What is the fastest speed an African hippopotamus can reach on land?

An African hippopotamus can reach about 30 km/h on land.

Despite its barrel-shaped body and semi-aquatic lifestyle, the hippopotamus can move quickly over short distances. It is not built for a sustained gallop; instead, it uses a rapid running or bounding gait in which all four feet may leave the ground at once. This speed is particularly important when it feels threatened.

Hippopotamuses spend much of the day in rivers, lakes, and wallows, where water helps support their massive bodies. They usually leave the water at night to graze on grass. Their strong jaws and large canine teeth are better known than their running ability, but their speed is a major reason people should keep a safe distance.

The common hippopotamus is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is different from the much smaller pygmy hippopotamus, which lives mainly in West African forest habitats.