Native to southern Africa, the Kafue lechwe is found in wetlands across Botswana, Zambia, southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, and eastern Angola. It lives in marshy areas and feeds on aquatic plants by wading into water.

Lechwe are known to form large herds, sometimes numbering in the thousands, but more typically, groups consist of 20 to 30 individuals. Their wetland habitat makes them vulnerable to a variety of predators, including land-based predators like lions and hyenas, as well as aquatic threats such as crocodiles and pythons.
To give birth, females leave the herd, and their calves remain hidden in reeds for up to three weeks. However, due to predation and environmental risks, more than half of the young typically do not survive their first few weeks.

Commercial poaching for meat is a significant factor in the decline of lechwe populations. The Kafue lechwe subspecies is considered Endangered because it is restricted to the Kafue Flats in Zambia. This region is affected by seasonal flooding, which is heavily influenced by human activities and water management.

Outside of the breeding season, lechwe generally form separate male-only and female-only herds. Their legs are coated in a water-resistant film, allowing them to run swiftly through knee-deep water. However, they are less agile on dry land compared to other antelope species.

The Kafue lechwe has resided in Fota Wildlife Park since the 1990s, sharing its habitat with European bison. The two species coexist well, and both species are EEP (European Endangered Species Programme) members.