HIPPO FIGHT - THE PHOTOGRAPHIC STORY BEHIND IT

Why the Ishasha River is one of the best places to photograph these wild Hippos in action!

In this article, I will share one of the many photographic experiences I offer during my recent Ugandan photographic safari located in the breathtaking Queen Elizabeth National Park. This remarkable destination is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems but also serves as a prime location for wildlife photography, particularly during my Mountain Gorilla & Chimpanzee photo tour. While the main highlights of my expedition include the majestic Gorillas of Bwindi and the playful Chimpanzees of Kibale, I have ample opportunities to capture stunning images of various other wildlife species that inhabit Uganda. Among these are the iconic Lion, elusive Leopard, mighty Elephant, formidable Buffalo, graceful Zebra, a multitude of vibrant bird species, and so much more, each offering unique photographic moments that I can cherish for a lifetime.

During this unforgettable photographic tour in the heart of Western Uganda, I make my way into the Ishasha Sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, a region where wildlife thrives in abundance and where the natural beauty of the landscape complements the vibrant animal life. The Ishasha River, in particular, serves as a crucial water source for the diverse fauna that roams this area, making it an ideal spot for me as a photographer seeking to capture the raw essence of wildlife in their natural habitat.

The Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned as the prime location to search for the famous tree-climbing lions, which I often spot lounging in the branches of large fig trees. These magnificent creatures can frequently be seen in the vicinity of my camp, which is conveniently situated just off the Northern circuit game viewing track. The lions also have a penchant for the expansive fig trees along the Southern circuit game viewing track, providing alternative routes for game viewing and enhancing the overall experience for me. However, what many may not know is that I take my guests to a hidden gem, a secret spot where a pod of Hippos comes to rest each day, creating mind-blowing photographic opportunities. Here, I can capture these enormous and fascinating creatures as they engage in their daily activities, whether it’s basking in the sun, playfully interacting with one another, or submerging themselves in the cool waters of the river. The combination of the vibrant green surroundings, the shimmering water, and the dynamic movements of the hippos creates a stunning visual tableau that is truly a photographer’s dream.

Hippos of The Ishasha River

After an early lunch, which featured a delightful array of local dishes that showcased the rich culinary culture of the region, I was treated to a detailed photographic briefing conducted by my knowledgeable photo guide, Mark A. Fernley. This session was designed to equip me with essential techniques and tips for capturing stunning wildlife images, particularly focusing on the unique behaviors of the hippos I was about to encounter. With my camera in hand and excitement in the air, I left the comfortable confines of the tented camp and set out toward the Ishasha River campsite. This particular site is special as it allows guests to safely exit their vehicles within the grounds, providing an immersive experience in the heart of nature. Just 30 meters ahead of the unfenced campsite lies a sandy bank, a favored spot for the hippos, where they can often be seen basking in the sun. Mark expertly assisted me in preparing my telephoto lens, ensuring that I was ready for the extraordinary sight that was about to unfold before me.

What may initially seem peculiar is the daily ritual of a specific pod of hippos that emerges from the depths of the river at precisely 1 PM each day, making their way onto the sandy bank. This fascinating behavior is a routine that I observed and documented, providing a unique opportunity for photographers like me to capture these magnificent creatures in a more dynamic setting. As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, the hippos would eventually retreat back into the cool waters around 6 PM, completing their daily cycle. This particular time of day is an ideal moment for photography, as it allows me to photograph hippos while on foot, offering a thrilling experience that few other wildlife encounters can match.

These seemingly grumpy and arrogant hippos serve as incredible photographic subjects, particularly as they engage in their typical social interactions—fighting and bashing into one another as they prepare to settle down for a rest. The atmosphere is charged with energy as I eagerly click away, capturing astonishing images of the hippos displaying their impressive jaws wide open, expressing their anger and irritability towards one another. Behind these formidable creatures lies a breathtaking backdrop of lush greenery, which enhances the drama of my photographs. Additionally, the Ishasha River itself acts as a natural border separating Uganda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, allowing me to frame my images with the distant forests of the DRC, adding a sense of depth and context to the stunning wildlife shots.

The Stand Off

After what proved to be a successful and exhilarating photographic shoot with the hippos of the Ishasha River, I took a well-deserved break, enjoying refreshing beverages under the shade of trees. The atmosphere was lively, with the sounds of baboons chattering, colobus monkeys swinging gracefully through the branches, and the distinctive calls of black and white casqued hornbills echoing in the background. This moment of relaxation allowed me to share my excitement and discuss the remarkable images I had just captured.

