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.