The Impala

The Impala

By far the most abundant animal, while on safari in South Africa, was the impala.  The Impala is a type of Antelope.  The name impala comes from the Zulu language meaning "gazelle".  


Our guide pointed out that they call the Impala "McDonalds" for two reasons.  One, the black markings on its rear resemble an M (examples can be seen in the 3rd and last image) and two, they are the fast food of the African wildlife.  Impalas are quite often prey to the other animals they share the savanna with.  


I actually got to witness a Leopard kill an impala (a very rare thing).  You can see that here.

Impalas usually spend their time in large herds of up to 200.  We always encountered them in herds.  Here are a few at a water hole.

One of the remarkable things about Impalas was their jumping display when we got too close to them.  Quite often as we drove by them on the side of the road they would get spooked and leap away from us.  These leaps were very dramatic though.  They would buck and jump at great height as we passed - reminded me of  the bulls in the PBR as the cowboys attempted their 8 seconds on their backs.  They can leap distances of 33 feet and as high as 9 feet.  The bucking is done in an attempt to confuse predators.

We also came across a couple of males mid-fight; a ferocious fight.  Charging and locking horns in violent collisions.  Unfortunately we scared them into peace before I could get a shot.