The black wildebeest is typically 1.7 - 2.2 m in head-and-body length, and the typical weight is 110 - 180 kg. Males stand about 1.11 - 1.21 m at the shoulder, while the height of the females is 1.06 - 1.16 m. The black wildebeest is characterised by its white, long, horse-like tail. It also has a dark brown to black coat and long, dark-coloured hair between its forelegs and under its belly.

The black wildebeest is an herbivore, and almost the whole diet consists of grasses. Water is an essential requirement.