The warthog has a long, shovel-shaped head with four sharp, short tusks coming out from the sides of the snout. They also have large canine teeth. The male warthog has two or three pairs of large wart-like bumps on its head, giving this species is name. It has large ears, small eyes, and a tufted tail. Young warthogs have reddish hair.
Adults have sparse hair and wrinkled, gray skin.
Warthogs have a mane of longer hair running halfway down the back. Warthogs have a keen sense of smell, which they use to find food. Their eyesight is poor.