The swamp side-necked turtle does not need to hibernate. Because it is native to tropical Africa, it cannot hibernate. It needs to be heated for winter, but its tolerance to low temperature is also higher than that of general tropical turtles.

Swamp side-necked turtles are aquatic turtles that live in vast lakes, rivers and swamps. During the dry season, it will burrow into the sediment to sleep in aestivation to survive the drought. Therefore, they are highly tolerant to changes in the environment and food, and live in groups.