Botswana honeymoon safari turns into hippopotamus attack

During a honeymoon safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta in September 2025, American couple Sam and Anna McKee were attacked by a hippopotamus while traveling in a traditional mokoro boat.

Despite prior warnings from guides about deep water and nearby hippos, the vessel drifted into a dangerous area. The animal attacked the rear of the boat, striking Sam and subsequently grabbing him by the torso and pulling him underwater. Anna McKee intervened by physically fighting the animal to attempt to rescue her husband.