Gerenuk in Kenya
With its small head, prominent ears and extremely elongated neck, the gerenuk (from the Somali garanuug, meaning giraffe-like neck) is a once-seen-never-forgotten antelope. The drier parts of Kenya are the heart of its range.
Quick facts about Gerenuk
| Scientific name: | Litocranius walleri | Habitat: | Flat, dry thornbush |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Near Threatened | Adult weight: | 28–52kg |
Famous in Kenya as one of the so-called Samburu Five, gerenuks are found not only in the Samburu National Reserve, but in Meru, Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Amboseli national parks, as well as in some of the Laikipia conservancies.
As dry-country specialists, they obtain most of their water from leaves, shoots, flowers, fruits and buds. Their population density can actually increase with distance from permanent water, as few other species compete with them in arid areas.
Gerenuks breed all year, although more fawns are born in the rainy season. The females are extremely caring mothers, cleaning their fawns carefully after birth, and communicating with them in soft, bleating tones.
7 months
GESTATION PERIOD
56km/h
TOP SPEED
90cm
AVERAGE HEIGHT
Kenya's top camps for seeing gerenuks
Based on 102 reports since May 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing gerenuks. Simply follow the key below.
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Where to see gerenuks in Kenya
The gerenuk’s range encompasses a large swathe of northern and eastern Kenya at lower altitudes east of the Rift Valley and, despite their Near Threatened IUCN status, they are not difficult to find.
Top tips for viewing gerenuks in Kenya
Gerenuks are diurnal and not particularly shy: small groups can be seen on game drives or walks in all the regions they inhabit. They are perhaps most easily seen in the Samburu reserve region during a stay at Sasaab, Saruni Samburu or Elephant Bedroom camps, where the hot, arid thornbush of the reserve and its neighbouring conservancies provides the perfect territory.
Meru National Park and the hotter and lower parts of Laikipia also have small populations. You have a good chance of seeing gerenuks when driving across the empty horizons of Tsavo East National Park and they’re also often seen in Tsavo West and Amboseli national parks.
Holiday ideas to see gerenuks in Kenya
These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing gerenuks in Kenya
Black Kite Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.
US$9,260 - US$11,960 per person
Elephant Safari
10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.
US$5,100 - US$6,210 per person
Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.
US$6,620 - US$8,400 per person
Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience Amboseli and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.
US$5,800 - US$6,580 per person
Steppe Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two comfortable tented camps overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro and Mara River put you at the heart of the action. Experience spectacular diversity in species and habitat with safari in Samburu and the Masaai Mara National Reserve.
US$5,680 - US$9,310 per person
Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Discover two of Kenya’s quieter wildlife havens with visits to Meru National Park and Mara North Conservancy. Top-quality sister camps provide considerable comfort and a range of activities by which to explore the game-rich surroundings.
US$6,910 - US$8,980 per person
Golden Weaver Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A rustic, adventurous week on safari with great community involvement that offers incredible value for money in two very different locations – the Amboseli and Maasai Mara ecosystems.
US$3,280 - US$3,720 per person
De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of activities in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Mara ecosystem. Private vehicles and guides heighten the personalisation of this highly immersive safari.
US$12,310 - US$16,320 per person
Our top destinations for gerenuks
Read tips for spotting gerenuks in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings
