Kenya Hippopotamus

The Kenya Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius, is a well-known animal that most people will recognize instantly.

Despite being depicted as a gentle, slow giant in many stories and cartoons, the reality is very different. Hippos are fast, they can outrun the average man, big and bad-tempered if interfered with.

Kenya Hippopotamus have massive, curved canine teeth in both the upper and lower jaw which they use both in defence and attack.

Their skin is almost completely hairless but does contain a large number of mucous glands which protect the animals hide in the water and prevent it from drying out.

They spend most of the day in the water, coming out onto land in the early evening and then through the night to graze. They prefer soft, short grass and fallen fruit.

There are many good places to see Hippo, one of our favourites is Baringo Country Club where the Hippos come onto the lawn most evenings to graze.

They can also be seen at Mzima Springs in Tsavo West, where there is a submerged viewing hide which allows you to see underwater and watch the Hippos walking across the bottom of the pools.