Where to see Eland in Zambia
The eland is Africa’s biggest antelope and looms large in the continent’s culture, from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, it is shy, with sightings seldom a given.
Quick facts about Eland
| Scientific name: | Taurotragus oryx | Habitat: | Open savanna & grasslands |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Least concern | Adult weight: | 340–940kg |
The massive, tan-coloured, common eland is related to kudus and other spiral-horned antelope species. Both sexes have a signature square profile – accentuated in the bull by a large dewlap – and straight horns that are longer and narrower in the female. The ox-like males are twice the weight of females, sometimes reaching buffalo size.
Herds, sometimes of several hundred, wander widely in search of food. Inhabiting open country, from arid bush to montane grassland, eland graze during the rainy season but may switch to browsing during the drier winter months. Though relatively slow-moving, they can leap impressive heights. Females produce a single calf after a nine-month gestation. Today eland are farmed in some areas for meat and milk.
1.83m
Max shoulder height of bull
2.5m
Jump height
15–20 years
Life expectancy
7 litres
Daily milk production
The top camps for seeing eland in Zambia
Based on 85 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Zambia have the best chances of sighting eland.
Best chances to see
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Some sightings
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Where to see eland in Africa
Look out for elands in open terrain in any major conservation area across southern and eastern Africa, including mountainous ones. But be prepared to enjoy these shy animals from a distance.
Top tips for viewing eland
Ancient rock art across much of Africa attests to the eland’s former significance as both spiritual totem and food source. Today the species remains widespread, occurring from South Sudan to South Africa’s Cape, but numbers are much reduced, with a total population estimated at 136,000.
Eland are plentiful in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and central Botswana, but can nonetheless be elusive. Reliable spots for sightings include Mana Pools(Zimbabwe), Etosha (Namibia) and the Nyika Plateau (Malawi). The species has also been introduced to many private game ranches in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Wary of humans, whether on foot or on wheels, elands are most active at dawn and dusk. Listen out for the tell-tale click of their hooves when they approach a waterhole.
Our best Zambia holidays for eland sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Zambia safaris are likely to give the best eland sightings
Robin Pope Walking Safari
7 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The definitive, original mobile walking safari; explore the remote north of the South Luangwa on foot while staying in a simple mobile camp that moves with the group.
US$6,500 - US$7,870 per person
Perekani Walking Trail
10 days • 5 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Five smart but rustic bushcamps are the comfortable staging posts for this walking safari in South Luangwa. The route offers outstanding seclusion and rich wildlife with top-quality guiding throughout.
US$9,250 - US$11,500 per person
Civet Safari
9 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.
US$7,480 - US$9,230 per person
Boehm's Zebra Safari
7 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This safari combines two high-quality owner-run camps in a very productive region of the South Luangwa. The guiding is excellent and with its hides this safari is perfect for serious photographers.
US$7,130 - US$9,410 per person
Scrub Hare Safari
7 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Camps run by welcoming owners with a passion for their environment are rare, and Tafika is one of the best. Combine this with walking safaris at equally excellent bushcamps for the best of the South Luangwa.
US$6,040 - US$7,210 per person
Crawshay's Zebra Safari
10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.
US$9,760 - US$13,820 per person
Hippo Safari
9 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.
US$7,480 - US$8,820 per person
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.
US$9,400 - US$12,260 per person
Duiker Safari
10 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.
US$8,060 - US$10,020 per person
Vervet Monkey Safari
7 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the world-class wildlife of Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks in considerable luxury, guided by experts from two sister camps renowned for their excellent level of care.
US$8,370 - US$10,990 per person
More information about eland in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about eland in other countries, including the places for sighting eland.
