Waterbucks also associate freely with impala and other antelope. Common Waterbucks are found in woodland and savanna habitats, but always near permanent water. They are widely distributed in Africa South of the Sahara, particularly in the east and southeast. They prefer to eat plant species that impalas and other grazing mammals to not like. They require large quantities of water.
Males are highly polygamous and defend the harems of cows in their territories against other bulls.
Single births are the norm for Common Waterbucks, after a 7-8 month gestation. Waterbucks live up to 15 years of age in captivity.