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The hippopotamus is the second largest land mammal (after the elephant) on earth and measures 3.3 to 5.2 meters long and averages about 1.5 meters tall at the shoulder. It’s recognizable by its barrel-shaped torso, enormous mouth and teeth, nearly-hairless body, stubby legs and tremendous size. It's difficult to distinguish males and females. There are an estimated 125,000 to 150,000 hippos throughout Sub-Saharan Africa; Zambia and Tanzania have the largest populations.  

 

Hippos are semi-aquatic, inhabiting rivers and lakes where territorial bulls preside over a stretch of river and groups of 5 to 30 females and young. Yawning and showing their teeth is the animal's most common aggressive gesture. Hippos spend most of their days wallowing in the water or mud. The water serves to keep their body temperature down, and to keep their skin from drying out. Their skin secretes a natural sunscreen substance which is red-coloured. The secretion is sometimes referred to as "blood sweat," but is neither blood nor sweat. This secretion is initially colourless and turns red-orange within minutes, eventually becoming brown. Hippos leave the water at dusk and travel inland to graze on short grass, their main source of food.

 

They are very aggressive towards humans and are often considered one of the most dangerous large animals in Africa. In fact they are known to attack humans and boats. Territorial challenges between males are quite common although hippos rarely kill each other. Usually a territorial bull and a challenging bachelor will stop fighting when it is clear that one hippo is stronger. To mark territory, hippos spin their tails while defecating to distribute their excrement over the greatest possible area.

These areas are hippo country and you won't leave without spotting any of these colossus:

- Katavi National Park, Tanzania
- Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
- South Luangwa National Park, Zambia