The nyala is a graceful, slender antelope that originated in Zululand. Fittingly, the Zulu meaning of the name is “shifty one,” and describes the Nyala’s evasive demeanour.
The nyala serves as a dividing line between larger and smaller antelope species. While the terms “bull” and “cow” are used to distinguish between the sexes of larger species, the nyala male is known as a bull and the female is known as an ewe.
While both the nyala and the bushbuck are closely related, the nyala bull is much larger and distinguishable from the latter by its white chevron between the eyes, white mane, yellow socks, and hanging body hair. The males are the only ones who sport the spiralling horns that resemble a lyre and are often tipped with ivory.
A female can be easily identified by her striking orange-brown colouring and white wing bars.
This magnificent antelope occasionally groups together into transient herds of varying configurations, such as family herds, female herds, bachelor herds, and so on. They prefer to sleep during the heat of the day and graze in cooler temperatures.
Nyala, like all antelope in the Tragelaphus genus, have a shaggy dark brown coat with white stripes running vertically down their flanks. From under the jaw, down the throat, and between the front and hind legs, a prominent mane may be seen. Male nyalas weigh in around 108 kilogrammes and females at 62 kilogrammes.
The nyala prefers the safety of the thickets in the woods, and only comes out onto the plains when the grass begins to grow. The nyala must also regularly replenish its water supply.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times of day for hunting nyala in South Africa. While you can find nyala all over Southern Africa, you’ll find the greatest concentration in South Africa.
Thick brush, the bushveld of the valley, and the acacia-lined banks of the river are all favourite haunts. The nyala’s evasive character makes him a difficult target, but the reward is a beautiful trophy worthy of display.
The methods used to hunt nyala are quite similar to those employed when pursuing kudu. Trap him near food sources and watering holes. Like most animals, he’d become inquisitive and turn around to look at his pursuer if he were being followed and pressured.
Be wary of aiming too low, as the “shifty one” may have long hair hanging in your line of sight, making it difficult to determine the placement of that “one third”. When hunting nyala, err on the side of caution.
It’s important to use premium expanding bullets when hunting nyala. It is not advised to use a rifle with a calibre less than .270. Loaded with a strong bullet for its calibre and fired accurately, a .270 will kill any target.
Using the various 30 calibres to secure your nyala is an even better option. It is imperative to aim high for maximum effectiveness, therefore fire a bullet straight up the front leg, about a third of the way into the body (but never over the halfway mark).
Whenever we go nyala hunting in South Africa, Barnes is our best recommendation. Besides Federal Premium, there are a number of additional manufacturers of high-quality ammunition that can be used.
You need your ammunition to work reliably and predictably, which is why you should only use top-tier brands. In order for the animal to die rapidly, the petals must expand to create a wider wound channel.
Even if the animal survives, you will be responsible for the costs associated with any broken petals or, worse, if the bullet or projectile disintegrates upon contact.
South African nyala hunting is best done with the following cartridges:
If you can afford it, invest in high-quality lenses. The primary concern is whether or not the scope will survive the impact of pulling the trigger. For nyala hunting, a 2-12X50 gun scope should do the trick.
Our expert team of Professional Hunters and trackers will help you track down the elusive and majestic nyala, which is considered one of the most stunning antelope trophies in South Africa. When hunting these creatures, it is highly recommended that you get a full body mount (life size mount) for your trophy room.
The Nyala can also be found in many other places of South Africa. Nonetheless, the extreme northern areas of KwaZulu Natal are our principal nyala hunting grounds (KZN).
Because of its association with King Shaka Zulu, the first Zulu ruler, this area is also known as Zululand. Pongola, Mkuze and Hluhluwe are the nearest cities.
