kudu
The kudu is the second largest antelope species in the world (behind the eland), reaching up to 1.2 m at shoulder height and weighing up to 270 kg. It is by far one of the antelopes I admire the most, and it is always a delight to see it in the wild!
These rather shy browsers are found in well-wooded regions and hills, and may remain motionless for long periods of time when threatened. Kudu bulls have highly recognizable long spiral horns (above). As with most species of antelope, females do not have horns and are relatively smaller.
There are two types of kudus: greater kudus and lesser kudus. The greater kudu is the most common, while the lesser kudu is limited to East Africa. One way to tell the two apart (aside from looking at size) is to look at the number of white stripes on the side of the animal’s body. The lesser kudu can have up to 14 stripes, while the greater kudu has only 6 or 7.
Have you ever checked the animal’s ears? They are unmistakably wide; so much fun to watch when they hear intriguing sounds! 🙂
Sand
Also one of the largest antelope species found in Africa. Both sexes have imposing razor-sharp horns and magnificent black-and-white markings on their heads. However, males are usually darker, while females and juveniles are paler brown.
He loves animals, but they are rarely seen. I only encountered them a couple of times, in places like Ruaha National Park (Tanzania) and Kafue in Zambia!
Did you know that saber horns can be up to 154 cm long? Impressive, huh? 😉
Nyala
Another beautiful and striking antelope that inhabits dense scrub and overgrown riparian areas. The nyala is relatively similar to the kudu, and the females are often confused with the bushbuck. Males are conspicuously different from females both in terms of fur (dark and shaggy) and horns (females have none).
Roan
The fourth largest antelope species on the continent. Not to be confused with sand; He’s lighter in color, has shorter horns with long tasseled ears, and a clown mask! Absolutely stunning creature!
Impala
The most common African antelope species of all. Known as the “McDonald’s” of the bush for its black and white “M” markings on its butt, it’s the one animal you can’t miss on safari!
Impalas have acute hearing and are known for their loud snorts that can scare off elephants. They are extremely agile companions and excellent jumpers. The antelope is preyed upon by most of the large predators: the lion, the leopard, the cheetah, the wild dog, etc. In my opinion, it is the funniest animal on the African savannah!
Gemsbok
When one first thinks of gemsbok (also known as oryx), it is immediately associated with sand dunes and desert regions. As some say, it is “the spirit of the desert incarnated in an antelope”. Although arid habitat is typically where the animal is found, it can also be found occasionally in savannah and mopane woodland. If you are a fan of these impressive antelopes, be sure to visit Tsavo National Park in Kenya, or the famous Etosha Pans of Namibia.
waterbuck
A stocky, somewhat “overweight” animal found in small herds and dominated by a bull. As their name implies, waterbucks love the water, although they often wander a little way from it to feed. Two subspecies coexist: the common pronghorn with a distinctive white ring on the back (see below) and the Defassa’s antelope which has a white rump patch.
did you know
Just for fun: do you know why common waterbuck have an elliptical ring around their rump? Nope? keep reading…
When Noah built his Ark, the toilet seats on the ship were painted white. Unfortunately for the antelope, he had drunk too much water (as usual…), and couldn’t resist taking a bath even though the toilet seats weren’t dry yet…very funny, I know! :))
Gazelle
“Springs” into the air with a slam action! The gazelle is the only gazelle found below the Zambezi River. He has very good eyesight and is very sociable. It is the symbol of the South African rugby team: the “bokke”! Video of Springbok Pronking!
Gerenuk
A skinny mix between an impala and a giraffe that, like the latter, also eats acacia leaves! The gerenuk is considered a browser and inhabits scrub and dry scrub areas.
bushbuck
Attractive medium-sized antelope found primarily around rivers, forests, and dense bush areas. The bushbuck is primarily nocturnal, but can sometimes be seen in the early morning or late afternoon on safari (when undisturbed). Interestingly, the bushbuck ranges from light to dark brown in color depending on the region it lives in.