Topi
Damaliscus lunatus jimela
The topi (also known as tsessebe in Southern Africa) is one of the fastest antelopes on the continent, capable of reaching 70 km/h in a sustained gallop. That speed, combined with their endurance, makes them nearly impossible for most predators to run down in open country. You'll recognize topis immediately on a game drive: they're sleek, dark reddish-brown antelopes with distinctive purplish-black patches on their shoulders, hips, and upper legs that look almost like they're wearing a fitted vest. They have a somewhat mournful expression, with a long face and lyre-shaped horns that both sexes carry. One of their most characteristic behaviors is standing sentinel on termite mounds, surveying the surrounding plains with a regal posture that's become a classic safari image. Topis are particularly abundant in the Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems, where they participate in seasonal movements alongside the great wildebeest migration. In the Mara, their numbers are substantial, and they often form the backdrop to predator hunts on the open plains. In Southern Africa, the closely related tsessebe is less common and considered one of the rarer large antelopes. Whether you see them sprinting at full speed, sparring on a territorial mound, or simply standing on their trademark termite-mound lookout, topis are charismatic grassland specialists that deserve more attention than they usually get.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Damaliscus lunatus jimela
- Family
- Bovidae
- Diet
- Grazer: primarily fresh green grass, especially leaf blades and shoots
- Social Structure
- Herds of 15-30; territorial males hold mating grounds (leks)
- Top Speed
- 70 km/h
- Lifespan (Wild)
- 15 years
Best Parks to See Topis
Top safari destinations for topi sightings
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
Guaranteed
The Mara holds one of the largest topi populations in Africa. They're everywhere on the open plains, often standing on termite mounds.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania
Very good
Found across the Serengeti, particularly in the western corridor and northern woodlands where they join migration movements.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda
Good
The Ishasha sector and Kasenyi plains have good topi populations. A nice bonus alongside Uganda's famous tree-climbing lions.
Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania
Moderate
Small numbers present on the crater floor. Not the primary destination for topi, but sightings do occur.
Kruger National Park
South-africa
Rare
The southern subspecies (tsessebe) is uncommon in Kruger and considered one of the rarer antelopes. Sightings are special.
Akagera National Park
Rwanda
Moderate
Topi have been reintroduced and the population is growing. A good addition to a Rwanda gorilla trekking itinerary.
Lake Mburo National Park
Uganda
Moderate
Small but viewable topi population on the park's open grasslands.
Best Time to See Topis
Dry Season (East Africa)
July, August, September, October
Short grass makes topis highly visible, and herds concentrate on remaining green patches. This is also peak migration season in the Mara.
Breeding/Lek Season
February, March, April
Males establish lekking territories on termite mounds and compete fiercely for passing females. The displays and fights are entertaining.
Green Season
November, December, January
Fresh grass attracts topi to open plains, and calves are born, bringing increased predator activity nearby.
Physical Characteristics
Male Weight
100-150 kg
Female Weight
75-120 kg
Top Speed
70 km/h
Lifespan
15 years (wild)
Conservation Status
Population
Decreasing76,000 - 100,000
Estimated wild population
Main Threats
- Habitat loss from agriculture and settlement expansion
- Competition with livestock for grazing
- Hunting for bushmeat
- Fencing disrupting seasonal movements
- Drought affecting grassland quality
Viewing Tips
Scan termite mounds on the open plains; topis love standing on them as lookout posts, making them easy to spot
In the Masai Mara, topis are so common that you'll see them on almost every game drive without trying
Watch for territorial males displaying on mounds: standing tall, head held high, sometimes mock-charging rivals
During the breeding season, look for lekking behavior where multiple males display on adjacent mounds
Topis running at full speed are an impressive sight; they're among the fastest antelopes and maintain high speeds over long distances
They often associate with wildebeest and zebra herds, so check the edges of larger groups
Photography Tips
A topi standing on a termite mound against a dramatic sky is one of the classic Mara images; shoot wide to include the landscape
The dark, glossy coat with its distinctive purple shoulder patches photographs best in soft morning or evening light
Sparring males on the lek make for excellent action photography; use a 300-400mm lens with fast shutter speed
Include the surrounding grassland in your composition to convey the topi's open-plains habitat
Backlit shots at golden hour create a beautiful rim-light effect on their sleek coats
A tight head portrait showing the lyre-shaped horns and the topi's characteristic expression is a strong image
Interesting Facts
Topis are one of the fastest antelopes in Africa, capable of sustaining speeds of 70 km/h, which makes them faster than most predators over distance
They use a lek mating system, where males cluster their territories together and females walk through to choose the most impressive male
Males stand on termite mounds not just for vigilance but to advertise their territory. The higher the mound, the more dominant the male.
Topis have been observed 'playing dead' by lying flat on the ground, possibly to avoid harassment from territorial males
The closely related tsessebe of Southern Africa is considered the fastest antelope on the continent by some researchers
Female topis are known to compete with each other for access to the best males on the lek, reversing the typical antelope mating dynamic
Topi calves can stand and run within minutes of birth, a critical adaptation for survival on predator-rich plains
Countries Where Topis Are Found
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a topi and a tsessebe?
The topi and tsessebe are closely related subspecies of Damaliscus lunatus. Topis are found in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), while tsessebe are found in Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe). Tsessebe tend to be slightly lighter in color and less common. Some taxonomists classify them as the same species with regional variation.
Why do topis stand on termite mounds?
Topis stand on termite mounds for two main reasons: vigilance and territorial display. The elevated position gives them a better view of approaching predators. For territorial males, standing on a mound advertises their presence and dominance to rival males and passing females during the breeding season.
Where is the best place to see topis on safari?
The Masai Mara in Kenya is the best destination for topi viewing, with large numbers spread across the open plains. The Serengeti in Tanzania and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda also have good populations. In the Mara, you'll see them on virtually every game drive.
How fast can a topi run?
Topis can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph), making them one of Africa's fastest antelopes. More impressively, they can maintain high speeds over long distances, which means most predators struggle to catch a healthy adult topi in a straight chase across open ground.
Are topis endangered?
Topis are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. While they remain abundant in certain areas (particularly the Masai Mara and Serengeti), overall populations have declined due to habitat loss, competition with livestock, and hunting. The Southern African tsessebe subspecies is rarer and faces more conservation concern.