Topis in Uganda

Are topis in Uganda? Topis in Uganda are some of the amazing antelope families often spotted on Uganda safari. Topis also referred to as Damaliscus lunatus/tsessebe/sassaby, are members of the Bovidae family. This also includes wildebeests, blesbok and hartebeest.

Topis have long heads, hump at their base necks, mask-like dark coloration on the face, reddish-brown bodies, and the upper legs have a purplish patch. They have shiny short hair and they can easily be spotted on wildlife safaris in Uganda.

By size, topis grow 150-210cm long, weight between 68 and 160kgs, and tail 40 to 60cm. The shoulders are 100 to 130cms and these features make them some of the tallest species in the antelope family.

Topis unlike primates roam in the grassland areas; the open plains, landscapes, savanna woodland, etc. They depend on green grass with medium height and fresh plants. They often move to areas with pastures and in areas where wildebeest migration occurs like Serengeti National Park, they can also be observed together with wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.

Topis’ social organization; the male defines the family territories and he can pull several females into his territory. A territory can be about 4sq.km and he can defend it. Female topis usually prefer mating with dominant males.

Birding season for topis

The peak birthing season for topis in Uganda or other destinations is normally from October to December. The calf can keep within the mother although they can also leave and find a safe place to hide from. Other than Uganda, topis also live in Kenya, Tanzania, D.R. Congo, and Rwanda.

Where to find topis in Uganda?

In Uganda, the best places to see topis on wildlife tours include Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. These two parks are all found in Western Uganda, and it is possible to explore all of them on our Uganda safaris. Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second biggest park sitting on a land area of 1978sq.km and established in 1952 and then renamed “Queen Elizabeth National Park” in 1954.

It is at Queen Elizabeth National Park where the tree climbing lions also live and topis can be spotted in large numbers at the Ishasha area. This is the same area where tree climbing lions reside and a game drive can be done independently or while en route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking or gorilla safari holiday.

Other wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park; are African bush elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, leopards, birds (620 bird species), spotted hyenas, warthogs, etc. The birds of Queen Elizabeth National Park: pink-backed pelicans, African shoebill, saddle bill stork, long-tailed cormorants, black crakes, palm nut vultures, crab plover, African skimmers, African finfoot, red chested sunbird, white-backed night heron, yellow-throated cuckoos, Heuglin’s gull, Grey-winged robin chat, black-rumped buttonquail, the great blue turacos.

The key areas of interest on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park; are Kasenyi, Ishasha sectors for a guided game drive to see the big game, plus other small mammal species, Kyambura gorge for primate trekking especially chimpanzee tracking, Kazinga channel for a boat cruise and more.

Lake Mburo National Park, the most accessible Uganda park located just 4 hours drive from Kampala capital. Other than topis, a large population of other interesting antelope families roam freely in Lake Mburo including impalas, Uganda Kobs, elands, plus other wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and 350 bird species.

Lake Mburo National Park is a favorite spot to enjoy distinct experiences such as a game drive, nature walks, cycling tours or biking, boat cruise, birding, horseback riding, and cultural experiences, to mention but a few.