Roan in Africa
The roan is Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings. Wary of people, it is renowned for its bravery in fighting off predators.
Quick facts about Roan antelope
| Scientific name: | Hippotragus equinus | Habitat: | Savannah woodland |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Least Concern | Adult weight: | 180–300kg |
The roan is the largest of the ‘horse-like’ antelope (Hippotraginae) and is indeed horse-like in stature, with a fawn coat and stiff mane. A relative of the slightly smaller sable antelope, it has a similar black-and-white face, but is paler, with shorter horns and tasselled ears.
Roan inhabit woodland savannah, where they graze on tall grasses and visit water daily to drink. A bull presides over a group of five to fifteen females and young, which he defends vigorously from rivals, going on his knees to strike sweeping blows with his horns – a technique also used against predators such as lions. A female keeps her single calf concealed in thick bush for the first month of its life.
1m
Max. horn length
1.4m
Bull’s shoulder height
1km2
Min. bull’s territory
±75%
Calf mortality
Africa's top camps for seeing roan
Based on 583 reports by our travellers since May 2018, the camps below have the best chances of sighting roan. Simply follow the key below.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
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Where to see roan in Africa
Although the roan enjoys a wide distribution, it is relatively seldom seen. Shy and reclusive, this handsome antelope is most conspicuous when visiting waterholes. Allow it plenty of space or it may disappear.
Top tips for viewing roan
Roan occur widely but sparsely across Africa: to the north, they roam across the Sahel; further south, they occupy a discontinuous range from northern Tanzania to northern South Africa.
Nowhere are they numerous, however, and this remains one of the rarer antelopes seen on safari. Typically, small groups are seen when venturing warily out of cover to drink at a waterhole, often at mid-morning, before departing the same way. Roan are shy, so be prepared to enjoy your sighting from a distance rather than scare them away.
Good areas for sightings include Moremi (Botswana), Hwange (Zimbabwe) and Kafue (Zambia). Perhaps the most reliable viewing is on Malawi’s Nyika Plateau, where larger herds graze the montane grasslands and are more approachable than usual.
Holiday ideas to see roan
Based on our travellers experiences, these are the holidays which will give you the best chances of good roan sightings
Defassa Waterbuck Safari
9 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.
US$9,350 - US$9,360 per person
Pied Kingfisher Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.
US$8,470 - US$11,860 per person
Purple Roller Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the varied habitats and terrain of Kafue National Park with stays in two wonderfully remote bushcamps: sister camps that offer access to both the centre of the park and the wildlife-rich Busanga Plains.
US$9,320 - US$9,320 per person
Avocet Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxurious safari explores three iconic African reserves from exclusive lodges in unbeatable locations. A very high standard of food, care and guiding ensure that you can focus on this amazing experience.
US$9,750 - US$15,860 per person
Robin Pope Walking Safari
7 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The definitive, original mobile walking safari; explore the remote north of the South Luangwa on foot while staying in a simple mobile camp that moves with the group.
US$7,370 - US$8,500 per person
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.
US$10,360 - US$17,410 per person
Ground Hornbill Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
This Zimbabwean odyssey explores Hwange National Park from two small camps, renowned for their great guiding, before ending with insights into cultural history, a little luxury and first-class rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills.
US$5,270 - US$8,560 per person
Wild Dog Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.
US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person
Our top destinations for roan
Click below for detailed information about roan in these countries, including our latest sightings data from the camps and lodges there.
