10 Things You Didn’t Know ........
About Living in a Town with Hippos
Yes, it’s wild. Yes, it’s real life. And yes - we have a “hippo traffic problem.” 🦛
When people hear that we live in St Lucia, South Africa — a charming coastal town surrounded by wilderness — the first thing they usually say is:
“Wait… don’t you have hippos walking down the streets?”
The answer is: yes, yes we do - and that’s just the beginning!
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| Photo credit - The Little Bush Baby Company |
Living in a town where wild animals roam freely is not your typical neighbourhood setup. But here in St Lucia, nestled between the Indian Ocean and the lush iSimangaliso Wetland Park, it’s all part of daily life.
Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about what it’s like to share your home with hippos…
1. 🌙 They come out at night… and they’re surprisingly quiet!
These 1.5-ton giants move silently through the darkness. You’d think you’d hear them coming, but nope! Hippos are like bush ninjas — until they snort or splash 😅.
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| Photo credit - The Little Bush Baby Company |
2. 🚸 We have real “hippo crossing” signs
Like deer crossings in the UK… but for 3-metre-long, grass-munching tanks. Spotting one of these signs is your first clue you’re not in a regular town anymore!
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| Photo credit - Josselyn De Ruiter |
3. 👣 Locals learn “hippo rules” early on
We teach our kids and guests these non-negotiables:
🔦 Always carry a torch at night
🚶🏽♀️Never walk alone
💦 NEVER get between a hippo and water!
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| Photo credit - The Little Bush Baby Company |
4. They often graze in front gardens (and leave evidence)
Forget lawnmowers. A hungry hippo can take care of a whole patch of grass in one night — and leave behind enormous calling cards that fertilise the lawn... a little too generously.
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| Photo credit - Kate on Safari |
5. 🧳 Tourists are enchanted… locals are cautious
Visitors are amazed. Locals know better. These animals might look cartoonish, but they’re considered Africa’s most dangerous large mammal. Respect is essential.
6. 🧮 There are more hippos than people here
Over 800 hippos live in and around St Lucia — and only about 600 human residents. Yep… we’re outnumbered! 🤯
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| Photo credit - Kate on Safari |
7. 🏃♂️ They can run faster than you
Think you can outrun one? Think again. Hippos can reach up to 30km/h on land! That’s Olympic sprinter speed. 🥵
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| Photo credit - Josselyn De Ruiter |
8. 🏡 We don’t panic - we prepare
Living here means adapting:
🔔 We check the yard before stepping out,
📱 Locals warn each other on WhatsApp groups,
🚧 Some homes even have hippo gates,
Coexistence is possible - with care and awareness.
9. 🦛 They’re part of our town’s personality
You’ll find hippos on murals, signs, business logos and even our hearts. St Lucia is proudly known as “The Home of the Hippo.”
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| Photo credit - Photos by Tracy |
10. 🌍 They remind us what we’re protecting
Living this close to wildlife is a daily reminder of the balance between people and nature. It's why we believe so deeply in involving our children - and our guests - in conservation from a young age.
It is a privilege to live in St Lucia. It reminds us every day of the delicate balance between people and nature - and why teaching the next generation to love and protect it matters so deeply.
Final Thoughts: Wild, Wonderful, and Worth Protecting
Sure, living with hippos isn’t always convenient (especially when one blocks your driveway at 10pm). But it’s an incredible reminder of the wild world we’re lucky to be part of.
And when your children grow up seeing hippos as neighbours, not novelties — conservation stops being abstract. It becomes personal.
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