Where to see Oryx in Zimbabwe
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. Adapted to arid habitats, they cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
Quick facts about Oryx
| Scientific name: | Oryx beisa and Oryx gazella | Habitat: | Arid savannah |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Endangered (O.b) /Least Concern (O.g) | Adult weight: | 120–210kg (O.b) /180–240kg (O.g) |
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to two species of oryx: the endangered East African oryx (O. beisa), which occurs in two subspecies; and Oryx gazella, the gemsbok (pronounced “hemsbok”), its slightly larger and more numerous south-west African cousin.
Both are sturdy, short-legged members of the Hippotraginae antelope tribe, with a pale grey or fawn coat, smart black markings and impressively long, straight horns that are slimmer but slightly longer in females. Gemsbok have more extensive black markings.
Adapted to arid savannah, both species generally form groups of 10–40, supplementing their grazing during the dry season by digging up tubers and other underground plants. Dominant bulls clash horns in jousts with territorial rivals.
1.25m
Record horn length
3.5 months
Age calves develop adult markings
3 weeks
Duration mothers hide new-born calves
45%
Gemsbok population on private land
The top camps for seeing oryx in Zimbabwe
Based on 11 reports by our travellers since Jun 2018, visitors at these camps in Zimbabwe have the best chances of sighting oryx.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Where to see oryx in Africa
Gemsbok are easily seen in the Kalahari regions of southern Africa and abundant on private reserves. The East African oryx takes more finding, but occurs in suitable habitat across Kenya and Tanzania.
Top tips for viewing oryx
A line of gemsbok cresting the apricot dunes of the Namib desert is one of Africa’s picture-book wildlife spectacles. This antelope is synonymous with the thirst-lands of the southwest, ranging from Namibia east across the greater Kalahari. Top spots include the Etosha and Namib-Naukluft national parks (Namibia), Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Botswana) and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Botswana/South Africa).
Look out for their distinctive large-hooved tracks in the sand. Habituated gemsbok are surprisingly approachable, and you should take care on foot, as some individuals can be aggressive.
The East African fringe-eared oryx (O.b callotis) occurs as far south as Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, while in Kenya, the Laikipia conservancies, Samburu Reserve and Meru National Park are home to the endangered northern subspecies (O.b. beisa), known as beisa oryx.
Our best Zimbabwe holidays for oryx sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Zimbabwe safaris are likely to give the best oryx sightings
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
US$5,350 - US$8,660 per person
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.
US$5,920 - US$8,040 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$5,030 - US$7,180 per person
Nyala Safari
10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls
US$10,150 - US$15,050 per person
Grysbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
Discover three of Zimbabwe’s iconic destinations in style, flying between Hwange, Mana Pools and Lake Kariba on this varied safari adventure staying at authentic yet luxurious camps.
US$8,990 - US$14,380 per person
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A wonderfully varied adventure to Botswana and Zimbabwe combining three fantastic safari areas, a luxury river cruise and the mighty Victoria Falls.
US$9,180 - US$17,080 per person
Ground Hornbill Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
This Zimbabwean odyssey explores Hwange National Park from two small camps, renowned for their great guiding, before ending with insights into cultural history, a little luxury and first-class rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills.
US$5,270 - US$8,560 per person
Buffalo Safari
9 days • 3 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
Combining Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange national parks with stays at intimate six-tent safari camps offering excellent walking, canoeing and game drives. Superb wildlife viewing and a real wilderness-focused experience.
US$8,040 - US$11,910 per person
More information about oryx in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about oryx in other countries, including the places for sighting oryx.
