Masai Mara, Kenya

Hippo Reflex Game

01 / 01

OM-1 Mark II · OM 150-600mm F5.0-6.3

200 mmƒ5.51/1600ISO 3200

The story

We’re perched on the edge of a cliff above the Mara River, at one of the few spots in the park where you’re actually allowed to step out of the jeep. In the muddy river below, two hippo families are wallowing — over twenty individuals in total. Although both families are close to each other, it’s clear each has its own territory. The briefest approach of even a single male toward the other group triggers visible and audible warning signals. Each family also has its own path from the water to dry land — used almost exclusively after dark, when they head out to graze, sometimes up to eight kilometres from where they spend most of the day. After a night of grazing, each individual putting away over 40 kg of grass, they make their way back to their “pool” before dawn.

We’ve been watching the groups for a while. Every now and then, one of the hippos surfaces, opens its massive jaws, and lets out a generous “yawn.” This is how males in particular display their strength and send that warning signal to others — it’s definitely not a sign of tiredness. A hippo can open its mouth up to 150 degrees, putting its tusks on full display — often half a metre long and continuously growing throughout its life. It’s only when you see those jaws wide open that it really clicks just how dangerous these animals are. Locals joke that you can negotiate with a lion — but under no circumstances with a hippo.

Whether there was any system to who went next, we certainly couldn’t crack it. It took tens of minutes and several failed attempts before I got a shot that was even close to what I had in mind. Hippos put my ability to quickly lock focus with a telephoto lens to a thorough test — and after this experience, I concluded that particular skill still needs some work.

Masai Mara, Kenya · February 13, 2026