Safari Moment – Hippos

After elephants and rhinoceroses, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal.  Hippos are recognizable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, pillar-like legs, and large size. How dangerous are hippos? The hippopotamus is a very aggressive wild creature and is the deadliest large land mammal on the planet.

Hippos can breathe air while being almost entirely submerged, thanks to high-set nostrils that protrude out of the water. These can be sealed when the animals need to dive. They can last about five minutes between breaths, long enough for an animal that lives in shallow rivers rather than the ocean depths, where it is never far from a fresh lungful of air.  Despite their huge size (2200-9900 pounds) and short legs, they can run from 19 to 28 miles per hour.

We always see many hippos while on safari in Tanzania.  From the safety of our safari vehicles or while observing at a distance from a riverside cliff, we have never felt unsafe or in danger.  They are interesting and fun to observe, but on a few occasions, the stench has been off-putting to say the least! 

COME WITH US TO TANZANIA IN 2026!  An Instinct Tours safari opens up a whole new world for everyone who experiences this magical place.  Contact us now for more information.