Hartebeest hunting in Namibia

The only Hartebeest that occurs in Namibia is the Cape or Red Hartebeest. They are easily recognisable with their oddly shaped horns, long face and glossy reddish-brown colour. As with all Hartebeest, they stand high on the shoulder and have sloping backs. These strange-looking animals are one of Africa’s fastest antelope. Hartebeest is a water-independent species occurring from the southeastern Kalahari region to northern Namibia excluding the Caprivi, now known as the Zambezi province. These inquisitive animals are found in small herds and are best hunted early in the morning or late afternoon whilst grazing. They have acute hearing and sense of smell with poor eyesight. Often they run off to avoid danger and will stop to look back after a short distance so be ready to take a shot should this occur. They are classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN and besides the standard required Namibian hunting license, no special hunting permits are required.