What is pronking and why do springbok do it?

Pronking (also called "stotting") is a spectacular leaping display where springbok bounce repeatedly into the air with stiff legs, an arched back, and a lowered head, flashing the white fur on their dorsal ridge. Scientists believe it serves to: (1) signal fitness to predators ("I'm too healthy to catch"), (2) alert herd members to danger, or (3) express exuberance and social excitement. Springbok can pronk up to 3.5 metres high.

Where can I see springbok in South Africa?

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape is the premier springbok destination, with herds against the iconic red Kalahari dunes. Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock, the Central Karoo, Bontebok National Park, and the West Coast National Park also offer excellent sightings. Springbok are also commonly seen along roads in the Northern Cape and Free State.

How fast can a springbok run?

Springbok can reach speeds of up to 88 km/h (55 mph), making them one of the fastest land animals in the world — faster than any predator except the cheetah. Their combination of speed, agility, and pronking behaviour makes them extremely difficult to catch. They can also maintain high speeds for longer distances than cheetahs, which tire after 200–300 metres.

Are springbok and gazelle the same thing?

Springbok are a type of gazelle — specifically, they are the only species in the genus Antidorcas. While they share many characteristics with other gazelles (slender build, speed, horns on both sexes), springbok are unique to southern Africa and have distinctive features including their pronking behaviour, the dorsal skin fold that flares open during displays, and the honey-like scent released from their crest glands.

LC • Least ConcernHerbivoresPopulation: Approximately 2–2.5 million across southern Africa

Springbok

Antidorcas marsupialis

South Africa's National Animal

Habitat

Dry savanna, semi-desert, grassland, and open shrubland in southern Africa

Diet

Mixed feeder

Lifespan

7–10 years (wild)

Weight

27–48 kg

About the Springbok

The springbok is South Africa's national animal and an enduring symbol of the nation, lending its name to the country's beloved rugby team, the Springboks. This graceful antelope is famed for its extraordinary "pronking" behaviour — a spectacular display in which it leaps up to 3.5 metres into the air with an arched back and lowered head, flashing the white fur along its dorsal ridge. Scientists debate whether pronking serves to alert predators that the springbok is fit and not worth chasing, or simply as a display of exuberance.

Historically, springbok formed "trekbokken" — migrating herds of millions that moved across the South African landscape in columns stretching as far as the eye could see. While these mega-herds are now a thing of the past, springbok remain abundant across the arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on the South Africa–Botswana border is the premier destination for seeing springbok in their natural semi-desert habitat, often alongside cheetah, lion, and other Kalahari predators.

Habitat & Diet

Habitat

Dry savanna, semi-desert, grassland, and open shrubland in southern Africa

Diet

Mixed feeder — grasses in wet season, browsing shrubs and succulents in dry season

Lifespan

7–10 years (wild)

Weight

27–48 kg

Social Behaviour

Springbok form mixed herds of up to several hundred individuals during the wet season, separating into smaller bachelor and nursery herds in dry months. Males establish territories during the rut, marking with dung middens and preorbital gland secretions. Their famous "pronking" display — leaping repeatedly with stiff legs and arched back — may signal fitness to predators or express excitement.

Population

Approximately 2–2.5 million across southern Africa; abundant in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana

Where to See Springbok on Safari

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Etosha National Park

Central Karoo

Mountain Zebra National Park

Best Time to Visit

Year-round in the Kgalagadi and Karoo. The cooler months (May–August) see more active pronking behaviour. Lambing season (October–November) offers adorable photo opportunities.

Fascinating Facts About Springbok

Springbok can "pronk" up to 3.5 metres into the air — higher than an average doorway

They can reach speeds of 88 km/h, making them one of the fastest land animals

Historical "trekbokken" herds numbered in the millions and took days to pass a single point

The white dorsal crest that flares during pronking releases a sweet, honey-like scent from skin glands

South Africa's national rugby team is named after this iconic antelope

Photography Tips: Capturing the Springbok

1Tip

Pronking shots are the holy grail — use burst mode and a fast shutter speed (1/2000s+) to freeze the leap at its apex

2Tip

The red Kalahari dunes of the Kgalagadi create stunning backdrops for springbok silhouettes

3Tip

Capture herds against vast, minimalist Karoo landscapes for a sense of the wide-open South African interior

4Tip

Close-up portraits showing the delicate facial markings and curved lyre-shaped horns are beautiful

5Tip

Sunset and sunrise shots with pronking or running springbok create dynamic, warm-toned action images

Where to Stay to See Springbok

From R1,200/night

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park — Nossob Camp

Remote Kalahari wilderness where springbok herds share the red dunes with predators like cheetah, lion, and martial eagle.

Northern Cape / Botswana

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From R5,500/night

Samara Private Game Reserve

Karoo heartland reserve where springbok roam the plains alongside cheetah — the only Big Five malaria-free reserve in the Eastern Cape.

Great Karoo, Eastern Cape

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From R1,000/night

Mountain Zebra National Park

A tranquil Karoo park with springbok, Cape mountain zebra, and breath-taking Valley of Desolation views.

Cradock, Eastern Cape

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Enquire About Springbok Safari Lodges

Springbok Conservation

Threats

Habitat conversion for agriculture, particularly in the Karoo
Fencing restricting natural movement patterns
Overgrazing by livestock reducing available habitat
Hybridisation with blesbok in some areas where ranges overlap artificially

Conservation Efforts

Springbok are one of southern Africa's conservation success stories, with populations stable and abundant in protected areas. The expansion of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Karoo national parks has secured critical habitat. Game farming has also contributed to springbok numbers, with private landowners maintaining herds for ecotourism and sustainable use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Springbok

The springbok was chosen as South Africa's national animal because it is endemic to southern Africa, symbolises grace, speed, and agility, and has deep cultural significance. The Springbok rugby team adopted the name in 1906, and the animal became a powerful symbol of national identity. After the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Nelson Mandela famously wore a Springbok jersey, transforming it into a symbol of national unity.