Hippos are among Africa’s most recognizable large mammals. They spend much of their lives in water, yet possess surprising physical capabilities on land. Their massive size and semi-aquatic lifestyle make them unique, leading many to wonder about their swiftness in different environments.
The Speed of a Hippo
Despite their bulky appearance, hippos are capable of remarkable bursts of speed on land. A hippo can run at speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour (approximately 19 miles per hour) over short distances. This speed is typically observed when they feel threatened or are defending their territory. While they spend most of their time submerged in water, their terrestrial speed is a testament to their powerful musculature.
In water, hippos move distinctly, unlike traditional swimming. Instead of floating and propelling themselves with strokes, their dense bodies allow them to sink and “gallop” or “trot” along the riverbed. This unique method enables them to navigate underwater at speeds of around 8 kilometers per hour (about 5 miles per hour). They can hold their breath for several minutes, allowing them to remain submerged for considerable distances.
What Makes Hippos Fast
Several biological and physical characteristics contribute to a hippo’s surprising speed. Their legs, though short in proportion to their large bodies, are incredibly muscular and powerful. These strong limbs provide the necessary force for quick acceleration and bursts of movement on land. Hippos also possess a dense bone structure, which, while contributing to their weight and inability to float, aids in stability and power transfer during locomotion.
Hippos move with a unique gait, often described as a trot, even when running at high speeds. While they typically keep at least two feet on the ground, during a full sprint, they can briefly lift all four feet off the ground for short periods. This combination allows them to generate significant force, enabling rapid, short-distance dashes when defending themselves or their young.
Hippo Speed in Perspective
To put a hippo’s speed into context, consider that their top land speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) significantly outpaces the average human running speed, which is typically between 10 to 13 km/h (6 to 8 mph). Even a fast human sprinter, such as Usain Bolt, whose top speed is around 37 to 44 km/h (23 to 27 mph), would find it challenging to outrun a hippo over short distances.
They are highly agile in water, using their unique bottom-walking technique to navigate rivers and lakes with considerable efficiency. Their speed and maneuvering capabilities in water, combined with their territorial nature, make them exceptionally dangerous in their primary habitat.
Encountering a Hippo Safely
Given their surprising speed and aggressive, unpredictable behavior, encounters with hippos require extreme caution. Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, responsible for numerous human fatalities annually. They are highly territorial, especially when protecting their calves or their path to water.
Maintaining a safe distance is the most important safety measure in hippo territory. If a hippo is encountered on land, avoid getting between the animal and the water, as they will instinctively charge towards it. If a hippo charges, running in a zig-zag pattern can make it more difficult for them to follow, potentially buying time to find cover. Announcing one’s presence by making noise, particularly on water, can also prevent startling a submerged hippo.