oxpecker

The Smiling Eland: Secrets of Africa’s Largest Antelope

A close-up of a large eland antelope with spiral horns and an oxpecker bird on its back in the Serengeti.

The Eland Smiles: Secrets of the Serengeti’s Gentle Giant

Does the eland know a secret? Looking at that expression, it certainly seems so.

The eland is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the antelope family. While it is the largest of its kind, it is also one of the slowest. Because of its calm nature and massive size, humans have occasionally domesticated them—though it’s important to remember they are still wild antelopes and world-class fence-jumping specialists, capable of clearing heights that would baffle a high-jumper.

The "Liquid Eyes" of the Savannah

Sitting quietly in our jeep, we watch these docile creatures munching on the rich Serengeti grasses. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate their beauty:

  • Spiral Horns: Both males and females carry these tightly twisted, elegant weapons.

  • Liquid Eyes: Adorned with incredibly long lashes, their eyes have a depth that invites whispered conversations among our travelers.

  • Symbiotic Friends: If you look closely at the photo, you’ll notice an oxpecker hitched a ride on his back—a tiny feathered sentry that cleans away parasites.

Join Us for Tanzania 2027
Our safari expeditions continue to attract a special kind of traveler—those who find as much joy in the "smile" of an eland as they do in the roar of a lion.

Because our 2026 dates are already full, we have officially scheduled a return to Tanzania in 2027. Email us here to get a spot on the waitlist. Information TBA.

The Impala: Africa’s 55 MPH Acrobat and the "M" Brand

Getting to Know the Impala

This stately antelope (Aepyceros melampus) is a perennial crowd-favorite on any game drive. With a glossy coat of cinnamon and cream set against a bright white belly, the Impala is as elegant as it is athletic.

The "M" Brand

God has given the impala some very specific “branding.” Black hairs ring the eyes and tip the ears, head, and feet. Most famously, they sport a distinctive black “M”-shape on their buttocks.

In the guide world, there is a running joke about that marking:

"Mmmmmm," say the carnivores! It’s the “M” for Mmm-pala—the most common “fast food” on the plains. (Get it? Fast food? Ha!)

Speed and Agility

However, catching an impala is no easy task. They are masters of evasion, utilizing a combination of raw speed and high-stakes acrobatics:

  • Sprinting: They can reach speeds upwards of 55 mph.

  • Agility: They are famous for cutting sharply mid-run to lose a predator.

  • Leaping: An impala can leap 10 feet high and cover a staggering 30 feet forward in a single bound.

A Symbiotic Friendship

In the shot above, you'll notice two oxpeckers resting on this female. This is a classic example of mutualism in the wild; these birds provide a "cleaning service" by picking at parasites and ticks, while the impala provides a steady food source for the birds.

See the Impala in the Wild

While they are common, watching a herd of impalas “pronking” (leaping) across the grasslands never gets old. Join us as we explore the heart of Tanzania and Kenya.

  • 2026 Safari Dates: Limited seats are still available for our February and June expeditions.

  • 2027 Planning: We are currently accepting early inquiries for our return to the Serengeti. Email us here for more information.

For a clearer view to the “M” brand on the impala, see the posting here.