How fast can a hippo swim? "Hippos, despite their hefty appearance, are surprisingly agile swimmers. Capable of reaching speeds up to 8 kilometers per hour (5 mph), these massive mammals glide through water with remarkable ease. Their streamlined bodies and webbed feet aid in propulsion, allowing them to swiftly navigate rivers and lakes in their native habitats across Africa. A testament to their adaptability, hippos are formidable both on land and in water."