By Callum 
Stuck on the “african antelope” crossword clue? You’re not alone—this is one of the most searched crossword clues on the web, with thousands of solvers looking it up each month. It’s deceptively simple, yet surprisingly tricky. Why? Because there’s not just one answer—there are dozens, depending on the letter count and puzzle context.
Whether you’re filling in a Sunday crossword or racing the clock on a puzzle app, having a reliable reference for this clue can save time and frustration. In this guide, I’ll break down the most common and obscure African antelope names used in crosswords, organized by length and supported with quick facts to help you remember them. No fluff. Just clear answers and helpful context.
Let’s turn that blank space into a win—fast.
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What Does “African Antelope” Usually Refer To?
When crossword creators use the clue “African antelope,” they usually want the name of a specific antelope species that lives in Africa. These animals are known for their speed, horns, and beauty. The trick to solving the clue is knowing which antelopes have names that fit certain letter counts.
Let’s go through some of the most common answers and see what makes each one special.
Eland (5 Letters) on African Antelope Crossword Clue
The eland is the largest type of antelope in Africa. Even though it’s huge, it can jump over 8 feet high! It has twisty horns and a thick neck, and lives in grassy areas. The name “eland” often fits well into crossword puzzles because of its simple spelling.
Impala (6 Letters)
Fast and graceful, the impala is one of the most well-known African antelopes. It’s medium-sized and lives in woodlands and grasslands. Males have curved, lyre-shaped horns, and they can jump more than 30 feet in one leap. The word “impala” is very common in puzzles.
Oryx (4 Letters)
With its long, straight horns and bold markings, the oryx is easy to spot in the wild. It lives in dry deserts and can go for long periods without water. Because “oryx” is short and unusual, it often shows up in crossword puzzles.
Kudu (4 Letters)
Kudus are known for their beautiful spiral horns and white body stripes. They are shy animals that live in forests and bushy areas. Both “greater kudu” and “lesser kudu” are real species, but in puzzles, “kudu” is the usual answer.
Gazelle (7 Letters)
Gazelles are small, fast antelopes with slim bodies and curved horns. They’re built for speed, which helps them escape predators. The name “gazelle” fits longer clue spaces and is a solid guess when the crossword needs a 7-letter answer.
Nyala (5 Letters) on African Antelope Crossword Clue
The nyala is a shy antelope that lives in thick bushes near water. Males have spiral horns and dark coats with white stripes. This antelope’s name is a great fit for puzzles, especially when you’re working with five letters.
Suni (4 Letters)
One of the smallest antelopes, the suni stands only about a foot tall. It lives in dense forests and is super hard to spot. The name “suni” is short and simple—perfect for crossword clues that require just four letters.
Dikdik (6 Letters)
The dikdik gets its name from the sound it makes when alarmed. It’s a tiny antelope with a long nose and big eyes. Dikdiks live in pairs and are very shy. “Dikdik” is fun to say and often appears in word games due to its odd letter pattern.
Topi (4 Letters)
Topis are fast runners with reddish-brown coats. They live in open plains and travel in groups. With a four-letter name and unique spelling, “topi” is a popular crossword entry.
Bongo (5 Letters) on African Antelope Crossword Clue
Bongos are rare antelopes that live in forests. They have bright chestnut coats and bold white stripes. They’re also the largest forest antelopes in the world. Because of its musical name, “bongo” can throw people off in puzzles—but it’s a valid answer!
Addax (5 Letters)
The addax is a desert antelope with long, twisting horns. It’s critically endangered and has adapted well to hot, dry climates. This unusual name often pops up in puzzles as a five-letter solution.
Oribi (5 Letters)
The oribi is a small, graceful antelope found in grasslands. It’s alert, quick, and lives in pairs or small groups. “Oribi” is easy to remember and fits nicely into crossword spaces.
Gemsbok (7 Letters) on African Antelope Crossword Clue
The gemsbok is a type of oryx with long, straight horns and a striking black-and-white face. It’s built for desert life and is known for being very tough. This long name is perfect when your crossword clue needs seven letters.
Springbok (9 Letters)
The springbok is famous for its high leaps, called “pronking.” It’s the national animal of South Africa and is loved for its beauty and grace. It’s a longer answer, but one worth remembering for big puzzles.
Duiker (6 Letters) on African Antelope Crossword Clue
Duikers are small antelopes that dive into bushes when startled—hence the name, which means “diver” in Afrikaans. They’re shy and live alone or in pairs. “Duiker” is a less common but valid entry in some puzzles.
Klipspringer (12 Letters)
This tiny antelope lives in rocky areas and is great at climbing. Its name means “rock jumper” in Afrikaans. While “klipspringer” is a long word, it may appear in extra-challenging puzzles.
Blesbok (7 Letters) on African Antelope Crossword Clue
The blesbok is a grassland antelope with a white face stripe. It’s social and often found in herds. With a simple 7-letter name, “blesbok” works well in many crossword scenarios.
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How to Solve Crossword Clues About African Antelopes
When facing a clue like “african antelope,” look at the number of letters the puzzle needs. If there are any letters already filled in, match them with possible antelope names. Try writing down the options from this guide and checking which one fits best.
Pro Tip: Some puzzles may use alternate clues like “horned African grazer” or “swift savanna animal.” If you see anything similar, the answer might still be one of the antelopes listed above.
Why Knowing These Helps More Than Just Crossword Puzzles
Besides solving puzzles faster, learning about these antelopes can help you in trivia games, school projects, or even travel guides. You’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for Africa’s wildlife. These animals are not just answers in a game—they’re a big part of nature’s story.