The name Hippo is translated from Greek meaning “River Horse”. This huge barrel shaped amphibious pachyderm with short stubby legs is surprisingly quick when running on land. Classified as a dangerous game species, this animal is responsible for more deaths in Africa than all the “Big 5” species combined and should always be treated with respect. They are predominantly grazers feeding at night and resting up during the day in their aquatic habitat. The majority of hippo hunts offered in South Africa take place in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. If you are keen to book a Hippo hunt ensure you plan your trip well in advance. Due to controlled availability of quota, hunting opportunities are limited. A traditional hippo hunt is conducted by walking-and-stalking along the banks of rivers and dams where they are known to occur. If you are fortunate enough to find a basking bull on the shoreline this will make hunting conditions much easier as most are hunted in the water. Sexing a male Hippo in the water is very difficult and your target is much smaller when taking a headshot as opposed to a shoulder shot when on land. If shot in the water, they initially sink before rising to the surface when the gastric gases cause the animal to bloat and float to the surface and the recovery process can begin. Hippos can be extremely destructive in sugar cane fields, vegetable crops and even plantations where they may feed at night. In such cases the nature conservation authorities may issue a night hunting permit so make sure to ask the question whether you will be hunting at night. Classified as vulnerable, no CITES permits are required as yet but special licenses and night hunting permits are required to hunt at night.