Thomson's Gazelle
Photo credit
Gabriel Schumacher

Where can I see the Thomson's Gazelle

Inspiring you to embark on an unforgettable journey, discovering the beauty and wonder of Thomson's Gazelle in its natural habitat

Discover Tours

Thomson's gazelle, scientifically known as Eudorcas thomsonii, is one of the most recognizable and common gazelles in Africa. Known for their striking speed and agility, these small antelopes are often seen gracefully bounding across the savannas of East Africa. Named after the Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson, they are a symbol of the African plains.

Thomson's gazelles are relatively small, standing about 60-90 cm (24-35 inches) at the shoulder and weighing between 15-25 kg (33-55 pounds). They are characterized by their sleek, reddish-brown coats, white underparts, and distinctive black stripes running along their flanks. Their faces feature a narrow black stripe that runs from the eye to the nose. Both males and females have horns, although the males' horns are more prominent, with a distinct lyre shape and ridges.

Primarily grazers, Thomson's gazelles feed on a variety of grasses, herbs, and shoots. During the dry season, when grass is scarce, they may also browse on leaves and bushes. Their diet is well-suited to the open savannas and grasslands they inhabit, allowing them to thrive in these environments.

Thomson's gazelles are highly social animals, often forming herds that can range from a few individuals to several hundred. These herds are usually composed of females and their young, while males either form bachelor groups or establish territories to attract females. Known for their remarkable speed, Thomson's gazelles can run up to 60 km/h (37 mph), using their agility to evade predators like cheetahs and lions. They exhibit a behaviour called "stotting" or "pronking," where they leap into the air with all four legs stiff, possibly to show strength and confuse predators.

According to the IUCN, Thomson's gazelles are classified as Least Concern (LC) due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and anti-poaching measures to ensure their populations remain stable.

The best time to observe Thomson's gazelles in the wild is during the dry season, from June to October, when they gather in large numbers near water sources and open grasslands. Key locations include the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

Animal population

550,000

Population
IUCN Classification

Least Concern (LC)

IUCN Classification

How Geeky Planet works:

Icon - Get Inspired
Get inspired to travel
Explore over 300 areas of natural beauty in over 180 countries
Icon - Browse & book trips
Browse & book trips
Find, book & enjoy your new adventure, experience our planet's natural wonders
Why use us icon

Experience your new adventure

This is some text inside of a div block.
Icon - Share your experiences
Share your travel experiences
Create your own personal account to share your tips, trips and travel plans with other users
How to use the Geeky Planet website

Best time to see the Thomson's Gazelle

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Perfect
Good
Tolerable
Awful

Geeky Facts about the Thomson's Gazelle

Fact 1

Thomson's gazelles can leap as high as 2 meters when stotting.

Fact 2

They can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h.

Fact 3

Named after the Scottish explorer Joseph Thomson.

Tours where I can see the Thomson's Gazelle

East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives
East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives
East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives
Location Icon
Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

19 days from

£4,529 / person

View trip
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro
Location Icon
Tanzania
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
1 - Easy

5 days from

£975 / person

View trip
Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya
Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya
Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya
Location Icon
Rwanda & Kenya
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

14 days from

£8,819 / person

View trip
Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting
Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting
Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting
Location Icon
Kenya & Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

15 days from

£3,669 / person

View trip
Gorillas & Game Parks
Gorillas & Game Parks
Gorillas & Game Parks
Location Icon
Kenya & Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

16 days from

£3,236 / person

View trip
Beaches, Game Parks & Gorillas
Beaches, Game Parks & Gorillas
Beaches, Game Parks & Gorillas
Location Icon
Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

27 days from

£5,464 / person

View trip
Gorillas & Plains tour
Gorillas & Plains tour
Gorillas & Plains tour
Location Icon
Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

14 days from

£2,119 / person

View trip
Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning
Cruise
Cruise
Cruise
Culture
Culture
Culture
Cycling
Cycling
Cycling
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Photography
Photography
Photography
Polar
Polar
Polar
Primates
Primates
Primates
Rafting
Rafting
Rafting
Rail
Rail
Rail
Safari
Safari
Safari
Sailing
Sailing
Sailing
Skiing
Skiing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
Zip Lining

Stories about the Thomson's Gazelle

Slider Arrow Next
Slider Arrow Next
No items found.

Countries where you can see the Thomson's Gazelle

Back to Top Button