The giant animal is thought to have been looking for somewhere to cool off when he discovered Brent Reed’s pool (Picture: Brent Reed/Letaka Safaris/Magnus News)

A homeowner was stunned to find one of Africa’s most dangerous animals lounging in his swimming pool on New Year’s Eve.

Brent Reed, 47, said his night watchman was confronted by a three tonne hippo in the back garden of his home in Maun, Botswana, in the early hours of December 31.

The safari company director posted photos of his youngest son Troy, 11, and pal Kyle Steyn, 15, gazing at the huge gatecrasher which was completely unfazed by their presence.

He added: ‘It was a large male and there has been a drought for pretty much the whole year.


‘The Thamalakane River has dried up so our swimming pool was probably the most inviting place for him to stay as our home is alongside the dry riverbed.



‘There is always a danger with hippos, particularly when cornered but this one didn’t show any signs of aggression.’

Brent’s youngest son Troy gazes down at their guest (Picture: Brent Reed/Letaka Safaris/Magnus News)

Brent said the hippo stayed chilled despite their presence (Picture: Brent Reed/Letaka Safaris/Magnus News)

Despite the initial excitement at having such an unusual guest drop in, Brent was left having to fish out more than 100kg of poo from the previously pristine two-meter pool when the animal left on January 1.

Hippos’ massive jaws are capable of crushing crocodiles and they can reach speeds of almost 20mph on land.

But they are at home in the water where they will charge at boats and people alike if they feel threatened.

The hippo soiled Brent’s pristine pool, leaving behind more than 100kg of poo (Picture: Brent Reed/Letaka Safaris/Magnus News)

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