Meet Jessica the Hippo

Jessica is the world's most famous semi-tame hippopotamus, rescued from a flood on the Blyde River in 2000 and raised by the Joubert family near Hoedspruit, South Africa.

Unlike wild hippos — which are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large animal — Jessica is fully habituated to humans and enjoys swimming alongside visitors, accepting food and interaction in her natural river environment.

The Jessica Experience

  • Meet and hand-feed Jessica at the Joubert homestead on the Blyde River
  • Learn her remarkable rescue story from the Joubert family
  • Watch her swim and interact in the river
  • Photography in a stunning riverside setting
  • Duration approximately 2 hours

Location

Located at Hippo Haven on the Blyde River near Hoedspruit, Limpopo — ideal to combine with a Kruger National Park safari or the Panorama Route.

Enquire now to add Jessica the Hippo to your itinerary.