Africa's 'river horse' which despite this name is far more closely related to Cetaceans(Whales & Dolphins)than to horses. In fact recent DNA & molecular studies have shown Cetaceans to be closely related to the even-toed ungulates & some biologists have even placed Cetaceans in the same order -with Hippos being their closest living relatives.

These large aquatic mammals can survive (& thrive) in surprisingly small bodies of water. There are Hippos scattered throughout the Mara in various marshes & pools as well as along the Talek & Mara rivers.

Our safari tents were situated adjacent to the Talek river which held a small, particularly flatulent family group of Hippos -their nocturnal emissions did nothing to help my insomnia!