There are not many animals that see hunters returning time and again to target when hunting in Africa. But this majestic spiral-horned antelope is a worthy hunting adversary that challenges and tests hunters to their limit, and at times its nickname of “gray ghost” is most fitting…allowing it to disappear without a trace into the bushveld, leaving the hunter without his trophy, but determined to be the victor the next time around. Hunting kudu in Africa is a popular hunting safari well worth repeating, as the thrill of the chase and the challenge of the hunt remains with the hunter long after he has brushed the African soil from his boots.

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Key Takeaways

• Kudus are extremely shy and elusive big game antelope that are highly sought-after by hunters worldwide.
• Their exquisite spiral-shaped horns, combined with a beautiful coat makes them a prized game hunting trophy.
• Differences between the greater and lesser kudu includes that the greater kudu is bigger, with longer spiral-shaped horns and a gray-brown coat, while the lesser kudu has shorter, more tightly spiralled horns with a redder coat.
• The greater kudu also prefers more open areas in terms of habitats while the lesser kudu is known to frequent denser, forest type environments.
• The greater kudu can be found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya.
• The lesser kudu can be found in Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
• Hunting the greater kudu and lesser kudu typically takes place in different African regions because of their preferred habitats.
• The greater kudu is available to hunt in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
• The kudu hunts for the lesser kudu are available in Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan as well as Ethiopia.
• When hunting kudu, various methods are utilized including the spot and stalk, as well as hunting this elusive antelope from a blind, using calling methods or employing the skills of a masterful tracker to track this shy species.
• Kudus are hunted for a variety of reasons including trophy hunting, for its beautiful pelt and unusual long spiral-shaped horns, as well as for its delicious meat, known as venison.

The Kudu

Kudu hunts has long been celebrated as one of the essential experiences to enjoy when big game hunting in Africa. These majestic antelopes are renowned for their striking appearance as well as their shy and elusive nature. Their ability to blend seamlessly into their environment makes them a challenging yet rewarding target for hunters and a must-have for the big game trophy hunters.

Beyond their obvious beauty, these big game antelopes represent a test of skill, patience, and perseverance, while challenging hunters to bring their A-game when enjoying kudu hunts in Africa. Hunting kudu is not just about the thrill of the chase; but rather taking the time to step back and enjoy Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, its range of abundant wildlife, and taking the time to learn and read the signs of the African bushveld. The kudu is not known as Africa’s “gray ghost” in vain, and hunters need to keep their wits about them and be on high alert to spot and target this majestic antelope in its natural environment.

Kudu hunts take place for a variety of reasons. Firstly, this majestic king of the spiral-horned antelopes is a sought-after trophy for those wanting a unique big game antelope for their trophy rooms. Secondly, the kudu is a challenging hunting safari, with hunters requiring patience, perseverance, and excellent shot placement to secure this graceful antelope, and many hunters return year upon year to hunt this species. Lastly, the kudu is also hunted for its meat and is a staple on many African tables.

The Lesser and Greater Kudu

Africa is home to the two distinctive kudu species, namely the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and the lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis). They do share many similarities, but there are also big differences between these two majestic antelopes.

Additionally, the greater kudu is divided into several subspecies, with two of these species, namely the Southern and the East African species being targeted on big game hunting safaris.

While there are many similarities between the two antelopes, there are also many differences that set them apart:

1. Size:

• Greater Kudu: This antelope is the large of the two species, with males standing up to 5 foot at the shoulder, weighing 420- 595 pounds.
• Lesser Kudu: The lesser kudu is smaller in size, with adult males reaching up to 265 pounds and standing around 3,3 feet at the shoulder.

2. Horn Structure:

A kudu’s horn structure is one of its most amazing physical features, with only males of the species sporting striking spiral-shaped horns.

• Greater Kudu: The males of the species have beautiful long, spiral-shaped horns that twist two to three full twists and can reach up to 6 feet.
• Lesser Kudu: The horns in the lesser kudu usually only have one or twists with more tightly spiralled horns that are shorter, reaching around 24 inches.

3. Color of Their Coats:

• Greater Kudu: The antelope has a beautiful soft grayish-brown coat, with 6-8 white vertical stripes running down the body. Males at times have a darker coat color.
• Lesser Kudu: The antelope has a reddish-brown coat with 10-13 white vertical stripes. These stripes are narrower when compared to the greater kudu and run from the shoulders down to the hips. Its coat is redder than that of the greater kudu.

4. Preferred Habitats:

• Greater Kudu: In terms of habitat, this majestic antelope prefers woodlands and savanna areas and is usually found in the eastern and southern parts of Africa.
• Lesser Kudu: The lesser kudu in turn prefers denser, more heavily wooded areas and is usually found in the dry forests and bush of eastern and northeastern Africa.

5. Social Structure:

• Greater Kudu: These antelopes tend to be more social than the lesser kudu and are often found in large groups.
• Lesser Kudu: This antelope is generally found in small groups or alone.

