Sable Antelope
Hippotragus niger
The most magnificent antelope in Africa — jet-black males with sweeping scimitar horns
Habitat
Miombo woodlands, grassland-woodland mosaic, and vlei areas
Diet
Medium to tall grasses, supplemented with leaves and herbs
Lifespan
15–17 years
Weight
Males: 230–270 kg, Females: 190–230 kg
About the Sable Antelope
The sable antelope is widely considered the most beautiful antelope in Africa. Adult males are jet-black with contrasting white facial markings and a white belly, crowned by magnificent backward-curving scimitar horns that can reach 1.6 metres in length. Females are chestnut-brown. Sable are found in miombo woodland savanna across southern and East Africa, with the rarest subspecies — the giant sable — found only in Angola. They are aggressive fighters and have been known to kill lions with their formidable horns when cornered.
Habitat & Diet
Habitat
Miombo woodlands, grassland-woodland mosaic, and vlei areas
Diet
Medium to tall grasses, supplemented with leaves and herbs
Lifespan
15–17 years
Weight
Males: 230–270 kg, Females: 190–230 kg
Best Viewing Locations
- Hwange National Park
- Chobe
- Kruger (rare)
- Okavango Delta fringe
Fascinating Facts About Sable Antelope
Male sable horns can reach 1.6 metres — the longest of any African antelope
Sable have killed lions with their horns when defending themselves
Males turn jet-black with age — young males are brown like females
The giant sable of Angola is one of the rarest antelopes on Earth with fewer than 200 remaining
Their name comes from the heraldic term "sable" meaning black
Safari Packages to See Sable Antelope
Multi-day, all-inclusive safari packages that include the best sable antelope viewing destinations.
Coast to Delta — Cape Town, Kruger, Vic Falls & Okavango Expedition
Cape Town, Sabi Sands
From $8,990
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
Classic Kruger & Sabi Sands Fly-In Safari — Big Five Guaranteed
Johannesburg, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
From $3,490
Ready to See Sable Antelope in the Wild?
Our expert safari consultants will craft your perfect sable antelope encounter — from choosing the ideal reserve to selecting the best season and lodge.
Plan Your Sable Antelope Safari
Safari Experiences
Big Five game drives, walking safaris & more
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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