27/03/2026
On a warm day along the water, a group of hippos can often be seen half-submerged quietly in the shallows. What may look like simple relaxation is actually an important survival behavior. Hippos spend most of their daytime in rivers, lakes and muddy pools because their skin is very sensitive to the hot sun.
By staying in water or mud, they keep their massive bodies cool and prevent their skin from drying out.
Wallowing also acts like natural skin protection. The mud forms a protective layer that shields them from sunburn, insects and parasites. With only their eyes, ears and nostrils above the surface, hippos can breathe, listen and watch their surroundings while keeping the rest of their bodies safely underwater.
In places such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, wallowing hippos are a common sight.
