Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus Hunting in South Africa

Hunting a hippopotamus is a pursuit unlike any other. It’s a challenge of accuracy, patience, and psychological endurance. At Side by Side Safaris, we offer the opportunity to hunt hippo in well-regulated wetlands, ensuring safety, sustainability, and a once-in-a-lifetime trophy.

Don’t let their laid-back appearance fool you. Hippos are among Africa’s most dangerous animals – not because they hunt, but because they protect. They are fiercely territorial in water and react with unpredictable aggression when they feel threatened. Despite their size, they are agile, especially in aquatic environments, and their bite force is among the strongest in the animal kingdom.

The hunt – A mix of waiting game and decisive action

Hippo hunting is not your standard safari experience. It takes place along rivers, lakes, and ponds, where the animals rest submerged for most of the day. Often, only the eyes and nostrils are visible, and the hunter must observe carefully, waiting for the right moment to take the shot.

Shot placement is crucial. A rushed or poorly placed shot can result in the animal sinking or escaping injured. Once the hippo is down, the recovery phase begins – often requiring a coordinated team effort to retrieve the animal from the water.

To ethically and effectively hunt a hippo, you need a rifle that delivers both power and deep penetration. The minimum recommended is a .375 H&H Magnum, but many seasoned hunters opt for heavier calibers such as .416 Rigby, .404 Jeffery, or .458 Lott to ensure maximum knockdown force.

Use only premium solid bullets designed for dangerous game – expanding bullets are unreliable when dealing with thick bone and water-shot scenarios. Stability, straight-line performance, and weight retention are paramount.

You will likely only get one shot. Make it count.

Because of the hippo’s dense skull and tough anatomy, shot placement must be highly precise. In water, a frontal brain shot between the eyes – slightly downward – is preferred. Broadside angles allow for a behind-the-ear shot targeting the brainstem. On land, a shoulder shot aimed at the heart-lung area can be effective, but only with a heavy, fast-moving projectile.

This is where the guidance of an experienced PH is essential. Understanding anatomy, wind, water movement, and behavior is key to success.

A trophy with presence

The tusks of a mature hippo are iconic – massive, curved, and heavy. But the trophy is more than the ivory. The skull is a stunning reminder of raw African power and remains a conversation piece in any trophy room. It represents courage, precision, and the kind of hunt few ever undertake.

Hippopotamus hunting isn’t for everyone – but for the serious hunter, it’s an unmatched adventure. Contact us today and let’s start planning your next big game safari in the heart of Africa.

📩 Get in touch now to learn more about seasons, pricing, and logistics.

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• NAME: HIPPOPOTAMUS

• SCIENTIFIC NAME: HIPPOPOTAMUS AMPHIBIUS

• WEIGHT MALE: 1500 KG

• WEIGHT FEMALE: 1350 KG

• SHOULDER HEIGHT MALE: 1.5 M

• SHOULDER HEIGHT FEMALE:1.5 M

• MATING SEASON: THROUGHOUT THE YEAR