Two river giants best watched from a boat or a safe distance.
Hippos spend days in water and graze on land at night. They are territorial and are often cited as one of Africa’s most dangerous large animals. Nile crocodiles are patient ambush predators.
Quick FactsWeighs over a tonne; stays in water by day.
Nile crocodiles can reach several metres.
Kazinga Channel, Nile at Murchison, Rufiji.
Never approach on foot at night.
Hippos live in pods, yawn to show tusks and can run faster than people over short distances. They avoid sun by staying in water.
Crocodiles bask on banks and ambush wildebeest at river crossings. Large ones are seen at Murchison Falls. See migration crossings.
Take a launch on the Kazinga Channel, the Nile at Murchison Falls or the Rufiji in Nyerere.
Keep clear of water edges and follow guide instructions. See Uganda safety.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, especially on land at night.
Murchison Falls, Mara River, Rufiji.
With a licensed operator, yes.
At night.
Tree-climbing lions, the Kazinga Channel and Uganda’s richest birdlife.
Explore →Game drives, a Nile boat cruise and the world’s most powerful waterfall.
Explore →Water shapes Uganda: from the source of the Nile to the great lakes and the channels where hippos gather.
Explore →Big, wild parks with few vehicles, reached by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Arusha.
Explore →Tell us your dates and interests and we will design the route around you.
