“Ah great, another Impala…”

“Ah great, another Impala…” …is the lacklustre response of many a safari-goer, usually around day two, or at a push day three, of an East African Safari. It certainly doesn’t take long to acquire that age-old affliction of safari indifference. Is that a Thompson’s or a Grant’s gazelle? Does anyone care? Well, you should do! In an attempt to rouse some excitement about the much-ignored and under-appreciated antelope of Africa, I’ve put together this blog entry.

ELAND

This mighty, ungainly-looking beast is the world’s largest antelope. Whilst females can weigh up to 600kg, males can weigh up to an impressive 1000kg. Larger specimens stand almost six feet at the shoulders, and both sexes have handsome, spiralled horns (although the female’s horns tend to be somewhat slimmer). Even their social behaviour is somewhat unusual (for an antelope, that is). Although they can frequently be seen in large herds, it is the females who tend to group together and form stronger bonds. The males, meanwhile, will break off into smaller groups of three or four, before becoming almost entirely solitary once they become older, joining different herds every now and then.

GERENUK

I often wondered how I’d never even heard of this animal before coming to East Africa. They look so strange – with long, thick necks supporting a tiny head, huge eyes and ears, all balancing precariously on those skinny, stick-like legs. Seeing one of these in the wild for the first time, standing on their back legs and reaching up to the most succulent leaves at the top of the shrubs and trees, you’d be forgiven for assuming the African heat had gone to your head!

ORYX

These animals are simply beautiful. With striking black markings on their white faces, contrasting so sharply with their fawn-coloured bodies, and long, almost straight horns, sweeping back from their long handsome faces, these creatures are easily recognisable and, fortunately, not particularly shy. They are, however, true desert animals and are only found in certain East African locations. Put it this way – our friend, a highly experienced guide who worked in the Serengeti for many years, was amazed and delighted to see a Beisa Oryx for the first time ever when on safari in Samburu earlier this year.

DIKDIK

These tiny antelope stand some 30-40cm tall, and can be spotted all over East Africa, darting behind a bush at the sight of your safari vehicle, or sometimes even standing, frozen, in a clearing, apparently paralysed by fear! They are rather adaptable creatures, and the rubbery underside of their hooves are ideal for scampering over rocks. Their small size does make them vulnerable to a great number of predators – from lions and cheetahs to baboons, hawks and pythons – but don’t be fooled by their cute appearance. These little guys can reach speeds of over 20mph, and this, combined with their excellent eyesight, means they’re not quite as vulnerable as you’d think.

SABLE ANTELOPE

The proud, horse-like stance, stiff mane running the length of the neck, and the sweeping curve of their long horns give the sable antelope a somehow noble air. The white underbelly and bold facial markings of this antelope are particularly striking against the jet black hair of the male. These antelope will defend themselves against predators if necessary, often successfully, using their scimitar-like horns – a noble characteristic indeed!

So, I’ve done my best to rouse some enthusiasm, and maybe even get you jumping in your seat in anticipation of seeing one of these fabulous creatures in the wild. Or, if not, try to remember that at the very least, antelope provide essential sustenance for lions, leopards and crocodiles…and that has to count for something, right?