Planning a trip to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? Download opspoor to see recent sightings in the park and log your own.
Your chances of seeing Black Wildebeest in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Easy to see. Hard to miss. Most drives in Rietvlei Nature Reserve turn up Black Wildebeest.
When to see Black Wildebeest in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Black Wildebeest are most active during the day (06:00 to 18:00).
This is Black Wildebeest's general behavior. Once enough sightings are logged in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, this page also shows when they're actually seen here.
Where to look for Black Wildebeest in Rietvlei Nature Reserve: best roads and waterholes
Drive
Acacia Route, Vleiroete Road and Main Road run through open grassland: good country for Black Wildebeest.
- Acacia Route7.4 km · open grassland
- Vleiroete Road5.7 km · open grassland
- Main Road4.6 km · open grassland
Picked from habitat, not from sightings. opspoor shows where Black Wildebeest have actually been seen recently.
Wait at water
Black Wildebeest are drawn to water, especially in the dry season (May to October), so waiting at a waterhole is one of the best ways to see them.
About the Black Wildebeest
The black wildebeest is a large antelope endemic to southern Africa, recognised by its dark brown to black coat, long horse-like tail, shaggy mane and distinctive curved horns. It is primarily a grazer and feeds mainly on grasses. Black wildebeest are social and commonly occur in herds, with group sizes increasing where food and water are abundant. They are strongly associated with open grassland and savanna and are capable of long seasonal movements in search of resources.
How to identify the Black Wildebeest
Large, dark antelope with a distinctive black to dark brown coat, long dark mane, white tail and curved horns in both sexes. The head is relatively long and the shoulders are higher than the hindquarters.
Other species to look for in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Heading to Rietvlei Nature Reserve? opspoor shows where Black Wildebeest have been logged recently and lets you log your own, even with no signal.