Sable

(Hippotragus niger)

Sable
 

Shoulder height:

±135cm / 53in

Weight:

180-270kg / 360-550lbs

Food:

Mostly grass, but will eat leaves in the dry season

Habitat:

Open savannas with tall grass

Social behaviour:

Generally in small herds of 10-12 individuals

Active:

Early morning and late afternoon

Sightings:

Very rare


Sable antelopes are extremely beautiful with their contrasting black and white colouration and impressive scimitar horns. They are very rare in the Kruger National Park , but, if you know where to look, you will certainly increase your chances substantially, since they are also  very habitat specific.


Back to main mammals page


How to find sables in the Kruger National Park:

Stay at these camps:
Pretoriuskop
Skukuza

Drive these roads:
S36 gravel road (south)
H1-2 tar road
H3 tar road
Any road around Pretoriuskop

Top tips:
The roads around Pretoriuskop are some of the best for Sable; try the S14 Fayi Loop.

The area where the S36 and the H1-2 meet, near Jones Dam, is one of the best for sable in the whole park!

Remember to record your sable sightings in the rare antelope books found at reception of most camps.



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