Antelopes of Africa: Types, Species List and Where to See Them in East Africa

The word antelope is not a strict scientific group. It covers many members of the Bovidae family that are not cattle, sheep or goats. Antelopes range in size from animals the size of a hare to the eland, which can weigh close to a tonne.

This list explains the main types you will see on an East African safari and where to look for each. See also the page on antelopes of Uganda for local detail.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Common Antelopes in East Africa

Rarer Species

Sitatunga live in papyrus swamps such as Mabamba, roan and sable are found in a few parks, and oribi live on grassy plains. Gerenuk, with their long necks, are found in northern Kenya. See antelopes of Uganda.

How to Tell Them Apart

Look at horns, body shape and habitat. Impala males have lyre-shaped horns, topi have shiny dark flanks, waterbuck have a white ring on the rump, and kob have a white throat patch.

Antelopes and Predators

Antelopes form the prey base for lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs, and they depend on speed and alertness. See what lions eat and African big cats.

Major Groups

Antelopes include the tiny dik-diks and duikers, medium species such as impala, bushbuck and kob, and giants such as the eland and kudu. Spiral-horned antelopes include kudu and bongo, while the sable and roan carry curved horns. Grazers like topi and wildebeest prefer grasslands, while browsers like gerenuk eat leaves and shoots.

Spotting Tips

Look near water at dawn and dusk. Males often display horns and territorial behaviour during the breeding season. Ask your guide to explain alarm calls and body language. See gazelle vs antelope vs deer.

Identifying Common Antelopes

Impala have black stripes on their rumps and males have lyre-shaped horns. Topi have glossy, purple-tinged coats and stand on mounds as lookouts. Kob in Uganda have white throat patches. Waterbuck show a white ring on the rump. Eland are the largest, with a dewlap and spiral horns. Dik-diks are tiny and often paired. Practise with your guide and keep a photo list.

Conservation Status

Some antelopes thrive, while others are threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Protected areas and community conservancies help. Visitors can support conservation through park fees and responsible tourism. Learning each species' status gives context to what you see.

Gazelles and Deer

Gazelles are a type of antelope, while deer are a separate family. See gazelle vs antelope vs deer.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team