Some weigh up to a ton and measure six feet tall. As large as they are, they can still jump six feet in the air. They can be distinguished by their tufted dewlap hanging down from the neck. The greater kudu weighs around 600 pounds and is distinguished by its long spiral horns, over four feet long. Kudus have excellent hearing with ears that can turn in any direction.
Long hair grows on their front from the throat down to the chest.
They have six to eight white stripes on the flanks over a gray background. The lesser kudu is a smaller version with up to fifteen stripes, and lacks the hair on its throat seen on greater kudus. Waterbucks also have long horns over two feet with a glossy brown coat. Usually seen in small herds, a single bull may be accompanied by several cows and calves. They are identified easily by the strong musky smell they give off.