The mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) is an endemic Ethiopian antelope and one of Africa’s most coveted trophies. It lives only in the Bale and Ahmar mountain ranges at elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 metres. Its rarity, majestic lyre‑shaped horns and remote alpine habitat make it a dream quarry for dedicated hunters.
Mountain nyala hunts are arduous, resembling high‑altitude sheep hunts. They are typically planned for 21 or 24 days and are best undertaken between October and June, avoiding Ethiopia’s rainy seasons. Hunters and guides climb steep, forested slopes before dawn to reach ridge or valley overlooks, then glass distant mountains for a suitable bull. Once a bull is sighted, a rapid stalk may be required; shooting distances range from 100 yards to as far as 450 yards depending on the terrain.
Mountain nyala populations are small, and Ethiopia issues only about 35–40 permits per year—roughly 1 % of the population—to ensure sustainability. Poaching remains a greater threat than regulated hunting, but revenue from trophy fees funds anti‑poaching patrols and habitat management. Conservation groups stress that funds must benefit the Bale and Ahmar communities to maintain local support for protection. By linking community livelihoods with wildlife, regulated hunting helps conserve this endangered species.
Mountain nyala are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Bulls form small bachelor groups, while females and young live in herds of four to six; older bulls can become solitary. Their diet consists of leaves, lichens and grass shoots, and their thick winter coat with white facial markings distinguishes them from lowland nyala. Because there are no breeding populations outside Ethiopia, hunts must be booked well in advance with one of the few licensed outfitters.
Mountain Nyala can be found in the following location:
Mountain Nyala has the following variations:
- (Varieties to be confirmed)
