,500 and 3,200 kg. Males tend to be heavier than females, and the largest bulls can go over 3,500 kg. Despite their bulk, they can move quickly when they need to.
Why are hippos Called "River Horses"?
The name hippopotamus comes from the ancient Greek words meaning "river horse." Despite the name, these animals don't move through water the way you might expect. They're too heavy to float, so they get around by walking or pushing off the bottom of rivers and lakes.
Can hippos swim?
Hippos can't actually swim. Their bodies are too dense to float, so instead of paddling, they walk or bounce along the riverbed. They move underwater by pushing off surfaces and gliding smoothly, almost like they're flying. Even without swimming, they're perfectly built for life in the water.
How many species of hippos are there?
There are only two types of hippos left in the world: the common (or river) hippo and the much smaller and more elusive pygmy hippo. The pygmy version is about half the size and lives in dense forests rather than open waterways.
Where do hippos Live?
Common hippos are found in more than 30 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. They live in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Pygmy hippos, on the other hand, are mainly found in the rainforests of West Africa, particularly in Liberia and a few surrounding countries.
Night Grazers, Day Bathers
Hippos spend most of their day soaking in water or wallowing in mud to keep cool. Once the sun sets, they come out to graze, often traveling several kilometers to find food. They can eat around 40 kilograms of grass in one night.
Built for Life in the Water
Although they don’t swim in the traditional sense, hippos are well adapted to aquatic life. Their dense bones help them stay submerged, and their eyes, ears, and nostrils are positioned on top of their heads so they can breathe and see while mostly underwater. They automatically rise for air every four to six minutes, even while sleeping.
Serious Weapons
Those giant mouths aren’t just for show. Male hippos use their tusk-like canines to fight for dominance or defend territory. A gaping mouth display is often a warning sign. Hippos are considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals and are responsible for hundreds of human deaths each year.
How many hippos in africa
There are an estimated 115,000 to 130,000 common hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius) in Africa, according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
These numbers can vary slightly depending on the source and the year of the report. The largest populations are found in:
Zambia
Tanzania
Mozambique
Democratic Republic of Congo
Hippos are still relatively widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, but their numbers are decreasing in some regions due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. They are currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
do hippos have any predators?
Adult hippos have few natural enemies. However, calves can fall prey to crocodiles, lions, or hyenas. In rare cases, large crocodiles or lion prides may attempt to take on adult hippos, usually with limited success.
Colombia’s Wild Hippos
In a strange twist of history, Pablo Escobar’s private zoo in Colombia led to a wild hippo population in South America. After Escobar’s death, the hippos were left unmanaged and began to breed in local rivers. Today, more than 100 roam the Colombian countryside, creating ecological challenges.
Natural Sunblock
Hippos have thick, mostly hairless skin that secretes a reddish-orange fluid often called "blood sweat." It’s not actual blood, but it does help protect them from sunburn and has antibacterial properties to prevent infections.
The Shy Pygmy Hippo
Pygmy hippos are solitary and much more secretive than their river cousins. They live deep in the forest of west Africa and feed on leaves, fruits, and vegetation. Fewer than 2,500 remain in the wild, mostly due to habitat destruction and hunting.
At Risk but Resilient
Common hippos are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Their population is stable in many regions but declining in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Both species face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans.
They Communicate in Unique Ways
Hippos are surprisingly vocal. They grunt, growl, wheeze, and honk—sometimes loud enough to be heard over great distances. What’s fascinating is their ability to communicate both above and below the water at the same time.
can hippo calved Nurse Under water?
Newborn hippos weigh between 25 and 50 kilograms. They can nurse on land or while underwater, instinctively closing their nostrils and ears to prevent water from entering. It’s common to see calves resting on their mother’s back between feeds.
A Tail-Spin Like No Other
To mark their territory, male hippos perform a rather unusual ritual. While defecating, they spin their short, flat tails to fling dung in all directions. This spreads both scent and visual signals to rivals and potential mates.
Surprisingly Fast on Land
Despite their size and bulky appearance, hippos can run at speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour over short distances. This makes them faster than most humans on land, which is why getting too close is never a good idea.
Heavyweights of the Animal Kingdom
Hippos are the third-largest land mammals on Earth, after elephants and certain species of rhinos. Adult males can reach up to 3,200 kilograms in weight and grow about five meters long and over 1.5 meters tall at the shoulder.
A Final Thought
Hippos are full of contrasts. They’re gentle-looking but fiercely territorial, slow-moving in water yet quick on land. Their role in African ecosystems is vital, and their survival depends on our willingness to understand and protect them. Not just as wildlife icons but as a key part of nature’s balance.