As I savored my drink and soaked in the vibrant surroundings, photo guide Mark's keen eye caught sight of a rival male hippo that was intent on encroaching upon the resting pod of hippos lounging on the riverbank. The moment was electric, and I quickly prepared my camera, sensing that an action-packed encounter was imminent. Mark instructed me to focus my lens on the rival male, emphasizing the importance of using my back focus on AI-Servo to ensure sharp images. By concentrating on the rival male, I anticipated that one of the dominant males from the pod would instinctively rise to defend his territory and family.

As predicted, the largest male from the pod, displaying the full weight of his muscular body, suddenly surged to his feet and charged toward the rival intruder. I buzzed with excitement as I positioned my camera to capture the impending showdown. As both formidable heads came into view, I readied myself for the action shot that I hoped would unfold right before my eyes. The tension was palpable as the two males clashed, and I managed to capture remarkable images that showcased the raw power and ferocity of these massive animals.

In a flurry of movement, I snapped images as the hippos fought fiercely, their massive jaws wide open, drawing blood in the heat of the battle. The fierce confrontation on the riverbank caused the rest of the pod to rise from their resting spots, adding to the drama of the scene. The combination of the hippos' aggressive behavior and the stunning natural backdrop created an unforgettable spectacle, one that would surely be etched in my memory. The images I took during this encounter would serve as a testament to the wild and untamed beauty of the Ishasha River and its magnificent inhabitants.

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The battle that took place on the side of the river caused me to get up from the ground along with all the other hippos. The two males continued fighting, and after a short while, I watched as the rival male retreated into the water with grunts, splashes, and blood dripping from his mouth and face, creating great photographic action shots. The other male chased him off and returned to our pod, clearly aggravated.

I quoted: “Having the opportunity to be on foot in the African bush with my tripod and getting to photograph fighting hippos is something I will never forget.”

Back at the lodge, I participated in a photographic critique, where my group and the photographic guide were extremely impressed with how my images came out. Shown in this blog are the images I captured during this battle witnessed at the Ishasha River campsite.

The saliva of both hippos was captured in a sharp 2000 frames per second, showcasing an extraordinary moment in nature that highlights the intensity of their interaction. As I observed, the saliva really brings the word action into this shot, connecting both heads as they battle it out with one another in a fierce display of dominance and territoriality. The rapid motion of their jaws creates a dynamic visual, with droplets of saliva suspended in the air, illustrating the raw power and aggression of these magnificent creatures. Since I took these images with a fixed Canon EF 500mm F4 IS II USM Lens, I was limited with what I could fit in the frame during that short period of time, making the challenge of capturing such fleeting moments even more significant. However, (IMAGE 9) was a final shot during this battle that turned out rather well, encapsulating the essence of the struggle while also highlighting the intricate details of the hippos’ features, such as the texture of their skin and the expressions on their faces.

When it comes to lighting, the raw image turned out strong and effective and did not need much post-processing, which is often a time-consuming aspect of wildlife photography. The overcast sky at the time acted as a natural diffuser, softening the light and reducing the harsh sun’s rays that can often wash out colors and details in animal photography. This created a soft effect on the hippos’ skin, allowing the subtle nuances of their coloration and texture to shine through. I state, “It’s not all bad when photographing wildlife on an overcast day. It’s mostly better as the clouds can stop the harsh rays from damaging your subject. Also, the clouds are perfect for removing those overexposed leaf rosettes that we all dread to capture on a sunny day.” My insights reflect the challenges that wildlife photographers face, as the interplay between light and subject can drastically alter the outcome of a shot. With the lack of sky in the background, this forest blur captured in the images truly brings out a dramatic effect that really boosts the tension and drama in this battle, emphasizing the hippos' monumental size against a soft, muted backdrop that directs the viewer’s attention squarely onto the action unfolding in the foreground.

Below shows one of the images captured during this sequence, taken by me, wildlife photo guide Mark A Fernley, which was selected and printed in one of England’s national newspapers. This recognition not only highlights the skill involved in capturing such a moment but also underscores the importance of wildlife photography in raising awareness about the behaviors and lives of these incredible animals. The image serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and brutality of nature, encouraging viewers to appreciate and protect the wildlife that shares our planet. 

I hope you found this photographic story of a hippo fight interesting. Now, grab your camera and join me in Africa and I will guide you on a photographic safari of a lifetime. Located in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, these three wildlife hotspots will blow your mind away when it comes down to wildlife photography.

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