We saw only a handful of the numerous species of antelope found in Africa but the ones we saw were magnificent, such as this handsome male kudu that came in for water at the Iganyana Tent Camp where we were staying next to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.And brought his family of five with him including this mom and her baby.He watched over them as they drank.His spiral horns will continue to grow until they have made 2 1/2 twists. Note his large, and I think, beautiful ears. Their large size enables them to hear approaching predators. The horns of mature male kudus are used in traditional cultures as musical instruments.His female companion with her large brown eyes was as beautiful as he was handsome. A final family shot. Here’s a fun wrap-up fact: The sport of Kudu dung-spitting is practiced in southern Africa. (Think of watermelon seed spitting contests.) The winner is the person who is able to spit one of the antelope’s small, hard pellets the furthest. Our guides demonstrated for us. None of us volunteered to join them. I read that the world record is 51 feet. That person must have had one heck of a tailwind.Waterbuck: “Imagine sitting down on a freshly painted toilet seat,” our guide told us. Waterbucks are easily identifiable by the prominent ring around their tail as this female shows.A male waterbuck along the Chobe River displays his ring. This photo shows his impressive horns and rather attractive fur. When excited, the skin of a waterbuck secretes a greasy substance called “greasy kob”. It stinks so much it serves to discourage predators but it also serves as waterproofing when the waterbuck jumps into water as an escape route.Impala: The impala is another African antelope with a beautiful set of horns. We saw more of them than any other antelope.We found these elegant animals in fairly large herds. The buck behind was chewing on something.We came on this herd when we were out for an evening drive in Hwange National Park. Something had obviously alerted them. If they had spotted a predator, they would have been out of there at speeds reaching 50 miles per hour with prodigious leaps of over 30 feet in length and 10 feet in height. We were privileged to watch them leaping and running away from us at Lake Kariba. It was poetry in motion.Wildebeest: Wildebeest travel in large herds. We only saw one. Africans like to say that the wildebeest was the last antelope God created and he had run out of parts. So he took the leftovers from other animals including the stripes of zebras, bodies of hyenas and heads of buffalo and created the blue wildebeest. We found this fellow when we were on a safari hike in Hwange National Park.Later that evening we found him digging in the dirt to create a dust bath. I couldn’t help but wonder about where his spare parts came from here.He became a blur as he took his ‘bath.’ He certainly seemed to be enjoying it!Tsessebe: This was another strange looking dude. The straw in his mouth reminded me of a stereotypical country bumpkin. Tsessebe are nothing bumpkin-like when it comes to running however. They’ve been clocked at 60 mph(100k).Steenbok: And the final antelope we saw. It’s southern Africa’s smallest antelope, standing about 20 inches tall at its shoulder. It is a common but solitary animal. We found this cutie hidden alongside the road in Hwange National Park. Another view. Note the small horns and large ears. We weren’t sure what created the small scars. Our next post will be a wrap-up on our safari featuring the varied scenery, places we stayed, and the people met. Victoria Falls
One thing I read, Steve, was that they serve as follow me signs. It seems to me that’s how a lion might perceive them. That fits the target scenario. Good to know what color you would dye yours.
The first time I saw them, Ray, was way back when I was on my East Africa safari. They were literally jumping over each other, almost like they were playing.
The better to hear you with my friend.. While some of their bodies are way out of scale they are gorgeous in their own way and have some pretty cool adaptation abilities.
You disappoint me, Curt. I thought for sure you would have won the watermelon seed contest.. 😉hahah. I’ll never sit on a toilet the same way without a thought of the waterbuck. The Wildebeest is quite a site and has a lot of balls.. Great post, Curt!💓💓💓
Gorgeous indeed, Cindy. I remember the water melon seed spitting contests of my youth. I think we spit them at each other as much as trying for distance. Did you ever become involved in water melon seed contests? Grin. I’m sure the waterbucks would be happy to know they are in their thoughts. LOL Agreed on the Wildebeest. 😳Thanks.
I was right, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint.. hahahah! I can hear it now.. and the winner is… Curt swallowing 500 seeds, spitting 500 and 1 the longest distance and winning the contest.. hahahah. Oh of course I was …….. NOT in them lol.. As long as they don’t find their way into my dreams, we’re good❣️😂
As close as we can get without being gored, trampled, or eaten, G. They did look healthy, especially considering it was the end of the dry season and food was limited.
What beautiful creatures! You are so lucky to see so much and I know you “know” this! I saw a little bunny running down the alley yesterday! It’s very wild in Olympia!
Those ears are sort of like a satellite dish, Diana. The kudu turns them to focus on whatever sound it wants to hear. What I read about the stripes on the Kudus face and body is that they are a form of camouflage resembling the patterns of sunlight in forested areas.
I wish I could do the same thing with my ears. Diana. Grin.
