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The A-Z of a Blue Wildebeest Hunting Safari

The Blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), also known as the brindled gnu, is a medium-sized antelope found across many African countries. Often referred to as a “poor man’s buffalo,” this African plains game is a challenge to hunt, requiring patience and perseverance, as its keen senses and wary nature make it difficult to approach when stalking. This ensures testing, yet rewarding, game hunting safaris – if you have the patience to see it through!

Table of Contents

The Blue Wildebeest

The blue wildebeest is a medium to large antelope native to South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. They can be found in various habitats, from overgrazed areas with dense bush, to open woodlands and floodplains in south, central, and eastern Africa. Their preferred habitat is short-grassed plains that border savannas, in areas that are neither too wet nor too arid. They are one of the most widely distributed species, as well as the most targeted antelopes for hunters on an African plains game hunting safari.

It is a unique-looking animal, with heavily built, disproportionately large forequarters and more slightly built muscular back end and legs. It has a large head, with a broad snout, and both sexes have horns that curve inwards and upwards. The male’s horns are both bigger and thicker at the base than those of the female. It has a black mane that runs down the back of its neck, with a horse-like tail.

The name “blue” wildebeest is given because of the blue sheen that their coats have, with their coat color varying from blue-gray, to a light-gray and even a shade of gray-brown. Its coat has darker vertical lines or stripes that run from its neck to behind the rib cage, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “brindled gnu.”

The wildebeest is herbivorous, feeding on the shorter, green grasses on the savanna. Should the grass not be as widely available, they will also consume other vegetation and herbs. They require water daily and without it, they will not be able to survive more than a few days. Predators of this large antelope include crocodiles, leopards, cheetahs, lions, and wild dogs.

The blue wildebeest has earned the reputation of being one of the most difficult African plains game animals to hunt and has been known to “eat lead” in terms of its ability to continue after being targeted and shot. This challenging hunt will have you improving your stealth mode, as well as experiencing Africa’s wildlife and bushveld as never before!

It is listed as an animal of “least concern” by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

A wildebeest staring straight ahead
The wildebeest is a resilient and tough African plains game trophy.

Sub-species of the Blue Wildebeest

  • Blue Wildebeest or common blue wildebeest (C. t. taurinus) – Found in Namibia and South Africa to Mozambique (north of the Orange River) as well as southwestern Zambia (south of the Zambezi River) to southern Angola. The blue wildebeest has long, black hair running down the length of its throat.
  • Cookson’s Wildebeest ( t. cooksoni) – This species is only found in eastern Zambia, in the Luangwa Valley.
  • Johnston’s Wildebeest (C. t. johnstoni) – Also known as Nyasa, Nyasaland, or the Niassa Wildebeest, this species is found in areas from Mozambique to Tanzania. This subspecies has a wide white strip running horizontally across its face and a dark throat fringe.
  • Western White-bearded Wildebeest (C. t. mearnsi) – This subspecies is found in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. These white-bearded antelopes have a white to off-white throat fringe.
  • Eastern White-bearded Wildebeest (C. t. albojubatus) – This subspecies occurs in the eastern branch of the East African Rift Valley, from northern Tanzania to central Kenya. These antelopes are identifiable by their dirty white throat fringe and are slightly larger than the Western White-bearded wildebeest.
shot wildebeest set to pose with horns up
Johnston's Wildebeest, also known as Nyasa, Nyasaland, and the Niassa Wildebeest.

Interesting Wildebeest Facts

  • They can run up to 40 miles per hour
  • Both males and females have horns
  • There are five subspecies of the blue wildebeest
  • They are known for their curiosity
  • They are incredibly alert and wary antelopes
  • They believe in safety in numbers, with wildebeest herds reaching 1,000 when traveling or during migration periods
  • Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs are their main predators
  • Males of the species can reach up to 600 pounds
  • They are often compared to the Cape buffalo due to their resilience once targeted
  • They are known for “eating lead” and renowned for their ability to run after being shot

 

Why are Blue Wildebeest regarded as Difficult to Hunt?

