When it comes to the hippo, you probably think the same thing as millions of other people. This interesting creature is big, kind of goofy looking, and definitely awkward and slow. Well, let’s just say that big and goofy are correct but as far as being awkward and slow, not so much.
Going on a safari
A lot of people dream of going on an African safari. That way, they can observe wild animals in their habitats. Although you can see elephants, giraffes, lions, and hippos in a zoo, there’s nothing quite like having a real-life encounter.
An adventure of a lifetime
Often, safari guides take visitors around on both land and water. For one group that traveled to Kenya, they planned to spend some time riding in a boat on Lake Victoria. Everyone hoped they’d see some of Africa’s finest animals.
The trip paid off
As they cruised around the lake, the group of tourists spotted something in the water. It was four hippos. But with only the top half of their heads sticking out of the water, they were a little difficult to see.
Filming the experience
Thanks to a visitor by the name of Dicken Muchena, he was able to capture on video something no one anticipated happening. These people weren’t worried about a thing. After all, the hippos were a good distance away, they had an experienced guide, and oh yeah, this animal is slow.
Not a happy camper
While no one’s 100 percent sure what made one of the four hippos angry, it zeroed in on the boat and its passengers. Without warning, the hippo let out a sound that frightened everyone. But then, what started as a calm, peaceful day was about to change.
Holy cow, that thing can move
So much for the theory that hippos are slow. With lightning speed, this beast headed straight for the boat. And it didn’t take but a few seconds for it to get within just yards of it.
That was close
Thankfully, the hippo went underwater. This led everyone onboard to believe the threat had passed. But oh, they were very wrong.
Trying to get away
Even the guide didn’t seem overly bothered with the hippo chasing the boat. But then, the animal resurfaced and this time, it was even closer and gaining ground. That’s when you hear the boat engine rev up as the guide knows it’s time to get out of Dodge, so to speak.
It wasn’t an easy task
Even with the boat traveling at full speed, somehow, this angry hippo had no problem staying right on its tail. All everyone could do was hope and pray that the animal would decide to stop the chase. And that’s exactly what happened but not before it made a lasting impression on the visitors and guide alike.
An amazing area in Kenya
Before getting on the boat, the passengers were told that the area they were heading to was known for having a lot of hippos. This is why the guide took great care to keep enough distance between them and the animals but apparently, the boat got too close. When the man taking the video was asked how he sums up the experience, he commented with, “a narrow escape.”
This is one video you don’t want to miss. It’s scary yet fascinating at the same time. And as you’ll see by clicking on it below, hippos are anything but slow.
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Source: News 18, Inside Edition