Where to see Sable antelope in South Africa
The sable is one of Africa’s most handsome antelope and renowned for its combative nature, able even to face down lions. Shy, and restricted in range, sightings of this species are always special.
Quick facts about Sable antelope
| Scientific name: | Hippotragus niger | Habitat: | Savannah woodland |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Least Concern | Adult weight: | 220–235kg |
The sable belongs to the ‘horse-like’ antelope tribe (Hippotraginae), along with oryx and the slightly larger roan. Scientists recognise four subspecies, among which the giant sable of Angola is Critically Endangered.
Adult males are a striking glossy black, with a white belly and badger-like white face stripes. Their majestic profile is accentuated by a powerful neck and long, backward-arching horns. Females and young are slimmer and chestnut-brown, with shorter horns.
Small herds of females and young, accompanied by a single bull, frequent moist savanna woodland, where they both browse and graze. Males defend the herd against predators, going down on their knees to strike sweeping blows with their horns. They are known to have killed lions.
165cm
Record horn length (male)
3 years
Age at which young male leaves natal herd
11
Range countries
50–60,000
Estimated population (IUCN, 2017)
The top camps for seeing sable antelope in South Africa
Based on 2 reports by our travellers since Jun 2018, visitors at these camps in South Africa have the best chances of sighting sable antelope.
Best chances to see
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Where to see sable in Africa
Sable range from south-eastern Kenya to northern South Africa. Always quick to retreat from disturbance, they are among more prized antelope sightings on safari.
Top tips for viewing sable
Sable are never easy to find. The largest populations occur in the miombo and mopane woodland belts of southern Tanzania, western Zambia and northern Zimbabwe and Botswana. Top spots include Nyerere National Park / Selous (Tanzania), Hwange and Matobos (Zimbabwe), Moremi (Botswana) and Liwonde (Malawi), while a small herd in Kenya’s Shimba Hills National Reserve also offer reliable viewing.
Like roan, their close cousins, sable seldom linger in the open, but their daily visits to water offer an opportunity to observe the herd, with youngsters shepherded carefully among the adults. Be content to watch from a distance, as the noise of vehicles will often send them retreating towards cover. Lone bulls may be confident enough to allow a closer approach.
Our best South Africa holidays for sable antelope sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for South Africa safaris are likely to give the best sable antelope sightings
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.
US$3,330 - US$4,290 per person
Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.
US$12,240 - US$18,030 per person
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$14,360 - US$19,690 per person
More information about sable antelope in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about sable antelope in other countries, including the places for sighting sable antelope.
