Steenbuck inhabit open savannah country where they are reliant on adequate cover in the form of taller grass and clumps of bushes. Steenbuck are rarely seen in forests, mountains, dense woodlands and rocky areas. At times they will take refuge in ant-bear holes, and use these to bear their young. 

This fleet footed antelope is exclusively a browser, and shows a preference for forbs. Steenbuck are generally highly selective for green material such as young leaves, flowers, fruits and shoot tips of various plants. Their ability to exist independently of free water is directly related to their selective browsing habits.