Orango Island is home to Africa's only population of hippos that regularly enter the sea. The animals wade into tidal channels and estuaries, swim between islands, and feed on marine vegetation along the shorelines. Sightings are far from guaranteed — the hippos are genuinely wild and move through dense mangrove and forest — but a morning spent on a slow boat through Orango's channels is worthwhile regardless.
The island is part of Orango Islands National Park, and visits should technically be arranged through the park administration on Bubaque. In practice, local guides and pirogue operators on Bubaque arrange the trip. The journey from Bubaque takes two to three hours by motorised canoe. Allow a full day: an hour or two searching for hippos, time to walk in the forest, and the return. Bring water, sun protection, and patience.