Talk about up close and personal, this 3300 pound (1500 kilogram) hippo walked out of the bush only 30 feet from the vehicle. This massive animal measures 59 inches (1500 millimeters) at the shoulder and is 196 inches (5000 millimeters) long including a 22 inch (560 millimeter) tail. Being a nocturnal vegetarian the hippopotamus eats about 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of mainly grasses over night. This early morning sighting in Kruger National Park probably meant it was heading back to water for the day.
Oh my goodness! What did you do? Backtrack? Like the Rhino, this is no animal to mess with.
Close encounters can be thrilling although I would prefer you to use a telephoto rather than have a lion on the roof.
We all want you safely back.
LOL. This hippos crossed the road behind us and I certainly wouldn’t mess with one. Using the zoom lens a lot.
He looks all wet and shiny like he just came out of the water. Much too close for comfort.
Probably had taken a dip somewhere along the way. Wouldn’t want to be any closer for sure.
WOW! The experiences you have. What a magnificent animal and what a perfect picture! I am just in awe of the things you see.
And so am I.
Yikes! How amazing, Gaelyn!
He/she is massive. And so, what? You had a tape measure with you to give us the details?
ON to the next adventure for you, while I have to content myself with an orange, and lovable tabby on my lap whilst the gray and rain beat down on my house.
Looking forward to the next report here.
Be well, Maria.
Joan has all the answers and measurements in her head that she shares. Now at the beach but thank goodness not gray, or raining yet.
Great photograph, Gaelyn. You were there and ready. Must have been a bit intimidating though.
Be safe, have fun, and enjoy life.
Raven
I wouldn’t have wanted to be any closer.
Fantastic photo. We loved watching the hippos when we were up in the Caprivi Strip.
Impressive! I would definitely get out its way!
Most certainly. It actually crossed the road right in front of us. Heat keep on beating.
Well, hello big fella! What fabulous pictures you’re getting, not to mention the experience of it all..
This was almost too close of an experience.
I almost can’t imagine this! Just … wow.
Wow, what a sight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a photo of a hippo quite like this.
I have certainly never been this close to a hippo before.
They look so big yet can get up to 40km/ph running speed. Hippo’s are responsible for more deaths in Africa than any other animal.
Oh my word!!!!!! What an amazing sighting. Much more rare than seeing lions or elephants walking around. Love it, love it, love it!
Was as close as I ever want to be to a hippo. They are HUGE! We saw lions and elephants every day.