5 Best places to see hippos with Wilderness

Hippos are highly social animals and usually gather in large groups – known as rafts or pods – consisting of a dominant male, numerous females, and their young. The dominant male is fiercely territorial, and will only tolerate other males if they are submissive and show no interest in the females. Much of this territorial behaviour is communicated through dramatic displays: the wide open mouth often mistaken for a yawn is actually a warning, revealing enormous teeth capable of biting a medium sized crocodile in half. You will also hear them ‘honking’ and ‘grunting’, which is another way of marking their territory.

During the day, these massive mammals rest in the water or along its edge. They cannot sweat as they don’t have sweat glands, but their pores secrete an oily red substance that acts as a natural moisturiser, sunblock, and protects against germs. This can make them look like they are sweating blood. Once night falls, they leave the safety of the water to forage. Terrestrial grasses form the bulk of their diet, and because hippos need a rich and dependable supply of energy, they sometimes eat as much as 68 kilograms in a single night, travelling up to eight kilometres inland in search of the short grasses.

Although powerful and often aggressive when threatened, the hippopotamus is a creature of fascinating contrasts – both quiet grazer and formidable defender, seemingly sluggish yet surprisingly agile. And there is nothing quite like the sound of hippos grunting and honking as the sun sets, as if they’re saying goodbye to the day.
The two essential requirements for hippos to thrive is water deep enough to submerge in, and a good supply of grassland nearby.

Which makes the following Wilderness camps the best places to see these enigmatic creatures.

Elegant Shumba, named after the prides of lion seen in the area, is found on a wooded island in the centre of the park’s Busanga Plains. The vast mosaic of grassy seasonal floodplains extending to the horizon, and mist rising at sunrise, epitomises the wild Busanga Plains. Its diversity can be discovered on game drives, as well as boating early in the season or hot air ballooning later on. Home to hundreds of hippos, red lechwe, puku and other plains game and their predators, the remote floodplains seemingly go on forever.

Accommodation: Standing sentry over these endless plains with breath taking views are six stylish tents, raised on wooden platforms, on a verdant tree island. Shumba’s six elegant tents offer a tranquil space from which to observe the wilderness – spacious living with a cushion-strewn veranda for outdoor contemplations. Enjoy Zambian hospitality in the main area, where sumptuous dining, cooling off in the pool and shaded relaxation are the order of the day, while convivial fireside tales and stargazing are a nightly ritual.

Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands, Toka Leya is the ideal combination of relaxation and adventure. Game drives and river cruises can be followed by a therapeutic treatment at our spa; tours of the Victoria Falls, a nearby rural village and Livingstone town add cultural and historical diversity. Fishing, rhino tracking and plenty of adrenaline-filled activities add excitement to the experience.

Accommodation: Toka Leya is ideal for the beginning or end of an African safari. Morning explorations of the river, the surrounding Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park or nearby Victoria Falls can be followed by a tranquil afternoon at our spa, or on the panoramic deck of the gym practicing inspired yoga. The camp’s 13 spacious, en-suite safari-style tents (including three family rooms) with expansive decks serve up dramatic views and glimpses of wildlife. Limiting our footprint on this pristine area, elevated wooden walkways weave between the guest tents and the main area where the dining, bar and lounge areas are complemented by an infinity pool, a sundeck for delicious meals and a convivial fire pit for night-time gatherings.

Perched on Magashi Peninsula, Magashi Camp looks out over scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga, towards the Mutumba Mountains in the west. Magashi’s home is 6,000 exclusive-use hectares (14,826 acres) of Akagera National Park, like Rwanda itself, a miraculous story of survival and regeneration. Located in the country’s north-east, Akagera was devastated by the 1994 genocide and its aftermath, with a rise in poaching and returnees settling with their cattle on park land. Over the last ten years, the park has been significantly rehabilitated and today offers one of the most thrilling safari experiences in Africa.

Accommodation: The camp’s intimate, relaxed atmosphere is most welcome after a stay in the bustling capital, Kigali, or after a thrilling gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Earthy tones with hints of pink prevail, as does genuine Rwandan hospitality. Eight spacious and airy tented guest accommodations offer uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga. The main area comprises a luxurious lounge and dining area, bar and pool, as well as an expansive viewing deck with convivial fire pit. Magashi’s warm and welcoming staff love sharing their traditional Kugisha supper with guests, accompanied by cattle-herding songs and stories.

Nestled deep within the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, on the northernmost fringe of Botswana, lies DumaTau. With unique access to both the Linyanti River and Savuti Channel, the reserve’s diverse, pristine 95,000 acres (38,445 hectares) offers truly exclusive excursions and close-up wildlife encounters. DumaTau’s extensive lagoon frontage ensures that each ultra-spacious 142 m² guest suite has uninterrupted views over Osprey Lagoon, and the movements of the mega-herds of elephant that the Linyanti is so famous for.

Accommodation: All seven twin tented suites and one family unit, with private plunge pools, sit on elevated wooden decks mere steps from the wildlife corridors, so game often wanders peacefully through the camp. An inviting indoor lounge, and spacious bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, feature interiors of hand-crafted mosaic tiles, acacia wood, and local textiles, which reflect the heart of the Linyanti. The main dining and lounge areas boast unimpeded wide-angle vistas that overlook the wildlife-rich lagoon, while the centrally located Osprey Retreat wellness centre and gym – shared with Little DumaTau – includes an inviting shaded deck, a lap pool, spa, a drinks and snack counter, and Safari Boutique. DumaTau runs on 100% solar energy.

Wilderness Ruckomechi is set in a spectacularly scenic, wildlife-rich private reserve at Zimbabwe’s legendary Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site famed for its exceptional beauty and wildlife. An intimate and authentic safari camp situated on the banks of the great Zambezi River, Ruckomechi offers thrilling adventures. Guests can explore the wildlife on game drives, enjoy walking safaris or opt to cruise the waters – a firm favourite for guests to see pods of hippos, and elephants swimming, feeding and drinking in the water. Elephants abound here – from small numbers in camp attracted to the rich, nutritious pods of the albida trees, to the breeding herds regularly seen crossing the river in front of camp. A short drive from camp, a night in our Star Bed, safely elevated above the ground, is unforgettable.

Accommodation: Shaded by a glorious canopy of albida trees, 10 spacious tented suites (including two family units) are positioned along the iconic Zambezi’s banks, each offering views across the river to the Rift Valley Escarpment on the Zambian side.  Each room is furnished in rich natural textures and lovely local décor pieces. Connected to the main area by low wooden walkways – to allow free passage of the wildlife – the suites provide front row seats to the wildlife. The camp's main area includes a fire deck for story-swopping under starry night skies; a pool overlooking a broad sweep of river; an outdoor bath with a view in a secluded, scenic spot, as well as an expansive deck where meals are enjoyed.