Lifting in a sudden turn, the large hippo eyes me, opening its jaws in a show of territorial defiance.

Imihlati means “the jaws” in IsiZulu.

The lake seemed peaceful—just the sounds of a fish eagle passing by and the occasional snort from the pod of hippos some distance away. Positioning myself at the shoreline, I inched forward, slowly dropping my focus closer to the water height. But I was wary; crocodiles were known to reside in the same place and could immerse themselves only a short distance away without being seen. It was a beautiful yet dangerous location, so all caution was being given. Settling in a spot, my eyes caught sight of a large single hippo descending beneath the surface. He was headed my way, but there was no trace of his whereabouts once out of sight. I remained still as the seconds went by, guessing where he might appear. But it was anybody's guess.

A few moments later, everything changed. Suddenly, his massive head lifted above the surface, swishing himself in a single large sideways motion as he raised himself further. He was now closer to me, much closer, and his attention was clearly fixed on my presence. Cold waves of realisation pressed through me with urgency to make a retreat, but I remained motionless, my finger simply capturing the moments as they took place. He settled sideways, the churned white water disappearing. And just as quickly, he seemed calm and quiet, just his ear flicking every now and then while observing me. Satisfied that I presented no threat, he slowly turned a minute later, pushing his way back to his pod.

In Defence of Hippos

Renowned for their power and aggression, hippos have evolved an array of formidable defences to protect themselves from predators such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.

First and foremost, hippos' sheer size and strength serve as formidable deterrents. These behemoths can weigh several tons, boasting muscles and bones built for delivering powerful bites and charges when threatened. Their territorial nature further bolsters their defence, as they fiercely guard their territories around water bodies through vocalisations, dung spreading, and intimidating displays.

When feeling threatened, hippos don't shy away from showcasing their aggression. They'll open their massive jaws wide, revealing their impressive teeth, and emit roars or grunts to scare off predators. These displays, coupled with their ability to move surprisingly fast on land and in water, often discourage would-be attackers.

Hippos' group dynamics also play a crucial role in their defence. Living in social groups led by a dominant male, they'll band together when faced with danger, presenting a united front that can intimidate and thwart even the most determined predators. Furthermore, their thick, armor-like skin, coupled with the red, oily "blood sweat" that acts as a natural sunscreen, provides additional protection against bites and infections.

Despite their formidable defenses, hippos can still fall prey to coordinated attacks, especially if caught off-guard or outnumbered. Nonetheless, these remarkable animals' survival strategies stand as a testament to nature's ingenuity and the fascinating adaptations of wildlife in the African savannah.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.