Eastern Cape Kudu

The Grey Ghost

Kudu hunt is on top of the wish list for almost any hunter who comes to South Africa.

Kudu is by many considered to be South Africa's most wanted trophy. The Kudu is a large stately antelope, with long spiralling horns. It is only the males who have horns. Local it has been awarded the nickname ‘The Grey Ghost’, due to its greyish colour shades and ability to disappear in even small shrubs.

East Cape Kudu is different from Greater Kudu, which is found in northern South Africa. East Cape kudu is smaller in size, both in terms of size of the horns and body weight. East Cape Kudu have generally much darker skin than Greater Kudu. The East Cape Kudu is measured by its own surveying requirements for the record books, as the measuring points are very different from Greater Kudu.

Like many of the other species of antelope, the East Cape Kudu forms family groups of 6 to 12 animals, consisting mainly of females and calves. Kudu bulls only joins the group during mating season in May-June.

Kudu will always be found near ponds, as they drink regularly. Due to the variation in depth and length of the horns, the trophy assessment can be difficult. Listen to the professional hunter, and let him pick out the largest, old trophy-bull for you.

Riffle calibres with a minimum size of .270 or 7mm are recommended for Kudu-hunt.

Side By Side Safaris exclusive hunting lodge is located in the middle of a hunting area of East Cape Kudu. The area around the lodge is known to have a strong kudu population. Trophy quality is absolutely top class.

Facts

• NAME: EASTERN CAPE KUDU

• SCIENTIFIC NAME: TRAGELAPHUS STREOSICEROS

• WEIGHT MALE: 227 KG

• WEIGHT FEMALE: 157 KG

• SHOULDER HEIGHT MALE: 1.4 M

• SHOULDER HEIGHT FEMALE: 1.25 M

• MATING SEASON: MAY / JUNE