Sable are gregarious and herds of 20 to 30 are common, with larger temporary aggregations of up to about 200.

Only the bulls display the shiny black coat, while the female of the species and young display a dark reddish brown. Belly and facial markings are of pure white in vivid contrast to the rest of his body. A bit smaller and more slender than his brother the roan, he is nonetheless one of the most majestic of the antelope species. Younger females are chestnut in colour with thinner and shorter horns. Adult males stand about 53 inches at the shoulder with a mass of between 397lbs - 595lbs, females tend to be more slender.

While both sexes carry horns, the horns of the sable bull are exceptional and the longest of any African antelope, excepting the kudu, measuring up to 53 inches. Hunting Sable is best during the early morning hours and late afternoon when he grazes in or near the open grasslands. The Sable bull is a proud animal and always appears to remain at a distance.