Two Coke’s Hartebeest (Kongoni) standing in the tall savanna grass. Their silhouette, even in the rain, is unmistakable.
With a long, narrow face and a distinct "bracket-shaped" set of horns, the Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) is one of the most recognizable figures on the African savanna. Known for its high shoulders and sloping back, this large antelope stands out even among the diverse wildlife of East Africa.
Spotting Coke’s Hartebeest in the Wild
Our own encounters with these fascinating creatures have centered on a specific subspecies: Coke’s Hartebeest. These animals are common in the grasslands of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. If you’ve ever been on safari in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti, you’ve likely seen them standing alert, their tawny coats blending into the dry brush.
The Story Behind the Name
The subspecies owes its Western name to Colonel Wenman Coke, a 19th-century British soldier and politician. While hunting near Usagara, Tanzania, Coke shot a specimen of what was then an unknown antelope to Western science. He sent the remains—skull and skin—back to the British Museum, where researchers officially named it Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii in his honor.
A Local Icon: The Kongoni
While the name “Coke's” (latinized, Cokii) has stuck in scientific circles, Swahili-speakers have known this animal intimately for centuries. Locally, it is called the Kongoni.
Whether you call it a Hartebeest or a Kongoni, this resilient antelope remains a symbol of the East African plains—alert, enduring, and uniquely shaped by its environment.
Colonel Coke (1828-1907) pictured here at the age of 33. He served in the Crimean War and later as a Member of Parliament between 1858-1865. Image from here (accessed 3/30/26).
See the Gazelle yourself
From the speed of the hartebeest to the resilience of the Grant’s gazelle, the Serengeti is a Creation showcase. We will be returning to the northern safari circuit of Tanzania—including Lake Victoria—in June of 2027. Be the first to receive itinerary details and priority booking for this expedition into the natural world. Email a note of inquiry to BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.
To read more on this beautiful creature, see our post: “Coke’s Hartebeest: The Serengeti’s High-Speed Survivor.”