Hippopotamus Hunting in Zimbabwe

The Hippopotamus is statistically Africa's most dangerous large animal, responsible for more human fatalities each year than any other species on the continent. Weighing up to 4,000 lbs with massive jaws capable of biting a small boat in half, the hippo commands enormous respect from professional hunters and local communities alike. Zimbabwe's Zambezi River and its tributaries hold substantial hippo populations, and controlled hunting is an essential management tool for reducing numbers and mitigating human-wildlife conflict in riverine farming communities where hippo cause devastating crop damage.

Hunting hippopotamus is a unique challenge unlike any other form of African hunting. The typical scenario involves approaching the riverbank quietly, identifying a mature bull in a pod of hippo, and making a precise brain shot as the animal surfaces to breathe. The brain target on a hippo is remarkably small relative to the massive head, roughly the size of a grapefruit, positioned behind and between the ears. There is very little margin for error, and a poorly placed shot can result in the animal sinking in deep water where recovery is impossible.

The ivory canines of a mature hippo bull are impressive trophies in their own right. The lower canines can weigh 4 to 8 lbs each and measure up to 20 inches in length, curving upward like scimitars. The upper incisors, while shorter, are thick and heavy. Hippo ivory is denser than elephant ivory and has a distinctive grain pattern that has been prized by artisans and collectors for centuries.

Hippo hunts along the Zambezi are commonly combined with buffalo, crocodile, and plains game species, making for an exceptional 10 to 14 day combination safari. The riverine environment provides outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities between hunting activities, with elephants, buffalo herds, and a tremendous variety of birdlife along the river systems.