With certain of Africa’s big five hunts, such as a hunting safari for Elephants, Black and White Rhino now being so costly, many hunters are now beginning to look elsewhere for possible substitutes.

The Hippo, and quite rightly so is one of the Dangerous 7 in Africa. Honestly, I am not quite sure why Hippo historically did not hold one of the top five positions. These animals are exceptionally dangerous, armed with huge jaws lined with lengthy ivory tusks and enjoy having some serious biting power. Besides all these considerations, Hippo’s in sheer size are massive, capable of crushing anything in its path while dashing off to the safety of water. The Hippo is most certainly one aggressive herbivore.

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Key Takeaways

• Hippos are found in central and southern Africa.
• They are semi-aquatic, living in fresh water streams, swamps, lakes, and rivers.
• Precise shot placement is paramount to ensure a successful hippo hunt.
• Hippos can be hunted on land or in the water.
• Hippo trophy judging involves measuring the tusks, with tusks 30 inches and over considered exceptional.
• Traditionally hippos were hunted for their hides and meat, while modern day trophy hunters are targeting the hippo for its ivory tusks.
• Hippo retrieval can be challenging, with it being quite light in the water, and an extreme weight on land – be prepared!
• Hippo hunts assist in conservation, as well as providing employment for local communities, reducing poverty, while providing protein sources for needy communities.

Where can Hippos be found in Africa?

Hippos can be found in central and southern Africa, in most bodies of water from rivers, lakes, swamps and streams.

For more about Hippo, read our page on Hippo Hunting in Africa

Shot placement when Hippo Hunting in Africa

Before we can move forward in terms of our two Hippo hunting options, the hunter will need, if not already familiar Hippo shot placement, to obtain a detailed understanding of Hippo shot placement. Shooting a Hippo whilst out the water, vs. in the water requires two different targets, and possible two different rifles, depending on how the Hippo presents himself.

Read about a more detailed understanding of Hippo Shot placement.

Hippo hunts on Dry Land, the safari Tactics

Hippos, at some point during the day, unless the African temperatures are too hot, will exit the waterway to spend some time on the nearby embankments doing a little sunbathing.

Hippos are quite territorial, so the hunter may have some time to set up a temporary blind and wait for the right moment. Depending on the terrain, a traditional hippo hunting walk and stalk method can be conducted. When on a hippo hunt, remember there is a temperature difference between the water and the land which can cause a light breeze. Be sure to approaching the Hippo from a downwind position.

Hippo hunts and the night time grazers

Hippo’s will usually leave the safety and coolness of the water to go feed on lush green grasses. Once the pod of Hippos has identified a sustainable food source, the Hippo will choose a path and make use of the same path every evening to head off or return from the feeding grounds.

Once the hunter has identified a suitable Bull Hippo, an ambush can be set up along the pathway. The hunting safari team members will need to rise early in the morning and be in position by at least 03h30 and wait for the Hippo to amble past and into position. BHAM, one trophy bull Hippo harvested, assuming of course the Hippo hunt goes as planned.

Hippo hunts and the night time crop raiders

I have never personally conducted any Hippo hunt on this basis but have it on good authority that these type of Hippo hunts are specialized.

When battling to find a Hippo out of the water in 2022, whilst Hippo hunting in Namibia, the local chief chatted to the outfitter and confirmed that a bunch of Hippo were destroyed their crops at night, and we were invited by the chief to come and track them down. In hindsight, I am glad we do not opt for this option. Tracking Hippo in the dark is not on my immediate bucket list.

However, for those hunters wanting to consider this alternative Hippo hunting method, the nuts and bolts are summarized as follows:

• A thorough reconnaissance of the fields are required, identifying every exit and entry point and marking same.
• It would be a good idea to try and estimate how many Hippo are entering the crop fields.
• These crop raiders allegedly arrive a little later in the evenings, depending on the moon light, but estimated at between 09h00 and 20h30.
• Initially, the Hippo will first stop, check for anything out of the ordinary and do some quick mental risk calculations. Once the Hippo have given the “all clear sign,” they will proceed into the crop fields and commence grazing.
• Using night vision optics, if available or binoculars investigate the area and try to identify the trophy bull.
• For those fold who are brave enough, walk in at a slow pace and listen out for the chomping sounds that the Hippo makes when feeding.
• When close enough for the shot, and it is confirmed that the hunter is not in the path of the Hippo and the exit path, switch on the spot light. At this point, the hunter should be prepared for action and can expect chaos to unfold.
• The Hippo allegedly will either charge the predetermined exit path and head for the safety of the river or choose to stand for a few moments and charge the light. I do not mind placing it in writing, being the one holding the light would not be my first choice. If the man responsible for holding the light chooses to run, or possibly faint (which I can believe), all hell will break loose. This moment, along with straight shooting would define the hippo hunts possible success or failure.

