The nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) is a spiral‑horned antelope of southern Africa. Its elegant horns, white stripes and shaggy coat make it one of the continent’s most beautiful antelopes. Nyala thrive in thickly wooded bushveld and are renowned for their shy nature and ability to vanish into dense vegetation. Because bulls carry long spirals and seldom show themselves in the open, tracking a mature nyala through brush is considered a memorable challenge.
Hunts are typically conducted on foot or from safari vehicles. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to locate bulls emerging from their hideaways. Hunters glass from high points and plan careful stalks through thick bush; big bulls often appear during twilight, and drives along roads help locate spoor before a stalk. Because nyala are browsers that frequent water holes, sit‑and‑wait ambushes near water or mineral licks can also be effective. Shooting distances tend to be short, so patience and precise shot placement are essential.
Nyala populations remain secure across South Africa and neighbouring countries thanks to widespread game ranching and regulated trophy hunting. There are no seasonal restrictions on nyala hunts in South Africa, but operators harvest only mature bulls and adhere to quotas. Trophy fees provide incentives for landowners to maintain bushveld habitat and fund anti‑poaching, supporting biodiversity and local communities. The species has also been reintroduced successfully to Namibia and Zimbabwe, broadening its range.
Nyala were historically restricted to Zululand and other high‑rainfall areas of eastern Africa, but they are now bred and ranched throughout South Africa, Namibia and beyond. The name comes from the Zulu word inyala (“shifty one”), reflecting their elusive behaviour. Males sport long spiral horns and a shaggy dark coat, while females lack horns and are chestnut‑coloured with white stripes. According to folklore, the Creator admired the nyala so much that he left the white spots on its face with his fingertips.
Nyala can be found in the following location:
Nyala has the following variations:
- (Varieties to be confirmed)
