Hippopotamus
“There are no guarantees when it comes to dangerous game hunting, but our free-range African Hippo Safaris offer the best possible opportunity to take a mature trophy bull in an ethical and legal manner.” – Graham Sales
The Hippopotamus is one of Africa’s most dangerous animals. Despite being herbivores, hippos are responsible for more human fatalities in Africa than any of the Big Five, making an African Hippo hunt a true test of nerves and preparation.
The Hippopotamus: The river horse of Africa
Hippo hunting Safaris with Graham Sales Safaris.
The name Hippopotamus is derived from the Greek words hippo, meaning horse, and potamus, meaning river, aptly describing this “horse of the river.” While early Dutch settlers at the Cape referred to them as Seekoei or “sea cow,” modern science has revealed they are surprisingly more closely related to dolphins and porpoises than to pigs.
As a premier African Safari Outfitter, we know that an African Hippo hunt is a true test of nerves. Despite being herbivores, the common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is credited with killing more people in Africa than any of the Big Five.
Understanding the species
There are two species of Hippopotamus found on the African mainland:
Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius):
The common hippo thrives in rivers and wetlands, feeding mainly on grasses and playing a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis):
A much smaller species characterized by a shorter snout and a more forest-adapted lifestyle.
Recognized Common Hippopotamus Subspecies
Cape or Southern Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius capensis):
Found in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
East African Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius kiboko):
Occurs in Kenya, Tanzania, and eastern D.R.C.
Great Northern or Nile Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius amphibius):
Distributed from the Nile into Ethiopia and Sudan.
Angolan Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius constrictus):
Found in Angola, Namibia, and western Zambia.
West African Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius tschadensis):
Occurs in Chad, Niger, and northern Nigeria.
At Graham Sales Safaris, our guided big game hunts target mature bulls in free-range environments, ensuring a sustainable and ethical harvest that supports local conservation efforts.
Planning your Hippo hunt: Logistics & success
Shot Placement by Graham Sales
Precision is everything in an African Hippo hunt. Whether the animal is on land or in the water, Graham Sales Safaris emphasizes the brain shot to ensure an instantaneous and ethical kill. On land, a heart/lung shot can also be highly effective, provided the animal is far enough from the water to prevent escape.
Preferred caliber for Hippopotamus
Because hippos are thick-skinned and often encountered near or in water, selecting the right ammunition is of utmost importance. African Professional Hunters generally recommend starting with a .375 H&H, though many prefer .40 calibers such as the .416 Rigby, .450 Rigby, or .460 Weatherby for maximum penetration.
Using a high-quality solid or controlled expansion bullet ensures reliable performance and a safe, ethical hunt. Clients are encouraged to consult with one of Graham’s Professional Hunters beforehand to choose the optimal ammunition for their rifle and the specific hunting conditions.
Bullet choice
Premium solids and controlled expansion bullets are recommended for Hippopotamus hunting to ensure deep penetration through the dense skull and heavy bone structure.
Why choose Graham Sales Safaris?
As one of the top African hunting Outfitters, we provide a world-class experience from the initial booking to the final trophy. We ensure it is legal to hunt every animal we pursue, operating with full transparency and respect for African wildlife laws.
Ready to embark on the ultimate African Hippo hunting Safari?
Contact Graham Sales Safaris today to book your Hippopotamus hunting Safari.
