18/05/2026
In Victoria Falls, hippopotamuses sometimes leave the Zambezi River late at night to graze on grass in open areas around town and nearby lodges.
Hippos spend most of the day in water to stay cool, then after sunset they walk long distances looking for food. A single hippo can eat dozens of kilograms of grass in one night, which is why they often move through gardens, golf courses, and bushy areas near the river.
Although they may appear calm and slow, hippos are extremely dangerous and unpredictable. They are very territorial and can run surprisingly fast on land. In many safari areas across Africa, hippos are considered among the most dangerous wild animals to encounter at night.
Visitors staying in riverfront lodges around Victoria Falls are often advised:
Do not walk alone at night.
Use lodge escorts where provided.
Carry a flashlight.
If you see a hippo, keep a large distance and never block its path back to the water.
Seeing a hippo wandering quietly through the night is one of the wild and unforgettable experiences that makes Victoria Falls special.