Roan

(Hippotragus equinus)

lion
 

Shoulder height:

±140cm / 55in

Weight:

±270kg / 550lbs

Food:

Medium to long grass

Habitat:

Open grasslands with tall grass and water

Social behaviour:

Generally in small herds of 5-12 individuals, lead by an adult bull

Active:

Mostly daytime

Sightings:

Extremely rare


Roan antelopes are extremely rare in Kruger and are concentrated in a very small area in the far-north of the park. They resemble the oryx, a species that occurs in dryer parts of Africa, but differ from them by having curved horns instead of straight horns. They rely on tall grass for cover and prefer open areas.


Back to main mammals page


How to find roan in the Kruger National Park:

Stay at these camps:
Shingwedzi
Mopani

Drive these roads:
H1-7 tar road
S143 gravel road
S50 gravel road (south)
S61 gravel road

Top tips:
The best place in the whole park for roan is on the H1-7 tar road in the vicinity immediately north and south of Babalala picnic site.

Also look for roan on the S143, especially at Tihongonyeni Waterhole.

Try the Klopperfontein area north-east of Punda Maria.

Remember to record your roan sightings in the rare antelope books found at reception of most camps.



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