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
Aug 2, 2026
Several hippopotamuses are resting in a watering hole, with some mostly submerged and one larger individual partially on a muddy bank. Three Egyptian Geese are perched on a fallen log in the middle of the water. In the background, a common warthog emerges from the brush on the left and walks across the far bank.
Aug 2, 2026
A Goliath Heron stands motionless on a large rock in the foreground, keeping a watchful eye on the water for potential prey. In the surrounding river, a large pod of hippopotamuses rests mostly submerged, with their broad backs and heads occasionally breaking the surface as they twitch their ears and breathe.
Aug 1, 2026
A pod of hippopotamuses is seen resting in a water hole at night. Several individuals are partially submerged in the foreground, while one individual stands on the far bank. Around the 11-second mark, a loud, distinctive vocalization is heard from the water, characteristic of the species.
Aug 1, 2026
In the middle of the night, a hippopotamus is resting in the pan, with only the top of its head and part of its back visible above the water. A bleached elephant skull is prominent in the foreground, appearing bright white under the infrared light.
Aug 1, 2026
At least one Common Hippopotamus is resting in the center of the water hole, mostly submerged with its back and head visible. In the foreground, a prominent tree stump is highly reflective under the infrared light. Along the right bank, several stationary white shapes are visible, likely waterbirds resting for the night.
Aug 1, 2026
Under the cover of night, a hippopotamus is seen resting in the middle of the watering hole. It remains mostly submerged, occasionally shifting its position in the dark water. A brightly lit object, likely a piece of wood or a rock, is visible in the foreground, overexposed by the camera's infrared light.
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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