Picture this: a herd of elephants, gleaming with a fresh coat of mud, joyfully spraying themselves at a waterhole. Nearby, a warthog rolls in the shallows while a terrapin snacks on ticks from its muddy hide. Across the savannah, a clan of hyenas cools off in a shaded pool, their thick coats glistening under the sun.
Wallowing may look like animals indulging in a bit of self-care, but this behaviour is essential for survival in Africa’s harsh environments. In this article, we’ll explore why animals wallow, focusing on iconic species like elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and warthogs. From thermoregulation to parasite control, wallowing is far more than just a muddy pastime—it’s a behaviour rooted in evolution.
The many benefits of wallowing
Wallowing, the act of rolling, bathing, or submerging oneself in mud or water, is a lifeline for many African animals. It offers a host of survival benefits, including:
- Thermoregulation: In the intense heat of the savannah, wallowing helps animals cool down by lowering their body temperature.
- Relief from Biting Insects: Warthogs, in particular, use mud as a natural shield against flies and ticks.
- Skin Maintenance: Hippos rely on water and mud to prevent their skin from cracking under the relentless sun.
- Camouflage: Dried mud disguises warthogs, helping them blend into their surroundings and evade predators.
These behaviours highlight wallowing as an essential survival strategy, not just a quirky habit.
Elephants: Ecosystem engineers
Elephants often spray mud and water over their bodies, protecting their skin from sunburn and cooling off in the heat. They pay special attention to their ears, where a dense network of capillaries helps regulate body temperature. By spraying mud or water on their ears, elephants enhance cooling—an adaptation critical for life in hot climates like Tsavo.
Wallowing is also a social activity for elephants, with herds gathering at waterholes to bathe together, strengthening bonds within the group.
Interestingly, elephants contribute to ecosystem connectivity through wallowing. Research suggests aquatic organisms, such as small invertebrates, can attach to their muddy hides during a bath. As elephants travel to new water sources, they inadvertently transport these organisms, promoting biodiversity and habitat health. Additionally, elephants dig waterholes in dry landscapes like Tsavo, creating resources that sustain countless other species.

Hyenas: Cooling off in the heat
Hyenas, with their thick, UV-protective hides, rely on wallowing to regulate their temperature. During the hottest parts of the day, submerging in mud provides much-needed cooling relief.
Although hyenas are primarily associated with their opportunistic hunting and scavenging, this behaviour highlights their adaptability to harsh environments.
Buffalo and parasite suffocatoin
Buffalo are among Africa’s most dedicated wallowers, particularly the older solitary males, known as “dagga boys” in South Africa (where “dagga” means mud in Zulu). Buffaloes are known to use mud as a weapon against parasites. Rolling in mud forces ticks and other pests to the surface in order to access oxygen where they become trapped as the mud dries. When buffalo rub off the dried mud on trees or rocks, the parasites are removed, leaving their skin clean and protected.
Buffalo wallowing also benefits the ecosystem. The depressions they create during their wallows collect rainwater, forming microhabitats for frogs, insects, and other creatures. Over time, these depressions grow larger, supporting even more diverse wildlife.
Warthogs: Mud and mutualism
Warthogs frequently roll in shallow mud, in order to cool off and fend off biting insects. In rare and fascinating cases, terrapins have been observed feeding on ticks from warthogs during wallowing sessions—a striking example of mutualism in the wild.
Mud also serves as a protective layer for warthogs, shielding them from harsh sunlight and predators. Once dried, the mud acts as camouflage, helping these animals stay hidden in plain sight.
The role of wallowing in ecosystems
Wallowing has ecological benefits that extend far beyond individual survival. Muddy pools and depressions created by animals like buffalo and elephants hold water, sustaining a wide array of plant and animal life. These waterholes become vital resources during dry seasons, supporting everything from insects to apex predators.
Elephants, as ecosystem engineers, play a particularly significant role in maintaining these water sources. By understanding wallowing behaviours, we gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of African wildlife and the landscapes they inhabit.
Wallowing is far more than a muddy indulgence—it’s a lifeline for survival, a tool for adaptation, and a cornerstone of healthy ecosystems. From elephants spraying mud on their ears to buffalo suffocating parasites, each species demonstrates nature’s ingenuity in utilising mud and water to thrive.
As we marvel at these remarkable behaviours, it’s crucial to protect the habitats that make wallowing possible. Conservation efforts, like those championed by Tsavo Trust, are essential to ensure these species and their ecosystems continue to flourish.
Next time you see a muddy elephant or a glistening warthog, remember: it’s not just a spa day—it’s survival in action.