"What a Sight": "Hippos Spotted Swimming in the Ocean Near South Africa–Mozambique Border

• A video captured two hippos swimming in the shore break at a remote beach just south of Kosi Bay near the South Africa–Mozambique border
• The filmer and his group had visited the spot to snorkel and fish before discovering the unusual wildlife encounter
• The footage left South Africans stunned, with many saying they had never seen hippos in the ocean before

Two hippos were filmed swimming in ocean waves along a pristine, remote stretch of coastline near the South Africa–Mozambique border, just south of Kosi Bay. The footage was shared on Facebook by Aspoestertie Adventures on 29 August 2026 and quickly caught the attention of thousands of viewers who could not believe what they were seeing.

The person behind the camera explained that the group had made the four- to four-and-a-half kilometre trek out to the secluded beach with every intention of snorkelling and fishing. Instead, they found two hippos completely at ease in the shore break, right where the group would normally spend their time in the water. The filmer said, clearly in awe of the moment unfolding in front of him:

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"Not many places in the world you can get to see this"

Hippos at the Coast

Hippos are typically associated with rivers, lakes and freshwater habitats, making the ocean sighting all the more extraordinary. The Kosi Bay area, which sits within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is known for its diverse wildlife and connects to a system of lakes and estuaries that border Mozambique. It is believed hippos from the area occasionally make their way to the shoreline, though sightings like this remain exceptionally rare.

View the Facebook post below:

Mzansi reacts to the ocean Hippo sighting

South Africans in the comments on the page could not hide their surprise and delight:

@Nicolene Nicky Beukes wrote:

"Hippo... In the truest sense of the word 😂"

@Damon Durant said:

"I swam there a few years ago and never knew they popped in there."

@Justin Bouillon joked:

"Sea cow, finally makes sense"

@Gerty Pekeur asked:

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"Hippos in the ocean? 👀"

@Claire Lawrence said:

"Hippos really? Wow, what a sight"

@Gunther Frantz shared:

"Oh wow!!! I've never seen this before. Just a curious question: does the saltwater not affect their skin? I am sure after their swim the salt will leave their skin very dry?"

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• Annette Rademeyer has been mourned by the NSPCA and the animal welfare community following her death after dedicating 25 years to protecting animals.

Source: Briefly News