Thomson's Gazelle
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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

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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

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Best time to see the Thomson's Gazelle

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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
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Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

19 days from

£4,529 / person

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Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro
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Tanzania
Tour type
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Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
1 - Easy

5 days from

£975 / person

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

14 days from

£2,119 / person

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

15 days from

£3,669 / person

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

27 days from

£5,464 / person

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Gorillas & Game Parks
Gorillas & Game Parks
Gorillas & Game Parks
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Kenya & Uganda
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Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

16 days from

£3,236 / person

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Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya
Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya
Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya
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Rwanda & Kenya
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Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

14 days from

£8,819 / person

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