What It’s Really Like to Camp Among Africa’s Hippos
Camping in Africa’s wilderness is an experience like no other, but sharing a campsite with hippos, one of the continent’s most dangerous animals, adds an entirely different level of thrill and challenge. Hippos may seem slow and docile, but in reality, they are territorial, aggressive, and capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph) on land.
For those willing to venture into Africa’s riverside landscapes, camping among hippos offers a raw, unfiltered connection with nature. This article explores what it’s like to sleep within earshot of these colossal creatures, how to stay safe, and why this experience is both terrifying and awe-inspiring.
The Reality of Camping Near Hippos
Nighttime Encounters with Africa’s Giants
Unlike other African wildlife, which is often active during the day, hippos are nocturnal grazers. During daylight hours, they submerge themselves in rivers, lakes, and swamps to keep cool, but once the sun sets, they emerge to feed on grass, sometimes traveling several kilometers from the water.
Campers who stay near rivers or lakes in Africa often experience:
The eerie grunts and bellows of hippos at night echo through the darkness.
Heavy footfalls and snorts as these massive creatures move around the campsite.
Unexpected close encounters, as hippos can wander straight through tents and cooking areas in search of food.
Camping near hippos is not just about observing nature—it’s about coexisting with one of Africa’s most unpredictable animals. And to be honest: I wouldn’t do this any longer now that I’m older, and maybe a bit wiser – lol.
But if you want to do this, go ahead, and I’ll explain where the best places are to stay near them:
Best Places to Camp Among Hippos
Some of Africa’s most famous camping destinations are located in prime hippo habitats. These areas provide opportunities to witness these creatures in their natural environment while enjoying some of the most stunning landscapes on the continent.
1. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Why it’s special: Located along the Zambezi River, this UNESCO-listed park is home to one of the highest densities of hippos in Africa.
What to expect: Hippos frequently walk through campsites at night, making this one of the most intense places to camp among them.
Extra wildlife: Elephants, lions, and crocodiles also share this landscape.
2. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Why it’s special: The Okavango Delta is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, with hippos playing a vital role in shaping its waterways.
What to expect: Many camping spots are accessible only by boat, and hippos often surface just meters from your tent.
Extra wildlife: The delta is home to leopards, African wild dogs, and hundreds of bird species.
Why it’s special: With the Zambezi River running through it, this park is a prime location for hippo sightings.
What to expect: Hippos are seen and heard constantly, and visitors often wake up to find fresh hippo tracks near their tents.
Extra wildlife: Buffalo, crocodiles, and elephants frequently roam through campsites.
4. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
It looks like a Fish Eagle is feeling safe on top of hippos 🙂
Why it’s special: Africa’s largest protected area, the Selous, is home to vast wetlands where hippos thrive.
What to expect: Riverside camps often attract large groups of hippos, making for incredible (but sometimes nerve-wracking) night experiences.
Extra wildlife: Selous also boasts one of the largest lion populations in Africa.
5. Liwonde National Park, Malawi
Why it’s special: The Shire River runs through the park, supporting a dense population of hippos.
What to expect: Canoe safaris allow visitors to observe hippos at eye level, making it a truly immersive wildlife experience.
Extra wildlife: Black rhinos, cheetahs, and elephants share this habitat.
Camping in any of these locations means spending the night in the middle of prime hippo territory—a mix of excitement, unpredictability, and absolute awe.
The Sounds of the Wild: Sleeping with Hippos Nearby
One of the most unforgettable aspects of camping among hippos is the soundscape. Hippos are extremely vocal, communicating with deep grunts, honks, bellows, and even laughter-like calls. These sounds, often amplified by the stillness of the night, can make sleeping a challenge.
Common hippo sounds heard at night include:
Grunting and wheezing – A signature hippo sound, often heard in short bursts.
Snorts and splashes – As hippos rise to breathe or move through the water.
Deep rumbles and bellows – Often territorial calls between dominant males.
Loud chomping – As they graze near campsites.
For first-time campers in hippo country, these noises can be both thrilling and unsettling, serving as a constant reminder of their presence.
Safety Tips for Camping Among Hippos
While the idea of sharing space with hippos is exhilarating, safety must always come first. Hippos are responsible for more human fatalities in Africa than any other large land animal, mainly due to their territorial nature and aggressive tendencies when threatened.
How to Stay Safe When Camping Near Hippos
Set Up Camp Away from Water
Never pitch a tent too close to a river or lake. Hippos use established pathways to access grazing areas, and camping in their path is extremely dangerous.
Be Cautious at Night
Hippos are most active after dark. Avoid leaving your tent unnecessarily, and never walk between a hippo and the water, as they will see it as a threat.
Use a Strong, Enclosed Tent
Although tents don’t provide absolute protection, a well-secured, enclosed tent reduces the likelihood of an accidental encounter.
Avoid Bright Lights & Sudden Movements
Flashlights and sudden movements can startle hippos, increasing the risk of aggression. Instead, use dimmed red lights to navigate the campsite.
Stay Silent When Hippos Are Near
Loud noises can provoke defensive behavior. If a hippo approaches, remain quiet and still until it moves away.
Respect Their Space
Do not attempt to approach, feed, or interact with hippos. Even in areas where they seem accustomed to human presence, they remain wild and unpredictable animals.
By following these guidelines, campers can enjoy the thrill of being in hippo territory without unnecessary risk.
Final Thoughts
Camping among hippos is an experience that combines excitement, respect for nature, and a deep appreciation for Africa’s wild beauty. While it comes with its challenges, careful preparation and awareness ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure.
Would you ever camp in hippo territory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
And don’t forget to connect with me on social media, especially on my Facebook page, where I share multiple times a day facts on African animals or African culture that might still surprise you!
Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
