Oribi Antelope

The gracious little Oribi is special in that it is the only true dwarf antelope and is the sole member of its genus. The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve was named after this timid gazelle who used to frequent the grassy plains of that area of KwaZulu Natal.

The name ‘oribi’ is derived from the Afrikaans name for the animal, oorbietjie.

These shy antelopes are classified as Vulnerable and needs to be protected because their numbers are declining at an alarming rate.

Sadly, they are easy targets for poachers since they will often stay motionless when approached, depending on their natural camouflage, instead of fleeing.

Look out for them in the early morning, late afternoon and at night since they rest during the heat of the day. They are water independent since they take their fluid ratio from the leaves they consume. This small antelope will be on its own, in pairs or a small group consisting of a male and a few females.

When alarmed, they produce a shrill whistle. They are known for their ‘stotting’ jumps where they will jump straight up in the air with their feet held strait under them while arching their backs, before running a few steps further and stotting again.

Quick Facts:

Species: Ourebia Ourebi

Distribution: South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Sierra Leone to Ethiopia.

Habitat: Open grassy plains with low bush.

Food: Grass and leaves.

Size: 92 – 110 cm (3 – 3.5 ft),
12 – 24 kg (26.5 – 53 lb).

Maturity: 1 year.

Gestation: 210 days.

Breeding: Calves are born during October/December.

Life span: 13 years.

How to Recognise Oribi Antelope

Short black tail,
Oval ears with black vain pattern on white,
Black spot under ears,
Brown body with white underside,
Rams have short spiky horns that are ringed at the base,
Ewes are slightly larger than the males,
Hind quarters are slightly higher than the front quarters.

Savor the moment when you are fortunate enough to spot this shy Bambi like little antelope. Sightings of them are becoming very rare since their numbers are dropping dramatically due to poaching.

If you are one of the lucky ones to spot an Oribi, please take a pic and share it with us by dropping us a note. We would love to showcase it on this page as a record of the sightings that are still being made.

More places to visit in the Oribi Gorge area:

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