The Whereabouts of the Gerenuk
 

I’ve seen numerous gerenuks in Samburu and Tsavo East, and also a couple of them along the Nairobi–Magadi road just after Olorgasailie. Sandi did not see any gerenuks in the Shompole area and almost nobody writes about gerenuks in Amboseli – except Ann who saw one hiding in a bush. I can’t remember any gerenuks at all in Tanzanian trip reports, but I’ve read that they can be found around Lake Natron and Mt. Longido. Now I feel a strong urge to know where gerenuks have bee sighted by Fodorites.

We saw one while exiting Amboseli during 2004 trip. Guide didn't see it as he was driving at NASCAR race speed and we simply opted to remain silent!

I vividly recall my first sighting 12/yrs ago at Samburu. Can't recall another anywhere since. I'm sure they are about in other areas, but in so few numbers, that it's a "find" when one in seen.

A burning question for me as well. So glad you posted. I want to see them again. Have seen gerenuks only in Samburu. Thought I might see them in Lewa Downs, but no luck.

Nyamera, gerenuks are present around Amboseli. In 1989 and 1991, I saw them inside the park. As you may know, a lot of bushland has been cleared by elephants in Amboseli. They are very rare now inside the park. However, they are locally plentiful around Amboseli (Campi ya Kanzi, Ol Donyo Wuas, Selenkay). They are also locally common in Meru. This September, I saw gerenuks at Campi ya Kanzi and Meru. They are also present in the Laikipia plateau (Lewa Downs area) but are rare. They used to occur in the Shompole area, but their recent game count revealed none. In Tanzania, they are present just outside Tarangire on the eastern side and are vagrants in the park. They are also locally abundant in Lake Natron, Longido, West Kilimanjaro and Mkomazi. They can also be seen on the road from Arusha to Nairobi.

Hi Nyamera,

I can attest that gerenuks are in the Amboseli area. In October 2001, I saw a couple in the brush along the road into Amboseli. I didn't see any in Amboseli proper.

Deb

Thanks for your replies. I think we could say that the exact location of the <b>Gerenuk</b> is, “hiding in some bushes outside Amboseli NP”.
Or, any dry place with bushes from Tarangire and northwards? Has anyone seen gerenuks in Somalia or Ethiopia? Or west of the Rift Valley?

How would you describe the gerenuk? I think it looks like an elastic impala that’s stretched out. I’ve heard another good description from a person who’s been to Gabon (no gerenuks there): “a cross between an impala and E.T”.

San Diego Wild Animal Park

HI, I saw a pair at Lewa Downs when I stayed at Lewa wilderness Trails and also a solo male when I stayed at Loisaba and saw them in the Laikipia Reserve. If I ever get my photos organzied I will put my photos in the album!

Napamatt, I can’t find the gerenuk on the website of San Diego Zoo.

13moons, I’m looking forward to seeing your gerenuk pictures.

I'll be on the lookout for them in Samburu and Meru this trip.

Patty, good Fodorite! I don’t think you can miss them in Samburu.

Nyamera

Wild Animal Park is different than the zoo.

Napamatt, I googled ”San Diego Wild Animal Park” and it was the same website as the zoo. Have you seen the gerenuk there, or is it just a rumour?

If you search gerenuk on sandiegozoo.org, you'll find some photos.

Thanks, Patty. There's even a gerenuk calf, but it doesn't really count.

Nyamera, From my small experience, one of the things that struck me about the gerenuk is not just the shape of it, but the position -- they really do stand on their hind legs to graze in the trees, so the effect is very tall and elongated, with almost the impression of being a two-legged creature.

So... the TOPI is interested in Swalla-Twiga ?! ...

about the giraffe-gazelle: {that is what the name Gerenuk means in Somali language. same meaning in kiSwahili - above}
Best places to see it:
Samburu &amp; Buffalo Springs reserves
Tsavo West &amp; Tsavo East NPs
Amboseli - usually out of the park, on the road...
Its distribution continues north- north east to the Horn of Africa
Tarangire: though seems like suitable habitat, it is not on the list (e.g. JG Williams)

P.S
Has anyone not seen the Gerenuk's <font color="red"> bikini</font> ?

when upright on hind legs it has a distinct black &quot;bikini&quot; underpants mark

Patty - can u bring back a good photo ?

aby

Not too long ago someone shared photos of gerenuk bellies. Right now I can’t remember where to find them.

Where do the topi and the gerenuk occur together? I can only thing of Tsavo East where the coastal topis must sometimes meet gerenuks.