Where to See Hippos and Crocodiles in Tanzania

Hippos and crocodiles are among the most dependable wildlife sightings in Tanzania, and a few places stand out. The hippo pools in the Serengeti and the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park both give close, reliable views with little searching. Katavi National Park is remarkable for sheer concentration in the dry season. As the waterholes shrink, hippos and crocodiles crowd into the remaining pools in numbers you'd struggle to find anywhere else in the country. For a change from the usual roadside viewing, boat safaris in Nyerere and Saadani bring you down to water level instead of peering from a vehicle, a different and often more intimate way to watch hippo and crocodile behavior. Browse our safari itineraries, or contact us to add a boat safari to your trip.