Species profile
About this species
The Spring Hare is a large nocturnal rodent found across sub-Saharan Africa, resembling a small kangaroo with its powerful hind legs & long tail. Despite its common name, it is not a true hare but belongs to its own family, Pedetidae. It uses its strong hind limbs to leap considerable distances when fleeing predators, making it a distinctive & fascinating subject for wildlife photographers.
Spring Hares favour open, arid & semi-arid grasslands, sandy savannas, & lightly wooded areas with loose, sandy soils suitable for burrowing. They are commonly found in regions with short grass & sparse vegetation across southern & eastern Africa.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Spring Hare with us in Kenya.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Spring Hares are strictly nocturnal, so the best time to photograph them is after dusk & before dawn, particularly on moonless nights when they are most active. The dry season - roughly May to October in southern Africa - offers clearer nights & more predictable sightings near water sources & short-grass areas.
Use a red-filtered torch or low-intensity lamp to locate & observe Spring Hares without startling them, as their eyes reflect brightly at night. Set your camera to a high ISO with a wide aperture to capture sharp images in low-light conditions, pairing it with a fast shutter speed to freeze their sudden movements. Position yourself downwind & remain still near active burrow entrances to anticipate emerging individuals & capture natural behaviour.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Spring Hare
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.