In my opinion, and personally having hunted hippos in Namibia, no African big game hunting safari should exclude this often-underestimated member of the Dangerous 7.
The hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius) is an iconic animal known throughout Africa and quite rightly feared by humans, especially local fishermen sharing the same habitat. Hippos are dangerous African killers, mainly due to their temperament when it comes to protecting their territories, and bull hippos are known to fight to the death.
Like most humans, the older we get, the grumpier and more miserable we are. This also applies to big old male hippo bulls. It is not uncommon for bulls to fight to the death, and they are scarred with old battle wounds.
Hippo hunting in Namibia takes place in the swampy waterways and rivers of the Caprivi Strip, which is also known as the Zambezi Region of Namibia.
Hippo Hunting in Namibia: Hippo Characteristics and Traits
- Hippos live in pods and are very sociable creatures by nature.
- Contrary to popular belief, hippos cannot swim but walk along the bottom of the waterways. Every five minutes or so, they surface for air and can create a force easily capable of tipping over local fishing vessels, known as “mokoros.” This action results in a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation for these local fishermen.
- Did you know that hippos are directly responsible for 500-1,000 deaths annually? That’s quite an alarming figure, especially if you are on the waterways every day!
- Hippos are, however, not very brave, and they will rush off to the safety of the deep-water channels at the slightest hint of danger. This is surprising since they are armed with razor-sharp tusks and can weigh over 4,000 pounds! One mighty hippo “chomp” can cut a man in two.
- Being caught between a hippo and water is not a situation anyone should welcome, as they will take on anyone and anything in their way.
Hippo Hunting in Namibia: The Wildlife Experience
African hunts can take big game hunters to the remotest corners of the “Dark Continent.” For me personally, while the hunting safari was focused on the hippo, it was a privilege to witness the variety of wildlife that Namibia offers.
The Caprivi Strip has abundant numbers of African elephants, Cape buffalo, Nile crocodiles, and an extensive variety of antelope, including kudu, sable, puku, and enormous red lechwe.
Plains game hunting in Namibia includes endemic species such as the Damara Dik-Dik, black-faced impala, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Trophy hunting in Namibia is a privilege.
Hippo Hunting in Namibia: Choosing the Right Season
When the game hunting safari is focused on hippo hunting in Namibia, getting the timing right is very important.
During wet months, which run from October to April, the Caprivi Strip is literally like a full bathtub of swamp water. This means that these semi-aquatic free-ranging mammals have access to enormous expanses of water. With the temperatures being high, hippos will spend more of their time in the water during the wet months.
Pull the plug in the wet season, and the odds will be a little better. The best time for hippo hunting in Namibia will be during the months from May to September.
Hippo Hunting in Namibia: Shot Placements & Methods
Now, this is the part of the hippo hunting safari that gets interesting, stressful, potentially rewarding, and action-packed!When planning the African hunt, mental preparation and consideration of options possibly presented by the hippo need to be pondered.
On my game hunting safari in Namibia, I unfortunately didn’t consider all the possible options, as I had one method in mind. I had to learn the hard way. My brain had to be rebooted and alternative options were then considered.
On a hippo hunting safari, members of the hunting safari will patrol the waters by motorized canoe or walk along the river banks looking for a lone bull in or out of the water.
If the hunter is presented with a mature bull in the water, the only available shot option will be direct penetration into the brain. This can be achieved either between the eyes or from the side, between the eye and the ear. The shot will be taken from the side of the river bank and a successful stalk should get the hunter to about 50 yards. It is a tricky shot as the hippo does move around in the water.
It was suggested that I consider this frontal brain shot from a mokoro while in the water, but with all the movement I chose not to. The brain is heavily protected by thick bone and is the size of a man’s first. Make the shot count, or else your trophy hippo will certainly vanish into the water!
Out of the water, a frontal brain shot can also be considered. If possible, I would wait for a broadside shot where the hippo will present the vitals. A miss sightly miss will enter the lungs.
If the hippo runs away after the broadside shot, you can attempt the feeling shot into the spine above the tail or try to hit and break a hip bone, to try and anchor the bull.
When facing a charging hippo on your game hunting safari, only a frontal brain shot will stop this beast.
Learn more about hippo shot placement.
Warning: While hippo hunting a Namibia and walking the banks of the rivers and estuaries, be on high alert for crocodiles. These prehistoric dinosaurs are enormous and found in mass numbers all over the Caprivi Strip. Crocodiles are opportunists and they will not fuss too much about turning the hunter into a snack.
Hippo Hunting in Namibia: The Head Shot Stresses
All African hunts for big game hunting safaris get the heart racing, reminding us as to how fortunate we are to still be alive. As a big game hunter, taking a headshot at a hippo was one of my most stressful moments ever. Not only is shot placement critical but once hit, the hippo disappears into the depths. Unfortunately, I had chosen the wet season to hunt hippos as it was the only time I had available.
In the Caprivi, the waters are slow-moving, dark, and very deep. Once hit in the head, there are only two options that are presented:
- The hippo hunting safari has been a success, and the hippo has been humanely killed.
- The hippo has been temporarily knocked unconscious and the headshot has not been successful. Depending on how long the hippo will be unconscious, it will either drown or literally walk away under the water.
In both scenarios, the hunter has no option but to wait. A dead hippo will sink and then after a few hours will float to the surface.
It is not advisable to take the small mokoro to the scene, as a wounded hippo may rise out of the water and attack the vessel. While waiting, it seems as if time stands and the hunter ages a few decades.
Hippo Hunting in Namibia: What Caliber Rifle Should I Use?
When it comes to choosing a rifle for a hippo hunting safari, I would personally take two. For a brain shot, accuracy is important. A .375 or a 300 Wi Mag, both fitted with solid or monolithic bullets can certainly do the job.
If the hippo is out of the water, for the broadside shot and a possible frontal charge, I would consider a .458 Lott, 416 Rigby, or my favorite rifle, a 500NE Verney Caron. No big game hunting safari should exclude a double rife!
Hippo hunting in Namibia was one of my favorite and most stressful African hunts. The Caprivi Strip is a Namibian oasis, teeming with wildlife, and leaves the hunter with memories lasting a lifetime. If you are fortunate enough, it is suggested that due to the abundance of huge Nile crocodiles, you add this reptile to your game hunting safari.
A Value-For-Money Hunting Experience
Hippo hunting in Namibia is highly recommended, rewarding, and most certainly “value for money.” I cannot wait to return. Make sure your next game hunting safari includes a trophy hippo bull!
Read more about my hippo hunting adventure in Namibia.
Author: PC van Wyk