Mammal

Waterbuck Sightings

Kobus ellipsiprymnus

Least ConcernPrey speciesSeen in 3 parks

Want to know where and when to find Waterbuck right now? opspoor tracks live, verified sightings across South Africa's parks.

About the Waterbuck

The waterbuck is a large African antelope recognised by its shaggy brown-grey coat, prominent white ring around the rump and, in males, long curved horns. It is strongly associated with habitats close to permanent water, including woodland, savanna, riverine areas and floodplains. Waterbuck are primarily grazers, feeding mainly on grasses and other vegetation. They are social, with females and young commonly forming herds while adult males may be solitary or territorial.

How to identify the Waterbuck

Large, heavy antelope with a shaggy grey-brown coat, white throat and distinctive white rump and tail. Males have long, ridged horns that curve backwards and upwards; females are hornless.

Did you know?

Waterbuck have distinctive oily skin secretions that may help repel water, an adaptation associated with their preference for habitats close to rivers, lakes and wetlands.

Also known as: Waterbok, Water Buck

Parks where you can see the Waterbuck

Recent Waterbuck sightings

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Planning a South Africa safari? opspoor tracks real, verified wildlife sightings like these across the country's parks — logged by people on the ground, not guesswork. It all works with zero signal, too, so a dead zone deep in the bush never costs you a sighting.