The Pocket Rocket of the Bushveld

The Steenbok is proof that great things come in small, springy packages. Standing just 45–60 cm at the shoulder, this dainty antelope may look cute—but underestimate it, and you’ll never even see the dust trail it leaves behind.

With its golden-fawn coat, crisp white belly, and big, dark eyes outlined by a white ring, the Steenbok has that permanently alert expression that says, “I heard you coming ten minutes ago.” Males sport short, straight horns, while females go hornless but no less fierce.

Steenboks are solitary survivalists, claiming their own patch of bush and living low-profile lives. They rest in the shade during the heat, feed during cooler hours, and turn into zigzagging bullets when startled. If needed, they’ll even duck into abandoned aardvark burrows for cover—because yes, they think that far ahead.

Unlike bigger antelope, they don’t herd, and they don’t share. Steenboks prefer their independence and rarely tolerate close neighbours. Their diet includes leaves, fruits, shoots, and roots—and they rarely need to drink, getting moisture from their food.

Shy? Yes. But fragile? Never. The Steenbok is all edge, all instinct, and all-in on staying wild.