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I agree...Hippo's. they can travel for km's at night, and may return in the early mornings when the heat of the day, and the sun, is not to bad yet. also, they may still be grazing in the cool of the morning.

I would also say hippo as water is their safe haven you don't want to get between a hippo and the water.

I was going to say the sound of running water will "definitely" want to make the lady trailists need the loo and stop the trail, but I won't, as this is a serious quiz.

I agree with the hippo theory!

(Sorry, Imberbe, won't happen again! )

I'm also in for hippo's

The air smells great and the lively bird chatter is getting me all excited - what do they know that I don't ....

Seems like the group is growing nicely... Imberbe I see white droppings near the water that look similar to that of hyena ...what other animal could it be?

Hi all

I will also go with hippo

Um, also would say Hippo....

I agree: hippo.

Yes! Keep an eye out for the Hippo's. Especially early mornings ... but even during the day.

On a previous trail we had a scary situation: A hippo was sunbathing at midday in some reeds. When he realised we were in the area, he got up and stormed in to the water only 5 meters in front of us. The first thing we noticed was a freight train smashing reeds in front of us ... too close for comfort!

Zippy Zebra wrote:

Imberbe I see white droppings near the water that look similar to that of hyena ...what other animal could it be?

Well spotted, and we are lucky indeed! Notice a few things: Firstly the spoor in the area. Secondly, see how fine the grain is. Almost like white powder. No bone chips, etc.

This is crocodile dung ZZ. Crocodiles have an extremely good digestion system, even better than hyena. It is not often that we see their dung, since they are aquatic.

A special opportunity indeed!

Notice the big four toed spoor next to the water? Lets go closer and see whether we can see the owner ...

OK, just ahead is a hippo pool where a pod of hippos keep during the day. We will be on a raised bank right next to the pool. The hippo won't be able to reach us, because of the terrain. We will be save, but don't decide to go for a swim!

Everybody O.K. with that?

Q: Who is this?

Q: What is he doing?

its a male...He is threatening you to keep away from his domain........

Yup...big gut telling us to keep our distance. his territory!!

Q1..
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Hippopotamidae
Genus: Hippopotamus
Species: amphibius .......... sorry looked that up
Q2.. Territorial show, or he/she feels threatened

great answer dotty...nice to have so many informative people on this walk

thank you not informed tho, just willing to learn (never to late )