Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Game Hunting Safaris Transparent Logo
List Your Hunt

Dear Users, we are currently performing website maintenance. During this time, please refrain from uploading new content or making bookings. Normal operation will resume as soon as possible. Should you require any immediate assistance during this time, please email info@gamehuntingsafaris.com. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Dear Users, we are currently performing website maintenance. During this time, you may experience minor visual or functional issues. Should you require any urgent assistance during this time, please email info@gamehuntingsafaris.com or use our Whatsapp chat option. Thank you for your understanding.

Royal Antelope hunting in Africa

As the World’s Smallest Antelope, the Royal Antelope is a Great Hunting Trophy

When game hunting in Africa, you are in for a treat and have the opportunity to hunt the world’s smallest antelope, namely the royal antelope! Weighing only 2.2 pounds, this pigmy antelope is the size of a rabbit and is found in the rainforests of the Guinea forest block in West Africa. The royal antelope (Neotragus pygmaeus) inhabits forest areas with dense undergrowth. 

The royal antelope has been categorized as “least concern” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) but its numbers are said to be decreasing. The royal antelope is very shy and is more active at dusk and dawn. Their territories are very small and marked with piles of dung. Royal antelopes are herbivores, feeding on leaves, flowers, fruit, fungi, and shoots.

There is not much known about the gestation of the royal antelope, other than that they are thought to give birth to one offspring in November and December. Babies weigh less than 300gm at birth, are extremely fragile and are kept hidden for a long time. They are born with the same coloring as adults. 

Being so tiny, the royal antelope is unfortunately prey to almost anything larger than it is! Their main predators include large snakes, raptors and members of the cat family.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Neotragus Pygmaeus

Weight:
4.8 lb

Shoulder Height:
9 in

Range: 
West Africa

Breeding:
One offspring, born around November or December

Life span:
6 years

Hunting Royal Antelope

The Royal Antelope is a member of the Tiny 10 collection.

Size and Appearance


When on a game hunting safari, look for a minute antelope, the size of a rabbit. The royal antelope is indeed tiny, with an adult weighing only 4.8 lb. Their legs are long and slender, with the hind legs being almost twice as long as the front ones. Their coat is reddish-brown, while their chin and inside of their legs are white. There is a brown strip of fur that crosses the chest and breaks the white color of the underbelly. They have large, round, dark brown eyes and smallish ears with a slim muzzle.

Hunting Methods


Hunting royal antelopes in Africa can be quite testing as not only are they small, but they are also experts in remaining hidden. Many times when on a hunting safari they will be so camouflaged in the dense vegetation that you will almost be on top of them before they suddenly leap out and dash for freedom and you have a split second to take a shot.

Challenges and Rewards


The biggest challenge when targeting this antelope is its ability to camouflage and hide! Many times, you are almost on top of the target before seeing it head off into the underbrush and thick vegetation. As one of Africa’s Tiny 10, the royal antelope is a much sought-after and admired trophy to add to a game hunting collection.

Rifles and Requirements

The royal antelope is tiny and delicate and does not present much of target. A low caliber shot gun at close range is often used punching through thick bush. When making using of a rifle when hunting royal antelope, a .22 rim fire loaded with solids will be a good choice.

MASTERING SHOT PLACEMENT FOR SMALL ANTELOPE

Duiker Side ViewDuiker Side View Shot Placement, Small Antelope

Available Royal Antelope hunts

Register as an Outfitter - Game Hunting Safaris

Book Your Hunt

Search from our range of Hunts across various popular destinations in Africa.

Find A Hunt
Hunting Broker Icons-Book Your Hunt in 3 Easy Steps

List Your Hunts

Register as an Outfitter Partner to list your African Hunts.

Outfitter Registration

Embark on your hunting journey with confidence, guided by Game Hunting Safaris – where every adventure is a story waiting to be written, and every hunt is an experience like no other.

Hunting Broker Icons Animal Paw

Custom Hunt

Can't find what you're looking for? We can customize a hunt for you.

Custom Hunt
Register as an Outfitter - Game Hunting Safaris

Book Your Hunt

Search from our range of Hunts across various popular destinations in Africa.

Find A Hunt
Hunting Broker Icons-Book Your Hunt in 3 Easy Steps

List Your Hunts

Register as an Outfitter Partner to list your African Hunts.

Outfitter Registration

Embark on your hunting journey with confidence, guided by Game Hunting Safaris – where every adventure is a story waiting to be written, and every hunt is an experience like no other.

Sign In

Don't have an account yet? Register

Forgot password?

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Need a custom hunt? Need a charter? Chat with us!