
Antelope species in Kenya
Antelope species in Kenya : Traveling on a safari in Kenya is an amazing experience. The desire to view Africa’s Big Five species and possibly the Great Wildebeest Migration are the main reasons people travel. Many people frequently ignore the antelopes, a common sight on the Kenyan plains. An enormous and robust population of antelopes, ranging from the small dik-dik to the giraffe-necked gerenuk, may be found in Kenya. At least 12 of Africa’s 91 antelope species are located in Kenya, where they play a crucial role in the country’s ecosystem.
Beisa Oryx.
The Beisa oryx has four different subspecies. Although the male and female Beisa oryxes are difficult to distinguish from one another due to their similar appearance, the females’ horns are noticeably shorter and thinner. Beisa oryx have black tufts of hair that grow past their ears, and their ears are fringed with black. They have lengthy bodies, broad necks, very long legs, and are thick and muscular. Beisa oryx eat a range of grasses, just like any other antelope. This species is found in Meru National Park, Samburu Reserve, and Laikipia Conservancies.
Coke’s Hartebeest.
A desert species, Coke’s hartebeests are huge antelopes with pointed ears, a short neck, strangely formed horns, and a wide forehead. It has a huge face, large chest, sharply sloping back, a lustrous brownish coat, and lengthy black patterns on its legs. These characteristics aid in setting it apart from other antelopes. Female hartebeests have somewhat smaller horns than males. There are 20 to 300 hartebeests in a herd, and grass makes up the majority of their food. With a top speed of over 70 km/h, it is among the quickest antelopes. The Kenyan highland hartebeest, a cross between the Coke’s hartebeest and the lelwel, is also found in Kenya. Mount Kenya, the Laikipia Plateau, and west-central Kenya are home to Coke’s hartebeest.
Common Eland.
The common eland, which may reach a height of 7 meters, is the second largest antelope in the world after the giant eland. With a few minor variations, both males and females have twisted horns. The females have spiral horns, while the males have slightly bigger horns. They utilize their horns to ward off predators and to protect their offspring. A dewlap is the loose skin that hangs from their necks. The dewlap shields them from attacks by predators, who typically aim for their throats. Common elands mostly eat leaves and flowers, and they may communicate with one another by using their hooves, which produce a short-range sound. Common eland is located in Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, and Tsavo East and West National Parks.
Gerenuk.
Because gerenuk have long necks like giraffes, they are also called giraffe-necked antelope. Its coat is a mix of red and brown, and it stands on its hind legs to reach the top branches of trees. It has a small head and large ears. The species’ females lack the short triangular horns that male gerenuks have. When it comes to the young, the female Gerenuks are particularly maternal. Five to six Gerenuks make up tiny herds. They are located in Tsavo East and West National Parks, Amboseli National Park, and Meru National Park.
Impala.
A medium-sized antelope species with a long neck, slender body, and a colorful tan coat with a reddish-brown saddle, impalas are among the most common antelopes. The species’ largest antelope horns in east Africa are lyre-shaped and only found on males. Impalas defend themselves and engage in combat with other males by using their horns. Compared to male impalas, females are smaller and thinner. The female herd can have anywhere from 6 to 100 individuals, while the males can create a bachelor herd of up to 30. With a top speed of 75 to 90 km/h, impalas are among the quickest antelope species in the world. It can jump high thanks to its large legs, and it exploits its speed to avoid predators. They are able to consume both grass and leaves. In numerous Kenyan parks, including Lake Nakuru National Park, visitors can see impalas.
Kirk’s Dik-Dik.
One of the tiniest antelopes in the world, Kirk’s dik-dik is extremely wary. Its large eyes are encircled by white rings, and its coat is greyish-white on the belly and yellowish-grey to reddish-brown on the back. Because of the sound they make when they are frightened, they were given the name dik-dik. While female dik-diks lack horns, males have horns that are covered by their turfs. Because of their strong metabolism, they eat a lot of food despite their little size. They are able to control their body temperature and avoid overheating because to their long nose, which functions as a little tusk. Being monogamous, they remain together until one of their partners passes away. The Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East and West Park, and Amboseli National Park are all home to dik-diks.
Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelle
The red-fronted gazelle subspecies known as Thomson’s gazelle bears the name of explorer Joseph Thomson. The tips of the ringed horns of these gazelles face forward and are curled backward. Their coat is buff and yellowish-brown, with black markings on both sides and a white belly. They eat seeds, bushes, and dry grass. In Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Park, and Nakuru National Park, visitors can find them.
There are three subspecies of Grant’s gazelle. They have a white underbelly and an orange back coat. They have robust, ringed horns that resemble lyres. The Grant’s gazelle is able to consume both plants and grass. In the dry season, they stay hydrated by absorbing moisture from the plants they eat, so they don’t need to drink a lot of water. In Kenya, Grant’s gazelle can be found in Nairobi National Park and Amboseli National Park.

Topi
The Topi is a swift antelope species that can sprint up to 90 km/h when threatened. Topi and hartebeest share a similar appearance, but they differ in two important ways: they are slightly darker and have less pointed horns. Their color is reddish-brown with purple patches on the upper legs, and they have ringed horns that resemble lyres. Both males and females defend their territory, but males are bigger and darker than females. The female topi is more aggressive than other antelopes. They eat grass and reside in grasslands. There are plenty of topi in the Masai Mara for tourists who are considering a vacation to Kenya.
Common Waterbuck.
An enormous, powerful antelope is the common waterbuck. The ringed horns of male waterbucks are widely spaced, curved upward and backward, and can reach a length of 100 cm. Waterbucks fight over territory with their horns, and these battles can be harmful to both males. Often found in damp areas, common waterbucks get their name from their brown coats, which release an unpleasant, oil-like fluid that is supposedly waterproof and deters predators. Herds of six to thirty waterbuck are reported to exist; these herds are often divided into young and male bachelor herds and nursery herds containing females. Since grasses make up 70–90% of the waterbuck’s diet, it is largely a grazer. They rely heavily on water. In Kenya’s Tsavo National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park, visitors have the best chance of seeing waterbuck.
Blue Wildebeest.
With a top speed of 80 km/h, the blue wildebeest is one of Kenya’s swiftest antelope species. They have a big head, dark coat, shaggy mane, pointed beard, and a long tail that resembles a horse. Its Afrikaans name, which translates to “wild beast,” comes from this appearance. Males weigh more and are bigger. Female blue wildebeests have smaller horns, while males have sharp, curving horns. Although they prefer to eat grass, they may also consume bushes and herbs when necessary. All of the wildebeest unite to form a super herd during the yearly migration, which begins as the herds begin to move northward from the southern plains. There are several blue wildebeests in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park.
