Sable Antelope

Swartwitpens · Hippotragus niger

The sable is one of the most striking antelope in Africa. Mature bulls are jet black with a white belly and face, and both sexes carry long, scimitar-shaped horns that sweep back in a beautiful curve. Sable live in small herds in tall woodland and are famously brave, sometimes fighting off lions and even using their horns to defend themselves fiercely.

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How to identify it

The glossy black coat with white belly and long backward-sweeping curved horns separates it from the greyer roan.

Look for its tracks

Large cloven hoof, broad rounded halves; chunky and splayed — bigger and rounder than kudu's.

Where to see it in Kruger

Localised and uncommon, favouring open woodland in the central and northern park, such as around Pretoriuskop.

Did you know

A cornered sable will drop to its knees and swing its long curved horns, and has been known to fight off lions.

Often confused with

Roan Antelope

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