Hippo hunting in Zimbabwe

Hippos have the reputation of being Africa’s most dangerous animal. These huge barrel-shaped animals with stubby legs may be a little ungainly on land but a formidable beast when in the water. Hippos have a ferocious bite force of over 2,000 pounds per square inch. They are able to open their mouths at a 180-degree angle, have some massive teeth (tusks) and are able to bite a human in half. Hippos may be hunted in the Limpopo and Zambezi River systems, this includes Lake Kariba. Hippos are mostly hunted for their ivory (these teeth are not true ivory) and also make great Lion baits. Many outfitters with landlocked hunting concessions are allocated hippo and crocodile hunting rights in Lake Kariba which will require a change of hunting areas from areas such as Matetsi and Chizarira. Hippos are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and do not require any special hunting permits.