10 Rivers to Witness Hippos in the Wild

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One of nature’s most fascinating creatures are hippos. These semi-aquatic giants are known as the ‘river horses’ of Africa, because they spend much of their time wallowing in rivers and lakes. In the water they may look serene and calm, but they are not. Hippos can move very surprisingly fast for their size and are incredibly territorial. Seeing them in the wild is something special.

If you’re planning on taking a trip to see hippos up close then you will need to know the best rivers to visit. In Africa hippos mostly live in rivers and shallow waters. Here, you have each location having a different way to see these animals—either from the comforts of the boat or from the riverbanks. Let’s take a look at the top rivers where you can see these amazing creatures.

Zambezi River

Hippo enthusiasts should head for the Zambezi River, which flows through six African countries. The Zambezi is known for its dramatic waterfalls, most notably Victoria Falls, and you will also find calmer stretches where you spot hippos. When you’re on a safari boat ride, you’ll likely see pods of hippos surfacing and submerging, like synchronized swimmers. Hippos are notoriously aggressive if provoked so locals are known to often warn travelers to keep a safe distance.

Mara River

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The famed Great Migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing has made the Mara River in Kenya and Tanzania a famous one. Aside from that jaw dropping spectacle, the river is full of hippos. An early morning boat tour is a great way to see these amazing animals close up in the water listening to the sounds of the African bush. The Mara is a hot spot for wildlife enthusiasts for its rich ecosystem.

Nile River

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Africa’s longest river, the Nile is steeped in both history and culture, but it’s also a hippo paradise. Hippos are thriving in Uganda, especially in the calm waters of the river in Murchison Falls National Park. One of East Africa’s densest populations of hippos is found along the Nile, according to a Murchison Falls Wildlife report. Close inspection of these animals can be done without disturbing their natural behaviour by guided boat safaris.

Luangwa River

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The Luangwa River in Zambia is often known as the “hippo highway.” This unspoiled and remote river is full of hippos, and you can see them from a canoe or walking safari. The river pools shrink during the dry season concentrating on the hippos for unforgettable viewing. Fun fact: There are maybe 25,000 hippos in the Luangwa Valley alone, according to a 2018 Guardian report.

Okavango River

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is fed by the Okavango River into a lush, water filled landscape that is perfect for hippos. The river, however, is a maze of lagoons and channels that snakes through the delta, and so hippos are concentrated in these spots. They are best seen on mokoro canoe trips. They’ll just let you know they’re around every once in a while with a territorial grunt.

Chobe River

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If you are a wildlife lover then Chobe River in Botswana is a must visit for you. The hippos may be the draw, but elephants, crocodiles and their many birds share this living waterway. The sunset boat cruises on the Chobe have pods of hippos popping up to graze on the riverbanks in brilliant view. And if you’re lucky, a local guide could even share stories of their own close encounters to make your experience that much more exciting.

Kazinga Channel

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The Kazinga Channel is found in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. This is a very famous channel for its high concentration of hippos. Besides this, the channel’s calm waters also provide a habitat for a range of birds, which make the entire safari more exciting.

Congo River

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As vast as it is mysterious, the Congo River is Africa’s second longest. Many areas of the river are surrounded by dense jungles, but there are some areas that are filled with hippos. In wide parts of the river, such as in the Malebo Pool, you can see groups of hippos just basking in the sun. The Congo is an adventure for travelers looking to explore the less traveled routes, partly because it’s such a large and biodiverse country.

Ruaha River

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The stunning Ruaha National Park is home to Ruaha River which flows in Tanzania. This river is very famous for rugged landscapes and a large scale of wildlife, with countless hippos. The river is a good area for wildlife viewing as in the dry season the river provides water for the animals.

Limpopo River

The Limpopo River runs through southern Africa, through South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique. It’s less famous than other rivers, but it’s a hidden gem for seeing hippos. Hippo pods are found in areas of the river where flow is slow and shallow. They are easiest to spot in the Limpopo’s quiet environs, which inevitably reminds us of a landscape untouched by man.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.