Hippos have bulky barrel -shaped bodies, short legs, large heads and enormously powerful jaws. Their jaws can open to 180 degrees and bite down with three times the strength of lion. They are armed with ipresive sharp teeth that can grow upto 50 cm long used for eating and defence. Here are the best places to see hippos in Kenya
Lake Naivasha – closest to you, very common (best by boat)
Lake Baringo – many hippos + birds
Maasai Mara National Reserve – Mara River pods
Amboseli National Park – near swamps
Tsavo National Parks – rivers
Here are some cool hippo facts:
Hippos can run faster than humans (up to ~30 km/h on land ?)
They spend most of the day in water to keep their skin from drying out
Their “sweat” is actually a natural red sunscreen
Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in Africa
They can hold their breath for about 5 minutes underwater
Baby hippos can nurse underwater ?
A group of hippos is called a pod, bloats, or herd
Their huge mouths can open up to 150 degrees wide ?