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Sable Antelope

South Africa’s status as a premier holiday destination has been cemented in recent years with many foreigners looking for the perfect African getaway. Blessed with stunning natural beautiful and a wide array of plant life and wildlife, a trip to the Republic is filled with adventure and exhilaration.

Amongst South Africa’s most sought-after tourist hot spots is the legendary Kruger National Park, located in the Mpumalanga province. The Kruger Park is one of the world’s most famous nature reserves and is home to a kaleidoscope of animals; while it boasts unparalleled Big 5 game viewing, visitors can also look forward to marveling at a plethora of animals from different backgrounds. One such animal is the Sable Antelope who is considered to be one of the more attractive species of the antelope family. The males sport a black glossy fur coat, with a white underbelly and white facial marks, while their horns can be fairly long, with lengths reaching nearly 1.2m in some cases. The tips of the horns are pointed and have a smooth texture. Those wanting a closer look at the Sable will likely find them in the early mornings and during the late afternoons, or drinking water around midday. The Sable Antelope’s preferred habitats are moist vlei areas or open savannahs as their diet consists mainly of various grasses; the antelope also chews on bones and carcasses left in the field as it compensates for any phosphorous deficiencies in their diets. Visitors to the Kruger Park will notice that the Sable Antelope is a very gregarious animal and is almost always likely grazing the park’s grasses within a herd; herd sizes are variable and consist of a dominant bull along with 10-20 females, while other males form separate groups of their own. The Sable Antelope is a much loved member of the Kruger Park animal kingdom and visitors on tour will not be disappointed with the experience of seeing them in action.