The eland is the largest species of antelope found in the Serengeti. And the largest antelope in Africa. Often found in sizable herds.
Despite their relative abundance, the shyness of elands can make them tricky to approach for good photos, and they are often seen at some distance.
The Serengeti is home to one of the biggest eland populations in Africa and sightings here are frequent. The green season, just after the heaviest of the rains, can be a particularly good time to see them in the southern Serengeti, as they gather in large herds on the short grass plains.
Elands are also commonly seen in Tanzania’s southern parks, either as individuals or in small herds. Use binoculars to spot them on Ruaha’s open plains or look for their movements behind trees and bushes.
The eland is widespread throughout Tanzania – it is estimated there are around 36,000 individuals. They are highly adaptable and can be found across a range of environments and altitudes, even visiting mineral licks on the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro. Their favoured habitat, however, is open grassy plains.
The main subspecies in Tanzania is the East African eland, Taurotragus oryx pattersonianus, characterised by white facial markings and a tan-coloured coat patterned by up to 12 white stripes. Some eland populations in southern Tanzania are the Livingstone’s subspecies (T. o. livingstonii) which has bigger horns and lacks the facial chevrons.