I am happy to advise that this method of Hippo hunting would not be my first choice. Having tons of flesh charging around in the darkness, combined with my poor night vision, is not my chosen choice of fun. I would choose life.

In the above situation, there would be no time at all for Hippo trophy judgement as one’s life would definitely be in the balance.

How to judge a Trophy Hippo Bull

The SCI (Safari Clun International) minimum score is 50 using method 12. When it comes to dangerous game hunting, I am often of the opinion, that Hippo trophies are like woman, beauty is all in the eye of the beholder.

However, the tusk is removed from the jaw bone and are measured. Tusks of thirty inches and over are considered exceptional. It is however difficult to get an estimate on tusk size, it is not like going to the dentist and saying, open wide. Additionally, in a pod, the biggest Hippo may actually be a female.

As a general rule, large tusks will push into the mouth and create bulges. Hippo do not always give the “yawn” allowing the hunter a chance to get a peek at the ivory. A Hippo yawning is a sign of pending aggressive and a warning to other bulls to stay out of his territory, or else!

If the hunter can clearly see more than eight inches sticking out when the Hippo yawns, the Hippo should be a good trophy. This would have to be discussed and an opinion obtained from the professional hunter. Note everyone is qualified to judge eight inches at a distance.

Hippo hunts, in the dark Waters

Hunting a bull Hippo in the water is a totally different experience to hunting Hippo on land. Every single dynamic relating to the Hippo hunt is different.

The reality is, that since Hippo spend the majority of their time in the water during daylight hours, unless exceptionally lucky, the Hippo will be targeted under the cloak and protection offered by the water. This will specifically apply if the Hippo hunts are taking place during the wet season, or in the months following the heavy rains.

A Bull Hippo in the water will surround himself with all the members of the pod, which will be the Hippos “harem” of cows and youngsters, also referred to as the family group.

A distance away from the pod, normally a couple of hundred yards depending on the water conditions will be groups of younger Hippo bulls. The younger Hippo bulls in these bachelor groups are not large enough, or strong enough to take on the Bull Hippo who holds command of his pod.

When glassing the waters and focusing on the group of younger Hippo bulls, be on the look out for a trophy bull. Often, these older Hippo bulls just “do not have any fight left” and choose not to challenge the dominant bull in the pod.

When glassing the pod of Hippos, the hunter after a while will notice a couple of things. Firstly, not all the Hippos belonging to the pod are visible at one time. There will always be a bunch of Hippos who will be walking along the bottom and out of site. Hippos do not swim but walk. Hippos under water can hold their breath for long periods of time, thus making it a challenge to determine just how many Hippos are in the water. They bob up and down and appear in random places withing the circumference of their territory. This will apply when the Hippos are in large volumes of water, such as the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region) in Namibia, or when Hippo hunting in Mozambique on Lake Cahora Basa. There are many other waterways and lakes in Africa with similar Hippo hunting conditions.

The second factor that the hunter will notice is that while glassing and looking for the bull, it is not such an easy task to identify the trophy Hippo bull.

The hunter is going to have to spend many hours glassing Hippo pods and waiting for the famous “yawn.” It will also be recommended to traverse the river banks and do some “reconnaissance” and see how many other pods of Hippo are in the area.

Hippo in the water, the plan of Action

In the majority of African countries, taking the first shot at the Hippo while in the water will count as a shot taken against the license, whether the bullet hits the Hippo or not.

Because of the water and the flow, it will not be possible to follow up on a blood trail. So, if you pull the trigger, the hunter needs to pay.

Miss the brain, which is slightly larger than an apple by an inch or two and it will be unlikely that the Hippo will be found. A hippo, like when Cape Buffalo hunting can “eat lead.” But, using the correct caliber firearm and mastering Hippo shot placement, the Hippo will be yours.

