Their beauty is staggering. This elegant antelope has a compact body consisting of a short, stout neck and a long, narrow face. Their appearance differs dramatically from other antelope due to their rich brown coat with a purplish iridescent luster, extraordinary white face, white tail, white belly and white feet that resemble socks.

Bontebok are herbivores and their diet consists of various short grasses and plants. They are considered to be diurnal grazers, which means they will graze during the morning and evening and rest during the heat of the day.

This species is primarily diurnal and can be observed standing in groups with heads held low, facing the sun. They also spend a good portion of the afternoon seeking shade and shelter during the hottest part of the day. When water is available, they will drink at least once a day; however, they can go several days without water.

Bontebok communicate similar to other antelope species by grunting and snorting. They use their distinct markings to communicate with other members of the herd and they also have scent glands on their hind feet used for marking territory.