Uganda Kob Hunting

Uganda kob ram with lyre-shaped horns on open grassland
Uganda kob ram (Kobus kob thomasi), Uganda's signature grassland antelope.

Kobus kob thomasi

The Uganda Kob is a handsome medium-sized antelope prized by hunters for its distinctive horns and the sporting challenge it offers in East African wetlands. Adult males stand 90-100 cm at the shoulder and typically weigh 80-120 kg, while females are smaller at 50-70 kg. The coat is a rich reddish-brown with white underparts, a pale throat patch, and dark markings on the lower legs. Males carry lyrate horns that sweep back then curve forward, commonly measuring 50-70 cm and forming an attractive trophy. These kobs favor floodplains, moist grasslands, and areas near water in Uganda and neighboring parts of South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They graze short grasses in open country, remaining close to drinking sources, and form large mixed herds. Territorial males defend lek sites during the breeding season with displays and calls. Alert and quick, they bolt at high speed when threatened, making stalks across wet or open terrain rewarding for hunters using rifles or bows. Uganda Kob hunting occurs mainly in regulated concessions and parks such as those around Murchison Falls, where populations remain healthy. The species is listed as Least Concern, and well-managed hunts help fund habitat protection. Hunters value the combination of accessible plains-game hunting, quality horn trophies, and excellent table fare from this agile, handsome antelope.

Big Game Plains Game

Hunt facts

Countries
Uganda
Hunt regions
Uganda: Northern Western
Habitat
Grassland Wetland
Best time to hunt
January–May, December (Uganda dry season)
Mass
90–120 kg (198–265 lb)

Where to Find Uganda Kob

The Uganda Kob inhabits floodplains, open grasslands, and savanna areas close to water in Uganda, especially northern and western regions along the Albert Nile and around lakes. They favor moist grassy plains for grazing. Uganda offers the primary hunting opportunities through licensed concessions near Murchison Falls and similar wildlife areas, with some populations also present in adjacent parts of South Sudan. The dry season from December through March is best, as shorter grass and concentrated water sources make herds easier to spot. Wet months scatter them into taller vegetation. Expect flat to gently rolling terrain with marshes and riverine edges. Scan open plains near water at dawn and dusk with binoculars, watch for mixed herds, and note their whistling calls to pinpoint locations. Always follow local regulations and use authorized operators.

Why Hunt Uganda Kob

Hunters are drawn to the Uganda Kob by its striking trophy horns, which form elegant lyre shapes in mature males and make impressive mounts that capture the animal's sleek, athletic form. The hunt delivers real excitement through the challenge of stalking these wary antelopes across open floodplains and grasslands, where sharp senses and quick flight demand careful approach, patience, and accurate shooting in Uganda's varied terrain. Kob meat is lean, tender, and richly flavored, offering excellent table fare that compares well to other African game and works beautifully in traditional preparations. The species holds cultural value as a symbol of Uganda's wildlife heritage and appears in local stories and traditions. Regulated hunting generates funds that support habitat protection, anti-poaching work, and community programs, turning each hunt into a direct contribution to conservation. Pursuing Uganda Kob also provides a distinctive safari experience amid East Africa's wetlands and savannas, combining adventure with the chance to witness and help sustain this unique antelope in its natural home.

Uganda Kob Hunting Tips

Hunting Uganda Kob in open savanna country calls for a patient walk-and-stalk approach. Glass herds from a distance with binoculars then close in slowly from downwind using grass, anthills, or low cover while the animals feed with heads down.

A bolt-action rifle in . 270 Winchester, . 308 Winchester or 7mm-08 with 140-180 grain expanding bullets and a 3-9x scope handles these 150-250 pound antelope well at typical 80-200 yard ranges. Earth-tone clothing and quiet boots complete the kit.

Aim just behind the shoulder into the heart-lung area on a broadside or slight quartering-away animal for a clean, ethical kill. Avoid running shots or extreme distances.

Watch wind constantly and freeze when they look up. They gather near remaining water, so concentrate effort there rather than long tracking.

Dawn and dusk in the dry season give the best visibility and animal movement.

Do not ignore scent, rush the final approach, or fail to follow up a hit immediately. Hunt only with a licensed professional hunter, stay alert for other dangerous game sharing the habitat, hydrate, and obey all local quotas and laws.

Featured Outfitters for Uganda Kob

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Hunt packages with Uganda Kob

Curated hunt ideas — no price on the page. Enquire and we'll match outfitters after review.

033 Male Ugandan kob trying to seduce a female at Queen Elizabeth National Park Photo by Giles Laurent — Lake Mburo Plains — 7 Days, Uganda hunt package
Uganda Kob Burchell’s Zebra East African Eland +2 more Rifle Hunting +1 more Mixed

Lake Mburo Plains — 7 Days

7 days · Uganda

Seven days Lake Mburo plains — impala, zebra, eland, warthog and bushbuck.

$9,500 – $10,500

1972-1-5 Uganda - Murchison Falls National Park - Oribi — Karamoja Plains — 10 Days, Uganda hunt package
Oribi Lelwel Hartebeest Warthog +1 more Rifle Hunting +1 more Mixed

Karamoja Plains — 10 Days

10 days · Uganda

Ten days Karamoja — Grant’s gazelle, oribi, hartebeest and warthog.

$14,800 – $16,300

Uganda Kob in habitat — Ugandan Kob Classic — 7 Days, Uganda hunt package
Uganda Kob Lelwel Hartebeest Warthog +1 more Rifle Hunting +1 more Mixed

Ugandan Kob Classic — 7 Days

7 days · Uganda

Seven days western Uganda — Uganda kob, hartebeest, warthog and bushbuck.

$8,800 – $9,700

Tiang (Damaliscus lunatus tiang) hunting species photo
Tiang Uganda Kob Oribi +2 more Rifle Hunting +1 more Mixed

Northern Tiang & Kob — 10 Days

10 days · Uganda

10-day northern tiang & kob — tiang, uganda kob, oribi in Northern Uganda savanna.

$14,800 – $16,800

035 Uganda kobs mating at Queen Elizabeth National Park Photo by Giles Laurent — Western Bow Kob — 7 Days, Uganda hunt package
Uganda Kob Warthog Bushbuck Bow Hunting Mixed

Western Bow Kob — 7 Days

7 days · Uganda

7-day western bow kob — uganda kob, warthog, bushbuck in Western grasslands (bow).

$9,000 – $10,500

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