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Namibia


Hippopotamus

wildlife of Namibia

Introduction: The origin of the name hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) comes from the Greek 'water or river horse'. This comes as no surprise as they are strong and fast swimmers and will attack when wounded or agitated. They are characterized by their huge mass; short, barrel-shaped body, smooth naked skin and short, stout legs.

The hippo is the most dangerous animal in Africa and is responsible for more human fatalities and injuries in the wild than any other mammal. They are usually found in schools / pods / bloats of 5 to 20, but often congregate in larger numbers. Adult bulls will aggressively defend their territory and most males have scars from previous conflicts. Small boats and in some cases mokoro's, have been overturned or badly damaged as a result of hippo attacks. They are in the main protecting their young, but your poler on a mokoro trip on the Chobe or Zambezi Rivers will steer clear of hippo, especially if they are with their families.

Distribution: As Namibia is predominantly a desert country, hippo are uncommon and can only be found in the rivers of the extreme north-east of the country in the Kavango and Caprivi regions.

Diet: Hippo are grazers and forages for grass on the river bank at night. Buffalo and couch grasses are a particular favourite. A full feed is about 130kg of green grass, but not all of this is digested in 1 day. Some remains in the stomach for the next night's binge.

Colouring: The body is a greyish-black with a pink tinge.

Breeding: Cows give birth to a single young in shallow waters in dense reedbeds which has a mass of around 30kg. Gestation periods average 240 days. Calves are born in the water and can swim before walking.

Size: Hippo's can weigh up to 2,500kg and stand about 1.5m at the shoulder. They have a head and body length of up to 3.7m. The females are lighter and smaller and calves lighter coloured than adults.

Wildlife Namibia

  • Hippo: Hippo
  • Hippo: Hippos
  • Hippo: Pinky
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Camp Kwando

On the Kwando River, perfectly situated to visit the Mamili & Mudumu Reserves

Chobe Savanna Lodge

Overlooking the vast Chobe floodplain's from its situation in the east Caprivi this lodge has a lot to offer visitors

Ichingo Chobe River Lodge

One of the best lodges in this area has accommodation in both traditional land based units as well as on two houseboats.

Impalila Island Lodge

This is the only place in the world where four countries meet. A wonderful Chobe destination with eight luxury chalets.

Kalizo Lodge

A self catering family oriented lodge which offers excellent fishing opportunities

Kings Den

Wooden chalets overlook the river, while additional accommodation is available in the Zambezi Queen house boat

Lianshulu Lodge

One of the Caprivi's most popular up-market lodges.

Mahangu Safari Lodge

Situated close to the Mahangu Park in west Caprivi - this is an excellent stop-over between Namibia, Maun (in Botswana) and the Victoria Falls

Mazambala Island Lodge

Situated on an island in the Kwando river around 4km from the trans-Caprivi highway

Namushasha Lodge

A popular and well appointed lodge near Kongola

Ntwala Island Lodge

situated on three small islands this is an ultra-luxurious Chobe destination, with four suites, each with plunge pool and private guiding

Rainbow River Lodge

on the Kavango River banks this lodge offers plenty of water based activities

Susuwe Island Lodge

in the Bwabwata National Park this is a perfect land and water camp with six luxury suites, each with private plunge pool

Zambezi Lodge

Close to the town of Katima Mulilo in the east Caprivi

Zambezi Queen

A luxurious house boat on the Chobe River

Zovu Elephant Lodge

In the far eastern Caprivi this lodge offers lots of water based activities on both the Chobe & Zambezi Rivers

Self Catering Accommodation in Namibia