  • They are extremely vigilant and wary antelope, making them difficult to stalk.
  • Blue wildebeest are known for their keen senses, making them difficult to approach undetected.
  • With large herds reaching up to 1,000 or more, it is a challenge to identify and keep that particular antelope in sight.
  • They are a challenge to take down and are often compared to a Cape buffalo in terms of sheer brute strength and willingness to live once shot. They often travel far distances once hit, before succumbing.

Why are Blue Wildebeest Popular to Target?

  • They provide the hunter with a challenging African plains game hunting adventure, allowing him to test his skills against a worthy adversary.
  • The blue wildebeest is one of the most common African antelopes and is found throughout many African countries.
  • They are sought-after game hunting trophies, for their horns and hides.
  • Their meat is another reason to target them, as it is a high-quality and flavorsome meat that can be used and prepared in a variety of ways.
Blue wildebeest walking along the bushveld
The blue wildebeest is a worthy adversary, known for its ability to "eat lead."

Which Hunting Methods are used to target the Blue Wildebeest?

There is a certain thrill to be had when you have successfully targeted your prey, and successfully harvested it and it is in the salt! All in a day’s work, right? Yes, most definitely, but one of the joys of hunting in Africa is that there is always a challenge heading your way, one way or the other. In this case, that challenge is a blue wildebeest hunt, one that will require perseverance, patience, and exceptional stalking skills if you want to engage in a walk-and-stalk safari, and, as always, good shot placement.

Blue wildebeest are best hunting early morning or late afternoon as they graze or head to the waterhole to drink. This is the time that they are most active, and that you are most likely to be successful in targeting them on an African hunt, especially if you plan on using the walk-and-stalk or spot-and-stalk method.

There are a variety of hunting methods employed on a wildebeest hunting safari:

  • Spot-and-stalk: This method involves the hunter spotting the wildebeest from a distance and then stalking the animal until he is within shooting distance.
  • Walk-and-stalk: In this scenario the hunter walks through terrain that the animal is known to frequent, looking for signs of the wildebeest while walking, and then stalking it once spotted.
  • Safari Style: A hunting vehicle is used to spot the blue wildebeest and cover large areas of the hunting grounds. Once the target is spotted, the hunting adventure then continues on foot as the animal is stalked.
  • Bow Hunting: It must be stressed here that bow hunting a blue wildebeest is difficult to do, and best undertaken from a blind as the hunter needs to be close to the wildebeest.
  • Blind: Wildebeest can be hunted from a blind, set up close to a waterhole where they come daily to drink.

Where Can I Hunt the Blue Wildebeest?

The Blue wildebeest is found in a variety of countries, with some popular choices to hunt this poor man’s buffalo being:

South Africa

South Africa’s range of landscapes and terrains offers hunters the opportunity to enjoy blue wildebeest hunting throughout the year, but the best time would be from May through to October during the dry season, which coincides with the wildebeest rut.

Blue wildebeest in South Africa has several color variants that are available as an unusual game hunting trophy. As said, these are purely color variants of the blue wildebeest:

  • Golden Wildebeest: These antelopes have a golden coat as compared to the normal blue-silver sheen of the blue wildebeest
  • Kings Wildebeest: These are rare, found only in South Africa. They have a blue/black body, with a white tail, mane, and beard. They are larger than the normal wildebeest, reaching up to 650 pounds.
  • Royal Wildebeest: These are extremely rare, with only about 40 species worldwide, and are often referred to as the “ghost wildebeest” due to their light coloring.

This sunny southern African country is renowned for its exceptional plains game, offering some of the best trophies in Africa. The destination doesn’t disappoint, with prime blue wildebeest hunting spots including the famous Limpopo province, Free State, and Eastern Cape regions.

A variety of hunting methods are utilized in South Africa, including bow hunting.

The Golden Wildebeest is a color variant found in South Africa.

Namibia

Namibia is an exceptional destination, offering hunters diverse and varied landscapes and terrain for their hunting pleasure. The Zambezi region, with its lush, open grasslands provides the perfect habitat for the blue wildebeest, while the northern area of the country also offers some good hunting options. 

