Hippo Hunting In The Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip) Namibia

ABOUT THE EXPEDITION

Our previous hippo hunting in Namibia safari on this same concession took place during the wet season, when much of the Caprivi Strip was heavily flooded. With so much water covering the floodplains and reed beds, hippo hunts become exceptionally challenging, and the reality is that wounded animals can easily disappear into the vast river systems. Traditional Makoro dugout canoes, often carved from teak wood, are commonly used to navigate these waterways and shallow channels.

For this African hunting safari, we decided to experience the Zambezi Region during the dry season. The transformation in terrain was dramatic — almost like “pulling the plug from a bath.” Areas that had previously been underwater were now dry open channels, dramatically changing both visibility and hunting conditions.

This particular safari also took place during the severe 2023–2024 drought, considered one of the worst droughts Namibia has experienced in more than 100 years. The dry conditions concentrated wildlife around remaining water sources, creating unique but demanding dangerous game hunting opportunities.

After several days covering countless miles in extreme heat, we finally located a mature hippo bull accompanied by a cow in a narrow estuary system several meters deep and nearly a mile long.

Tamlyn and her professional hunter ideally wanted the bull to leave the water before taking a shot, but only limited head-shot opportunities were presented. Proper hippo shot placement is exceptionally difficult, as only a small portion of the head is visible for a few seconds each time the animal surfaces — often in a completely different location.

Hippo hunting demands patience, discipline, and precise shooting. Heavy high-velocity bullets are required to penetrate the thick skull bones and reach the brain, and the decision to shoot or hold fire often needs to happen within seconds. Distinguishing between a bull and a cow can also be surprisingly difficult when only part of the animal is visible above the waterline.

After several hours in intense heat and difficult conditions, Tamlyn made an excellent shot at approximately 60 yards, anchoring the bull cleanly.

For hunters considering hippo hunting in Namibia, the dry season remains one of the best times of year to pursue these dangerous game animals successfully.