Male Kongoni antelope on the African savannah, Tanzania.
The Hartebeest, or Kongoni, as it is known locally, is one of the most recognizable yet strangely named antelopes on the African savannah.
Why is it called a Hartebeest?
The name "Hartebeest" has a curious origin. It stems from the Dutch settlers in South Africa, translating literally to “deer beast.” Because the animal’s elongated face and tall stature reminded early Europeans of the deer back home, the name stuck—even though the Hartebeest is a true antelope, not a deer at all.
Key Physical Characteristics
The Kongoni (Alcelaphus buselaphus) is notable for its sloping back and incredibly long face. Here are a few quick facts about their size:
Height: A mature male stands approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) at the shoulder.
Weight: They are heavy-bodied, often weighing up to 300–350 pounds.
Appearance: They possess distinctive, lyre-shaped horns and a high, pointed forehead.
Subspecies: While somewhat controversial, 8 subspecies have been identified. These differ slightly in color, horn shape and distribution across Africa. Coke’s Hartbeest is best known in Tanzania and Kenya.
For the image of a juvenile, see our post Coke’s Hartebeest: The Serengeti’s High-Speed Survivor.