The common Tsessebe, sometimes referred to as the sassaby, is a near relative of the bontebok. It has high, sloping shoulders that drop to a small, weak-looking rump, giving it a rather comical aspect.
The Tsessebe’s entire physique appears less nimble and more ungainly than it is. This antelope, however, has proven to be among the swiftest in Africa’s bushveld when confronted. They are capable of running at speeds of up to 80 kph. When one considers that the enormous wildebeest and the graceful springbok are its competitors, this is no small accomplishment.
The common tsessebe is brown with white or darker brown patterns (adult males are darker than juveniles and female adults). Black lines run from their forehead to the tip of their snout, and they have long, slender legs and a black breast. Their muzzles are long and slender, and the belly is white.
The horns are crucial for the Tsessebe in distinguishing their age and establishing dominance (by means of horning the ground). These horns are ringed and have a striking S form. Older Tsessebe can be identified by their well-worn horns, which wear down over time.
The Tsessebe is a huge antelope with shoulders that measure around 1.2 metres in length. Males are slightly larger than females, and they range in length from 150 to 230 cm. Horns that grow on both sexes are between 30 and 40 cm long. Male horns are typically between 37 and 40 cm long, whereas female horns are often a little bit shorter.
The common Tsessebe develops to be a reasonably robust antelope, although weighing just 10 to 12 kg at birth. Cows typically weigh about 120 kg, whereas bulls weigh between 135 and 140 kg.
These grazers favour grasslands, plains, open savannahs, and sparsely forested environments. On rare occasions, you can even find them in gentle hills or on flatlands that aren’t much higher than 1500 metres from sea level.
Tsessebe are typical in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as in a few slightly further northern nations like Angola and Namibia. One of the greatest sites to see them in South Africa is the Kruger National Park.
Tsessebes are social, gregarious animals who take pleasure in living in a herd. Males and females, however, create separate herds of their own. Young males join a bachelor herd, which can number up to 30 bulls. Another herd of a few dozen bulls, including the bachelors, but without the more mature bulls, will be present. A herd of females, with their calves, will consist of six to ten cows.
The Tsessebe is the swiftest antelope in Africa, reaching speeds that exceed 90 km/h. The Topi, Korrigum, Tiang, Blesbok, and Bontebok are all closely related to the Tsessebe.
The ideal hunting strategy for a Tsessebe is typically spot and stalk. In the late afternoon, they are typically spotted around water and in open terrain. They are usually first spotted from a vehicle that is parked out of the way, and then a deliberate approach can be made on foot.
The best place to hunt Tsessebe with a bow is from a blind that looks out over water. They can also be drawn to such a location by the usage of salt licks and mineral blocks.
Tsessebe are members of the Wildebeest and Hartebeest families, which are typically targeted by hunters who capture these larger-sized species. Despite not being a prized trophy, it is well-liked among collectors.
The most typical mounting method for a Tsessebe is a shoulder mount, although it can be difficult to distinguish from other species that are closely related, particularly Topi. Therefore, you could be tempted to exhibit the skin, which makes for a very lovely rug, rather than mounting the head on your trophy wall.
Excellent Tsessebe hunting is available with Hunt24 in the provinces of Limpopo and the Free State. Our exceptional locations are what set us apart from the competition, and our knowledgeable and talented professional hunters will make sure that your Tsessebe hunting experience is not only thrilling but also results in a trophy that is stunning and unusual looking.
