Hippo in Tanzania
Large pods of hippos are an impressive sight on most Tanzanian safaris. The country provides the opportunity to watch them from a vehicle or from a boat.
Quick facts about Hippo
| Scientific name: | Hippopotamus amphibius | Habitat: | Freshwater rivers & wetlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Vulnerable | Adult weight: | 1,300–2,600kg |
While many zoologists consider there is little genetic variation across the species, Tanzania’s hippo has been described as an East African subspecies (Hippopotamus amphibius kiboko, its subspecific name kiboko being Swahili for hippo) with slightly wider nostrils and a more hollowed forehead than the western and southern subspecies.
Hippos are found throughout Tanzania’s rivers and wetlands, from Lake Victoria to the swamps of Tarangire, Ngorongoro’s crater lake and the lakes and waterholes of Lake Manyara and Katavi national parks.
Probably the best hippopotamus sightings are to be had by targeting the Mara River in the northern Serengeti or the wide Rufiji River which meanders through the Selous Game Reserve.
16 hours
DAILY HOURS IN WATER
5 minutes
TIME BREATH CAN BE HELD
200
MAX. POD SIZE
23-50kg
WEIGHT AT BIRTH
Tanzania's top camps for seeing hippos
Based on 506 reports since Jun 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing hippos. Simply follow the key below.
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Where to see hippos in Tanzania
Hippos are widespread throughout Tanzania and most travellers are likely to see them during a safari. For the best sightings, head to the Mara or Rufiji River.
Top tips for viewing hippos in Tanzania
One of the best places to watch hippos in Tanzania is the Selous Game Reserve, where large pods lurk in the lakes, channels and broad meanders of the Rufiji River. All the camps in the Selous offer boat trips, allowing for close-up viewing. If you stay at a camp on the banks of the Rufiji, such as Sand Rivers or Selous Impala Camp, you’ll see and hear hippos from your tent.
Alternatively, visit the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, where hippo pods snort and argue in the shallows, oblivious to the enormous crocodiles.
The less frequently visited Katavi National Park can also be very good for hippos, where pods of several hundred sometimes congregate in tiny waterholes during the dry season.
Holiday ideas to see hippos in Tanzania
These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing hippos in Tanzania
Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.
US$17,640 - US$25,560 per person
Dik Dik Safari
12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.
US$9,850 - US$15,130 per person
Turaco Safari
12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.
US$5,730 - US$6,830 per person
Flufftail Guided Safari
10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.
US$13,020 - US$18,460 per person
Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.
US$11,570 - US$17,740 per person
Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of activities on this luxury fly-in safari. Explore the remoter regions of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park with phenomenal guides during stays at two impressively comfortable camps that remain perfectly in keeping with their surroundings.
US$9,340 - US$12,080 per person
Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari
8 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combining two of the remotest parks in Tanzania, this safari can deliver extraordinary wildlife viewing in Katavi, and East Africa's best chimp treks, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
US$13,190 - US$16,530 per person
Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari
8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and a wide range of activities.
US$9,640 - US$14,140 per person
Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari
8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Chosen for comfort and relaxation as much as for its range of activities, this safari makes for a leisurely trip featuring stunning accommodation and swift access to many of northern Tanzania’s best wildlife regions.
US$12,990 - US$18,080 per person
Topi Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Explore Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park from two luxurious, colonially styled camps. Chosen for their access to good game viewing and thrilling remoteness, these camps also offer a range of varied safari activities.
US$6,870 - US$7,420 per person
Our top destinations for hippos
Read tips for spotting hippos in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings
