A large group (bloat) of hippos crowded together in a muddy water hole in the African savannah.
The Bloat Smell
Stopping on the edge of a hippo pool in the African savannah usually produces two distinct responses.
The first is pure amazement. This is especially true if you encounter a group of fifty or more individuals—appropriately known to biologists and guides as a "bloat." They splash, fuss, grunt, and jostle for position in the crowded water.
The second response—revulsion—follows quickly behind. “Eww! What’s that smell?” someone inevitably gasps.
We watch in a mix of horror and fascination as fecal matter is flung into the air by hippo tails rotating like the windshield wipers on a car. This "muck-spreading" isn't accidental; it's a way for hippos to mark their territory. My usual response to our gasping guests? “Serengeti perfume.”
The Biological Super-Power of the Hippo
Hippos are massive creatures that eat a staggering amount of vegetation every night. Naturally, they poop a lot, too—and they don't seem to mind "wallering" (wallowing) in the resulting mixture.
While it is often said that hippos have poor digestion, their real marvel is their immune system. Living in water thick with bacteria and waste, hippos possess a "bullet-proof" biological resilience that allows them to heal from territorial gashes and wounds without succumbing to infection.
Experience the Wild with Us
If you want to experience the sights, sounds, and—yes—the smells of the Serengeti up close, we’d love to have you on our next expedition.
2026 African Safaris: Registration closed. All seats taken.
2027 Safari Planning: We are currently angling for our 2027 dates. Get on the waitlist to secure your spot! Email us here.
