Red Lechwe
Kobus leche
The Okavango's graceful water antelope — splashing through floodplains in golden herds
Habitat
Floodplains, marshes, and shallow wetlands
Diet
Semi-aquatic grasses and water plants
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
Males: 90–120 kg, Females: 60–80 kg
About the Red Lechwe
The red lechwe is a semi-aquatic antelope perfectly adapted to the floodplains and swamps of the Okavango Delta and other wetland systems. Their elongated, splayed hooves act like snowshoes in shallow water, allowing them to run and bound through flooded grasslands with remarkable speed and agility. When threatened by wild dogs or lions, lechwe flee into deeper water where predators cannot follow. Large herds of hundreds of lechwe splashing through golden floodwater at sunset is one of the Okavango Delta's most iconic photographic scenes.
Habitat & Diet
Habitat
Floodplains, marshes, and shallow wetlands — primarily the Okavango Delta and Bangweulu Swamps
Diet
Semi-aquatic grasses and water plants
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
Males: 90–120 kg, Females: 60–80 kg
Best Viewing Locations
- Okavango Delta
- Bangweulu Wetlands (Zambia)
- Kafue National Park
Fascinating Facts About Red Lechwe
Lechwe hooves are elongated and splayed to spread weight in muddy, waterlogged terrain
They can run through knee-deep water at 50 km/h — faster than most predators can swim
Males form lek breeding systems where they compete for small territories to attract females
When alarmed, herds bound through water in spectacular leaping displays
The Okavango Delta holds the largest population of red lechwe in Africa
Safari Packages to See Red Lechwe
Multi-day, all-inclusive safari packages that include the best red lechwe viewing destinations.
Luxury Botswana — Okavango Delta, Chobe & Victoria Falls Fly-In
Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park
From $8,990
Botswana Delta & Victoria Falls Honeymoon — Wilderness & Wonder
Okavango Delta, Chobe
From $8,997
Coast to Delta — Cape Town, Kruger, Vic Falls & Okavango Expedition
Cape Town, Sabi Sands
From $8,990
Ready to See Red Lechwe in the Wild?
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Plan Your Red Lechwe Safari
Safari Experiences
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Safari Lodges
Luxury accommodation in prime wildlife areas
Destinations
Kruger, Sabi Sands, Masai Mara & beyond
Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip around peak wildlife seasons
Safari Costs
Honest pricing guide for every budget
Conservation
How your safari protects African wildlife
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