Let Sleeping Hippos Lie

Hippos in Lake Naivasha

Everyone knows Hippos are mean and not be messed with. As we circle the family in the above photo, the guy on the left lets out a deep growl that very clearly says, "Get away." And we do. Promptly. The driver of our boat says he had eight people in his boat once and obviously missed seeing the bubbles of a submerged hippo. They can go under and hang out for about 30 minutes and the wise lake-goer will be on the lookout for the tell-tale air bubbles reaching the surface. So when he drove over this hippo, it went for the boat, biting the bottom and removing a section about 10 inches in diameter. The driver found himself with eight lives, nine including his own, depending on his ability to bail out water with a plastic container, keep the hippo from upsetting his boat, and holding on to the outboard motor so he could rev the engine and steer toward the shore. Somehow, they made it safely to the dock.

There are approximately 2,800 hippos in Lake Naivasha. They spend their nights on the shore and their days in the water. A sign at the gate leading from Lake Naivasha Lodge to the boat dock reminds guests not to go out between 9pm and 7am. Otherwise, a hippo might just clasp them in his/her great jaw. Hilary and I venture through the gate one morning at 7:10, confident the hippos are already in the water, but looking sharply in case we have to run like hell.