Red hartebeest hunts in South Africa. Hunt red hartebeest with South African Hunting Safaris.

Red Hartebeest
(Alcelaphus buselaphus)

The hartebeest was originally found in grasslands throughout the African continent. It prefers the savannahs and grasslands, and is also tolerant of high grasses. It may also be found in woodland or scrubs areas.

The hartebeest weighs up to 200kg, with a shoulder height up to 1.5 m. It is characterized by a steeply sloping back, long legs, large glands below the eyes, and a tufted tail. The body hair is about 25mm long and is quite fine in texture. It has paler patches of hair on most of its rump and chest and on parts of its face.

There are several subspecies which are distinguished from each other by coat colour, which varies from pale brown to brownish grey, and by horn shape. All subspecies have 2 horns (in both sexes) and are 450 to 700mm in length.

Hartebeests are social animals, living in organised herds of up to 300 animals. They have been known to form herds of up to 10,000 animals. Within a herd, there are four types of animals: territorial adult males, non-territorial adult males, groups of young males, and groups of females and young.

At 3 to 4 years old, males may begin to attempt to take over a territory and the females within it. Once a territory has been established, the male will defend it and does not usually leave. Males are aggressive and if challenged will fight. Males bend forward and leap with their horns lowered. Injuries and fatalities do occur but are quite rare. Males lose their territory after 7 to 8 years.

Although appearing slightly awkward, they may reach speeds of 70 to 80 kph. Red hartebeests rely primarily on their vision to spot predators, and they snort to warn each other of approaching danger. They gallop away in single file, after they see one of the members of the herd bolt.

Hartebeests are grazers that feed almost entirely on grass.

Red hartebeest, with their unusual horn shape, make a unique trophy animal. You are invited to hunt them with us at South African Hunting Safaris.