In a nutshell, the greater kudu is bigger, with longer spiral-shaped horns and a gray-brown coat, while the lesser kudu has shorter, more tightly spiralled horns with a redder coat. The greater kudu prefers more open areas in terms of habitats while the lesser kudu is known to frequent denser, forest type environments.

Where in Africa are the Lesser Kudu and Greater Kudu found?

These antelopes prefer different habitats, while results in them being found in different African regions. Their habitats do overlap in some regions, however, like Tanzania and Kenya, with hunters spoilt for choice in terms of kudu hunts in those regions.

Greater Kudu

The greater kudu enjoys a habitat of more open areas, such as the savanna, open woodland, and more arid regions of eastern and southern Africa, incorporating scattered trees and brush.

The greater kudu can be found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Lesser Kudu

The lesser kudu antelope prefers a bushier, denser habitat, such as dry forested, scrubland, and bushy savanna regions of northeastern Africa. Its range is much small when compared to the greater kudu and can be found in Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia.  

In which countries do Kudu Hunts take place?

Greater kudu and lesser kudu hunting safaris typically takes place in different African regions because of their preferred habitats. A reminder to check with local authorities prior to your kudu hunts, to ensure that you are abiding by the most updated game hunting rules and regulations.

The greater kudu is found in eastern and southern Africa, and is available to hunt in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. East African greater kudu hunts are available in Tanzania, while Southern greater kudu hunting safaris are available in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia.

The lesser kudu has a smaller area that it calls home, preferring the dry, bushy and forest regions of northeastern and eastern Africa. The kudu hunts for the lesser kudu are available in Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan as well as Ethiopia.

Hunting Methods for Kudu Hunts

Kudu hunts generally employ the spot and stalk method, which may involve a great deal of walking, so be prepared to explore the African bushveld on foot! Hunting from a blind is also an option, as kudu are never far from water. Setting up a temporary blind in a suitable look out point over the water hole also allows an exciting opportunity for bow hunters looking to target this majestic spiral-horned antelope.

Skilled trackers are also able to track the antelope, looking for kudu footprints, droppings, broken foliage as the animals eats, and so forth, allowing for an adrenaline-filled and exciting opportunity to track and stalk the animal. This is, however, very difficult and challenging to undertake, as the kudu is known for its keen senses and ability to camouflage itself in the bush.

The kudu is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required for kudu hunts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to hunt kudu?

Without a doubt, South Africa is the kudu hunting capital of the world, with hunters being spoilt for choice in terms of hunting locations. The Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape regions all produce exceptional kudu trophies.

Is the kudu antelope difficult to hunt?

This elusive large antelope has been given the name of the “gray ghost” for its knack of simply disappearing into the bushveld. It camouflages itself extremely well, and its well-developed senses assist it in eluding hunters, disappearing before they even realize it was there! Kudu hunting safaris may provide a challenge, but the reward of successfully hunting this exquisite antelope is well worth the challenges faced!

Why do people hunt kudu?

Firstly, with kudu hunts being so challenging and requiring the hunter to be on their A-game, many game hunters want bragging rights in confirming that they have targeted this elusive antelope. Secondly, the kudu is an extremely majestic antelope, with the most beautiful spiral-shaped horns and an unusual coat, making it a sought-after game hunting trophy. Lastly, this antelope is also targeted for its meat, which is a very tasty lean meat that can be prepared in various ways.

Are kudu good to eat?

Yes, kudu meat is very tasty and is a good option for a low-fat red meat called venison. Kudu meat does need to be prepared very carefully, as it can go dry if not properly prepared or cooked too long. Some popular meat dishes include traditional casseroles, stews, and pies, as well as kudu sausage. A popular option in South Africa is marinated kudu steaks in red wine and garlic, the perfect meat to enjoy on the braai.

Are kudus very aggressive?

No, they are rarely aggressive and only target specimens of the same size and age, engaging in sparring contests.

How long does a kudu live?

A kudu is mature at the age of four years, while its lifespan in the wild ranges between 12-16 years.

How fast can a kudu run?

A mature kudu bull can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour.

Can kudu antelopes jump?

Kudu are known for their exceptional jumping abilities and can clear an 8-foot fence with ease.

What animals eat kudus?

The main predators of this mighty antelope include the lions, African wild dogs and spotted hyenas. Cows and calves are usually targeted by cheetahs and leopards.

Conclusion

The kudu remains one of the most prestigious and striking antelopes to hunt when in Africa. For those who have not as yet had the opportunity to target Africa’s gray ghost, do yourself a favor and add this exceptional African plains game antelope to your next trip when hunting in Africa, you will not be disappointed! Kudu hunting is challenging, yet thrilling and extremely rewarding, allowing the hunter to test his skills against a worthy hunting adversary, and will see him return time and again to hunt the king of the spiral-horned antelope.

For hunts featuring the greater kudu, see https://t.ly/6qAHa 

For hunting including the lesser kudu, see https://t.ly/TDp51 

Author: B. Hershensohnn