The Top 5 Antelope Species You Will See in Kenya

Wildlife is flourishing in Kenya. The country is a must-visit destination in the world for watching a variety of animals in their natural habitat. Antelopes are among the most abundantly found animals you can expect to encounter on your trip to Kenya.

They have adapted the dry condition and popular for their grace and speed. In the article, let’s focus on the main five types of antelope species you might meet during your Kenyan tour. 

Coke’s Hartebeest 

Coke’s hartebeest found in Kenya named after Richard Southey Coke an explorer who lived in the 18th century. This species has long and thin limbs, the large sickle-shaped horns, and a small, tightly molded, slender built body. It belongs to tribe Alcelaphine, a species that survives in open plains, intervals of lands with scrubs and grass, and even in savanahs.

Gerenuk

The gerenuk is a long-necked, long-limbed antelope that can stand high off the ground. They are not very vocal and difficult to approach. You will find them in the Kenyan arid and semi-arid areas that include the vast Country’s Samburu and Buffalo spring reserves.

Klipspringer

The klipspringer is a small antelope characterized by compact and stocky build and strong legs capable to jump across the rocky land. It has broad flat feet, which can easily move on difficult terrains and steep mountains. They live in nearby grasslands or rocky outcrops but when they feel threatened, they retreat to rocky hideaways for safety. Klipspringers can thrive in different areas but you will encounter them mostly in the mountainous areas of the country including Mount Kenya and Aberdare Range.

Impala

Impala is found in abundance across the land of Kenya.  The general shape of impala’s antlers is long and lean, its neck is also thin, and two big curved horns in the form of a lyre complementing the appearance of this elegant animal. Tourists get a glimpse of them moving across the Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Beisa Oryx

Beisa Oryx is a striking e species, native to arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya. It has long straight horns and bold black & white facial patterns, which make it, stand out among the wildlife. It is capable to survive on minimal water and well- adapted to the dry condition. You will find Beisa Oryx at the Samburu National Reserve or the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. 

Grant’s Gazette

Grant gazette is closely related to Thomson’s gazelle but larger in size. They have pale cream coat and long elegantly ringed, lyre-shaped horns. They are less social, so move in small herds. Gazettes thrive in semi-arid landscapes and grassy savannahs. You will find them roaming in the Tsavo National Park and Samburu National Park. 

Kenya’s distinct ecosystem and variety of antelope species beckons wildlife enthusiast to make a visit. The giraffe, with its spiky neck, the graceful impala, the long-legged gerenuk and spacious-horned hartebeest are among the magnificent animals that prove that Africa’s fauna is getting stronger and more flexible. If you are an ardent traveller who likes going on a safari or have an innate love for nature then observing these elegant animals in the wild is thrilling.