Hippos are semi-aquatic mammals that spend most of the day submerged in rivers and lakes to stay cool. At night, they emerge to graze on grass, sometimes travelling long distances from water sources. Despite their seemingly slow pace, hippos are highly territorial in water and can be extremely dangerous.

They live in pods that can include dozens of individuals, providing social cohesion and protection for calves. Their massive jaws and tusks are primarily used for defense and establishing dominance within the group.

Hippos influence aquatic ecosystems by shaping riverbanks and spreading nutrients through their dung, which supports fish and bird life. They are an iconic component of Africa’s waterways, offering spectacular sightings along rivers and lakes during game drives.

Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its large hippo populations, which congregate in the lake and along feeder rivers. These massive semi-aquatic mammals spend much of the day submerged to stay cool, surfacing occasionally to breathe and socialize.

Hippos are highly social, forming pods of dozens to over a hundred individuals, with complex hierarchies and territorial bulls. Observing their interactions — from yawning displays to gentle contact — provides fascinating insight into their behaviour.

Evening and early morning drives or boat trips along the rivers reveal more active hippos feeding in nearby grasslands, giving visitors a chance to see these giants in motion and photograph them in their natural habitat.