Common Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
The Common Hippopotamus is a heavyweight of the African waterways, spending its days in social pods and its nights 'mowing' the savanna. These powerful semiaquatic mammals are as fascinating as they are formidable.
Quick Identification
Size
Length 2.9–5.0 m (9.5–16.4 ft); Weight 1,300–3,200 kg (2,870–7,050 lb)
Colors
Slate grey to muddy brown skin with purplish-pink undertones around the eyes, ears, and belly
Key Features
- Massive barrel-shaped body
- Enormous head with wide-gaping jaws and large tusks
- Eyes, ears, and nostrils positioned on top of the skull
- Nearly hairless skin that secretes a red 'blood sweat' for sun protection
When You’ll See Them
Sightings on EverydayEarth
May 15, 2026
Three hippopotamuses are wallowing in the middle of a wide, muddy river. They remain largely stationary, with only their backs and the tops of their heads breaking the surface of the turbid water. The surrounding woodland is lush and green, indicating a period of significant rainfall.
May 14, 2026
A hippopotamus is resting in the center of the water hole, mostly submerged with only the top of its head and back visible. It shifts its position slightly, sending ripples across the surface of the water which reflects a bright, cloudy sky.
May 14, 2026
Two hippopotamuses are resting in the brown, muddy river. They are mostly submerged, with only the tops of their heads, ears, and snouts visible above the waterline. The water flows around them as they remain relatively still in the current.
May 14, 2026
A Common Hippopotamus is partially submerged in calm water during the early morning. A Red-billed Oxpecker is perched on the hippo's neck, moving its head to glean parasites or dead skin from the hippo's hide. The hippo remains mostly still, twitching its ears occasionally.
May 14, 2026
A hippopotamus rests in the watering hole, with its large back and the top of its head protruding from the water. It remains mostly submerged and still, occasionally shifting its position and creating ripples on the surface. Faint movement from small birds is also visible along the shoreline in the distance.
May 14, 2026
Three hippopotamuses are seen resting closely together on a sandy bank beside the Olifants River. They appear to be sleeping or basking in the daylight, with the individual in the center making a slight adjustment to its resting position.
Geographic range
Where Does the Common Hippopotamus Live?
The Common Hippopotamus is native to the vast wetlands and river systems of sub-Saharan Africa. Their core populations are most stable in East and Southern African nations like Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa, where large protected river basins provide sanctuary. A unique non-native population also exists in the Magdalena River of Colombia, descended from animals that escaped a private collection decades ago.
Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recorded on EverydayEarth
Behavior
Common Hippopotamuses are highly social, semiaquatic giants that spend their days submerged in rivers and lakes to protect their sensitive skin from the sun. Within the water, they live in loose groups called pods, which can numbering anywhere from ten to over a hundred individuals. Though they appear lethargic while lounging, they are intensely territorial in the water, especially the dominant bulls who defend their stretch of the river with aggressive displays and vocalizations.
As the sun sets, these massive mammals emerge from the water to feed, following well-trodden paths known as 'hippo runs.' Despite their bulky appearance, they are surprisingly agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph) on land. Their relationship with humans is notoriously precarious; hippos are considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals due to their defensive nature when their path to the safety of the water is obstructed.
EverydayEarth exclusive
Camera Tips
Capturing the Common Hippo on a trail camera requires identifying 'hippo runs'—these are unmistakable, double-rutted paths formed by the animal's wide gait as it moves from water to grazing grounds. Place your camera at a height of about 3 to 4 feet (approx. 1 meter). This height ensures you capture the full body of the animal rather than just its legs, and angling the camera slightly downward helps capture their enormous heads as they sniff the ground.
Because hippos are most active on land under the cover of darkness, your camera’s night-vision capabilities are paramount. Use 'No-Glow' or 'Black' Infrared (IR) flashes. Standard white light or glowing red IR can startle these sensitive animals, potentially causing them to charge the equipment or avoid the trail entirely. Set your camera to a fast trigger speed and a high-sensitivity setting to catch them as they lumber past.
For the best results, look for 'hippo lawns'—areas where the grass is kept exceptionally short and manicured by their nocturnal grazing. Placing a camera on the edge of these clearings provides a wide field of view for video clips, which are often more impressive than still photos for showcasing their scale. Always set up your gear during the heat of the day when hippos are safely in the water, and never place a camera in a spot that traps you between a hippo and its water source.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Common Hippopotamus.
Frequently Asked Questions
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