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.