Sable - Hippotragus niger

Sable may be identified by their sloping backs, black colouring, white rump, belly and face and very long recurved horns. Best viewing in Botswana is in the Chobe National Park, especially along the river in late winter and in Moremi. Sable are most active during the cool parts of the day and usually spend the heat of the day resting in shade or going to water to drink. They need to drink regularly and so are always shighted within reach of water. During late winter they come down to the Chobe river to drink and sightings of four or five groups of these shy animals are not uncommon. The Okavango and Moremi also boast sable populations, although curiously they are not found on Chief's Island.