They prefer grassy plains for grazing but are also found in lightly treed savannah or hills. The hartebeest feeds exclusively on grass, and usually drinks twice daily although it can go for months without water if necessary. They are social beasts and often intermingle with animals such as zebras and wildebeest. Their behavior is not unlike the wildebeest's, particularly the head tossing and shaking. Sexual maturity is reached at around 2 years and calving goes on throughout the year.
Predators are mainly the large cats hyenas and hunting dogs.