Many of the Serengeti antelopes will be familiar to visitors from books, television, or movies. But there are a great number of antelope that perhaps are not so famous or familiar, although just as important to the ecology of the landscape.

Antelopes of the Serengeti - Tanzania Safari Guide

We take a look at the antelopes of the Serengeti as part of a safari guide to Tanzania and list all the wonderful animals you shouldn’t miss while visiting this beautiful part of Africa.

Types Of Antelopes In Serengeti

The Serengeti National Park is more than 14,750 square kilometers and home to 300 mammal species. In fact, the park is most famous for its large herds of plains animals. Among these are the different types of antelope that live in various parts of the Serengeti. From the large wildebeest and eland to the tiny dik-dik and klipspringer, this area of Africa has a wide range of wonderful antelope, sixteen types in total. Some are incredibly pretty, and others are just downright tough. Yet, this incredible diversity of antelope all live in the same area, albeit quite a large area. So, let’s take a look at these incredible Serengeti antelopes.

Wildebeest

Wildebeest are perhaps the most well-known of the antelope on the Serengeti. They are one of the largest antelopes and are also known as the gnu, blue wildebeest, or brindled gnu. They are most famous for their massive numbers that take part in the Great Migration. This is when millions of large animals move in a large circular path following food and water sources.

Eland

The eland is a very large antelope that can weigh up to 2,000 pounds with a shoulder height of around 4.9 feet. Males tend to be bigger than females. One of the most distinguishing features of the eland is their spiral horns.

Lesser Kudu

This Serengeti antelope is a striking creature and quite easy to identify. Although you may have a hard time spotting them as they are very shy and spend most of their time in thick vegetation.

Bohor Reedbuck

Bohor reedbuck are commonly spotted close to water sources in the Serengeti, mainly hiding in the tall grass. They are a medium-sized antelope with long limbs.

East African Oryx

East African oryx, also known as beisa, are a threatened species of the Serengeti, with populations declining. These animals have been illegally hunted by those who believe their blood and flesh can cure illnesses or give extraordinary strength.

Grant’s Gazelle

This is a beautiful antelope, quite often confused with the more widely known Thomson’s gazelle. The Grant’s gazelle, however, is larger and doesn’t have the black stripe on its side.

Thomson’s Gazelle

One of the better-known antelopes of the Serengeti is the Thomson’s gazelle. Smaller than its counterpart, the Grant’s gazelle, it has a distinctive lateral stripe on its abdomen to further tell them apart.

Waterbuck

The waterbuck, as its name suggests, tends to stay close to a water source and needs a good supply of grass to feed.

Hartebeest

Hartebeests are also known as kongoni or kaama. Despite their large size and ungainly appearance, the hartebeest is one of the fastest antelope, capable of reaching 43 miles an hour.

Klipspringer

These small antelope are adorable, and their behavior as well as their cute appearance will endear them to most people.

Bushbuck

The bushbuck is an elusive and shy Serengeti antelope that spends most of its time in thick vegetation.

Impala

Impala are another well-known antelope from the Serengeti and one of the most abundant. They are mid-sized and very graceful with an easily recognizable face.

Oribi

In the northern parts of the Serengeti, you will find the oribi, a small slender antelope with reddish brown fur and a white underside.

Steenbok

Steenboks are another small antelope that can be seen around the woodlands of the southwestern Serengeti and in some parts of the north.

Dik-Dik

These dainty little antelope are very cute and are widespread across the Serengeti. They are normally found in thick vegetation where they may be hard to see due to their size.

Topi

Topi bear a striking resemblance to the hartebeest, this is because they belong to the same sub-family. They both have short necks, long legs, and long faces, but the topi is darker on the top of the legs.

Gerenuk

The gerenuk is a tall, elegant antelope that closely resembles a gazelle. It has a long, slender neck and limbs.

Final Thoughts about the Serengeti Antelope

We hope you have enjoyed this guide to the antelopes of the Serengeti as part of a safari guide to Tanzania with I Artist Adventure.