Bow hunting is a legal hunting method undertaken in Namibia, along with various other popular methods as listed above.  

Tanzania

Tanzania is renowned for its abundant and diverse wildlife species, making it one of the most popular and sought-after destinations in which to enjoy an African hunt. Tanzania is home to the Johnstons and White-bearded wildebeests and they are available to hunt in the region.

The famous Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest game reserve and at 19,300 square miles, is an area larger than either Denmark or Switzerland. The Selous Reserve, as well as the Maswa Game Reserve (located next to the Serengeti National Park), offer exceptional game hunting trophies, including the blue wildebeest.

The best time of the year to target the blue wildebeest in Tanzania is during the dry season which runs from June to October. This allows the hunter better visibility during the African hunt as the vegetation is shorter, and the blue wildebeest are more likely to be on the move, looking for food or water, making them easier to track and stalk

Blue wildebeest in Tanzania
Tanzania is home to the Johnstons and White-bearded wildebeest.

Botswana

Botswana is a hunting destination of contradictions: The lush, green habitats of the Okavango Delta versus the more arid region of the famous Kalahari. Both areas are home to the common blue wildebeest, providing the hunter with an exciting hunting adventure whichever destination he may choose within Botswana.

Botswana’s dry season, from May to October, is the more popular time to hunt the blue wildebeest. Not only is the vegetation lower and shorter, but the animals are more likely to be found around the remaining water holes or close by, making them easier to track. The dry season also coincides with cooler weather, ensuring a hunting adventure with fewer critters, such as ticks, mosquitos, and other bugs, to bite and irritate you.

Mozambique

Mozambique is home to the Nyassa wildebeest. Also known as Johnston’s wildebeest, this subspecies of the blue wildebeest is abundant in the area, allowing a challenging African hunt for those who are looking for an exhilarating, but testing hunting safari.

If you are in search of a hunt set in a wild, untamed region, virtually untouched by humans, then the Niassa region is the perfect solution. The Niassa reserve, the largest in Mozambique, is renowned for its abundant wildlife, vast open plains, and exceptional blue wildebeest hunting opportunities.

The dry season in Mozambique, from April to October, is the best time to target this African plains game antelope. The weather is cooler, fewer critters, and the grass is shorter, allowing the hunter better visibility amongst the vegetation.

Zambia

Zambia is home to the Cookson’s wildebeest, a subspecies of the blue wildebeest found only in the Luangwa Valley, in the eastern area of the country.

The Luangwa Valley is an area rich in vegetation and sports abundant wildlife, all of which make it the perfect place for an African plains game hunting adventure. The terrain in the Luangwa Valley varies from lush forest to thickly wooded savannah, with plenty of tributaries and water is plentiful all year round. Prime game hunting season in the area is from July through to November.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s rich wildlife areas are renowned for its African plains game species, including the blue wildebeest. These large antelopes are often referred to as the “poor man’s buffalo” and have a reputation as being resilient and tough to target and harvest.

The best time to target the blue wildebeest while on a Zimbabwean African hunt is during the rutting season which runs from May to July, as this is when the males are more active and likely to be easily spotted.

Private concessions and game ranches in the south and west of the country are popular game hunting locations, along with Matabeleland north and south.

Man and boy posing with a blue wildebeest hunting trophy.
Often referred to as the "poor man's buffalo" the blue wildebeest is a challenging, yet rewarding, safari hunt.

The Blue Wildebeest: A Sought-After Hunting Trophy

The blue wildebeest is a popular African plains game species that is found scattered throughout Africa and remains a sought-after game hunting trophy for hunters wanting a challenging African hunt. These large antelopes are renowned for “eating lead” and their resilience in the face of danger is inspiring, often resulting in them being compared to the notorious Cape buffalo.

Interested in targeting a blue wildebeest on your next hunting safari? Check out the available blue wildebeest hunts in our hunting section on the website.

Author: B. Hershensohnn

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