Victoria Falls is on my bucket list. I can’t wait to see your photos and hear your tales. This collection of antelope is marvelous. I think the Kudus were the most beautiful to me. What gorgeous animals. I had never heard of the Tsessebe, and agree that even without chewing on the end of a straw, this guy looks like a bumpkin. I am not sure I have heard of the Steenbok either, but I’m sure they are super cute in real life. Those scars look annoying, like maybe bug bites. There is a herd of Wildebeest at the Safari in Santa Rosa. I was surprised to see the Zebras totally dominating them: forcing the entire beest herd to stand in the cold rain while a couple of Zebras enjoyed a dry barn filled with straw. The Wildebeest were jumping around and charging them in frustration, but kept away.
I thought insect bites might have been the cause as well, Crystal. I don’t know why I didn’t ask our guide. Those large brown eyes on the kudu had a way of pulling me in. And did you notice the eyelashes.
Thanks for the story on wildebeest and the zebras. That type of behavior speaks of lessons well learned either from present life or by instinct. Zebras are noted for their kicking and biting ability.
I’m most intrigued by the beautiful shapes of the different antelopes horns. Nature went all out … except for the Wildebeest. What a great story about the leftover parts. :-) A beautiful bunch of photos, Curt.
Thanks D. Appreciated. Utilitarian beauty given their purpose of discouraging predators and male competitors. Always amazing what nature/evolution creates. Including the wildebeest. Grin.
Wandering through Time and Place 
Looks like a target on the waterbuck’s butt!! I’d dye mine brown if I had one! Thanks again for the pictures!!
One thing I read, Steve, was that they serve as follow me signs. It seems to me that’s how a lion might perceive them. That fits the target scenario. Good to know what color you would dye yours.
I have seen films of impala running but leaps thirty foot long and ten feet high…..amazing.
The first time I saw them, Ray, was way back when I was on my East Africa safari. They were literally jumping over each other, almost like they were playing.
Beauties!
Very much so, Cindy.
The better to hear you with my friend.. While some of their bodies are way out of scale they are gorgeous in their own way and have some pretty cool adaptation abilities.
You disappoint me, Curt. I thought for sure you would have won the watermelon seed contest.. 😉hahah. I’ll never sit on a toilet the same way without a thought of the waterbuck. The Wildebeest is quite a site and has a lot of balls.. Great post, Curt!💓💓💓
Gorgeous indeed, Cindy. I remember the water melon seed spitting contests of my youth. I think we spit them at each other as much as trying for distance. Did you ever become involved in water melon seed contests? Grin. I’m sure the waterbucks would be happy to know they are in their thoughts. LOL Agreed on the Wildebeest. 😳Thanks.
I was right, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint.. hahahah! I can hear it now.. and the winner is… Curt swallowing 500 seeds, spitting 500 and 1 the longest distance and winning the contest.. hahahah. Oh of course I was …….. NOT in them lol.. As long as they don’t find their way into my dreams, we’re good❣️😂
So many memories for me. Thanks so much.
Really glad you enjoyed it, Peggy!
Up close and personal, eh Curt? The animals all sure look healthy.
As close as we can get without being gored, trampled, or eaten, G. They did look healthy, especially considering it was the end of the dry season and food was limited.
Good to hear.
What beautiful creatures! You are so lucky to see so much and I know you “know” this! I saw a little bunny running down the alley yesterday! It’s very wild in Olympia!
Laughing. Bunnies are fun. But you are right. It’s hard to match the African wildlife. And we realize how lucky we are, Wendy.
Such elegant animal. Must be amazing when they are in full run.
Wow, the kudu really does have large ears. I’m also intrigued by the facial markings, specifically that horizontal stripe over the eyes.
Those ears are sort of like a satellite dish, Diana. The kudu turns them to focus on whatever sound it wants to hear. What I read about the stripes on the Kudus face and body is that they are a form of camouflage resembling the patterns of sunlight in forested areas.
Interesting!
I wish I could do the same thing with my ears. Diana. Grin.
Victoria Falls is on my bucket list. I can’t wait to see your photos and hear your tales. This collection of antelope is marvelous. I think the Kudus were the most beautiful to me. What gorgeous animals. I had never heard of the Tsessebe, and agree that even without chewing on the end of a straw, this guy looks like a bumpkin. I am not sure I have heard of the Steenbok either, but I’m sure they are super cute in real life. Those scars look annoying, like maybe bug bites. There is a herd of Wildebeest at the Safari in Santa Rosa. I was surprised to see the Zebras totally dominating them: forcing the entire beest herd to stand in the cold rain while a couple of Zebras enjoyed a dry barn filled with straw. The Wildebeest were jumping around and charging them in frustration, but kept away.
I thought insect bites might have been the cause as well, Crystal. I don’t know why I didn’t ask our guide. Those large brown eyes on the kudu had a way of pulling me in. And did you notice the eyelashes.
Thanks for the story on wildebeest and the zebras. That type of behavior speaks of lessons well learned either from present life or by instinct. Zebras are noted for their kicking and biting ability.
I’m most intrigued by the beautiful shapes of the different antelopes horns. Nature went all out … except for the Wildebeest. What a great story about the leftover parts. :-) A beautiful bunch of photos, Curt.
Thanks D. Appreciated. Utilitarian beauty given their purpose of discouraging predators and male competitors. Always amazing what nature/evolution creates. Including the wildebeest. Grin.