The secret to successful Hippo hunts in the water is knowing the target area is small and being in a position that provides stability. Sneak up on the pod and take your time, making sure you have a good rest for the rifle. There is no room for error.

Ensure that your rifle of choice is a zero for the exact shooting distance.

Recovering your Trophy Hippo and a few Taxidermy Tips

Recovering a Hippo hunted in the water, or land can be a nightmare and a logistical challenge of note.

The Hippo, when in the water is remarkably light and can be towed by a small Makoro, with a tiny 30HP motor. Getting the heavy carcass loaded is another story.

Even with a strong winch, and with the help of the local community team, it is a challenge.

When dragging a Hippo onto land, being the landing area from the water, do not attempt to strap the rope to the head of the Hippo. The carcass will “dig in” the result will be an unnecessary waste of time. Remember, these same waters are infested by Crocodiles, so the sooner the carcass is recovered the better.

When managing the head, it is best to leave the skull to soak in a salt brine liquid for a few days before being sent to the Taxidermy. The skull, if overboiled will crack, which will not assist your skull mount.

The skin of the Hippo is very thick, up to 2.5 inches in places. The skin must be removed quickly else the fat will go rancid in hot temperatures which will ruin the leather. Crosscut the underside and proceed to salt the hide. The hide at all times must be well aired.

I always tell hunters, it is the responsibility of the hunter to ensure that the trophy is properly overseen, salted and prepped, not the skinners or professional hunters. The hunter’s role, while observing must ensure that the trophy is done justice by managing the process and checking on it for the duration of the hunting safari.

The history of Hippo Hunts in Africa

Hippo hunts were taking place in Africa thousands of years ago and in ancient Egypt, Hippos were in fact regarded as sacred animals.

Traditionally hippo hunts were for the purpose of harvesting their hides and meat, where in modern day hunters are seeking the Hippo tusks which are made of ivory. Hippo hunting in legal in the majority of African countries, but hippo hunting safari costs can substantially vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hippos hunted in Africa?

Yes, hippos are hunted in many African countries. They are mostly targeted for their tusks which are ivory.

Where can I hunt a hippo?

Hippos are hunted in many African countries, including Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Uganda. As hippos spend more of their time in water, hippos hunts usually take place in the water.

Why do people hunt hippos?

While traditionally hippos are hunted for ivory, modern game hunting enthusiasts also enjoy a hippo hunt that challenges their hunting skills. As one of Africa’s Dangerous 7, the hippo is a sought-after trophy for many hunters.

Which African countries have hippos?

Hippos are found in a variety of African countries, with the most popular countries for hippo hunting including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Botswana.

Does anything hunt hippos?

While not many animals are willing to take on a fully grown, aggressive hippo, their offspring do fall prey to crocodiles, lions, and hyenas.

Are hippos afraid of any animals?

Due to their size, stamina, and sheer aggression, hippos are not afraid of many animals, apart from themselves.

Which African country has the most hippos?

Zambia is said to have the most hippos of all the countries in Africa, with more than 40,000 individuals.

Are hippos aggressive?

Yes, hippos are extremely aggressive and territorial and will attack anything or anyone that gets in their way. One of the most aggressive animals worldwide is a hippo cow and her calf – do not get between them, it is the last thing you may do.

Hippo Hunting and the Ongoing Debates

Like with all African big five game animals, there are always arguments in favor and against the hunting of Hippos. Those in favor will argue that Hippo hunts can in fact assist in areas where Hippo populations are excessive. Financial proceeds from the Hippo hunting safaris can provide employment for local communities, reducing poverty, improve conservation and wildlife initiatives, while providing much needed resources such as a high protein meat supply.

Those against Hippo hunting will argue that this ancient practice is cruel and unethical, and this group does not always understand the role that big game hunting plays in conservation. It is also suggested by these groups that Hippo hunts may have a negative effect on the environment and may reduce biodiversity.

Conclusion: Hippo hunts are some of the “best value for your buck” African safaris. Continue to invest in hunting the dangerous 7 in Africa. Wildlife conservation needs the support of the big game hunting community to protect the animals we so admire.

Author: PC van Wyk