Red Lechwe

Overview

The red lechwe is a water-loving antelope of the floodplains and swamps, famous for splashing through shallow water at speed. Hunted on the great floodplains of south-central Africa, it is a beautiful, specialized plains-game trophy tied entirely to water.

Identification & Appearance

Lechwe are bright reddish-gold with white underparts, long legs, and long, gently lyre-shaped ridged horns on the rams. Their hindquarters are higher than their shoulders, built for running through water.

Range & Habitat

They occupy seasonal floodplains, marshes and swamp edges in Botswana, Zambia and Namibia, always in or near shallow water.

Behavior & Sign

Lechwe wade and run through shallow water to escape, gathering in large herds on the floodplains. Sign includes tracks and grazing along the water's edge and splashed trails.

Hunting Seasons & Timing

Hunted in the dry season when floodplains are accessible and herds concentrate on the remaining water.

Hunting Methods

Spot-and-stalk across floodplains, often ending in a longer shot as the wary herd runs to water; some hunting is done from a vehicle or boat where permitted.

Gear & Optics

A flat-shooting .270 to .30 caliber with premium bullets and good glass suits the open floodplain shots.

Shot Placement & Field Care

Broadside lung shot on the shoulder; plan for a recovery in wet ground. The golden cape and lyre horns make a fine mount.

Meat & Eating Quality

Lechwe venison is good, used in camp on floodplain hunts.

Common Mistakes

Misjudging distance across open water and letting a wounded animal reach deep water.

Regulations & Conservation

Hunted under strict quotas on managed floodplains that support their conservation. Confirm CITES and import rules. This is a reading guide, not legal advice.

FAQ

Why the higher rump? It powers their running leap through shallow water.

Where are they hunted? The great floodplains of Botswana and Zambia.