Impala
Aepyceros melampus
The impala is the ultimate savanna acrobat, famous for its gravity-defying leaps and elegant lyre-shaped horns. A master of adaptation, this social antelope thrives where grass and woodland meet.
Quick Identification
Size
Shoulder height: 70–92 cm (28–36 in); Weight: 40–65 kg (88–143 lb)
Colors
Glossy reddish-brown coat with tan flanks and a white underbelly; distinctive black vertical stripes on the tail and thighs.
Key Features
- Slender, lyre-shaped horns on males up to 92 cm long
- Black 'M' marking on the rump
- Scent glands covered by tufts of black hair on the back of the hind legs
- Large, alert ears and dark, liquid eyes
When You’ll See Them
Sightings on EverydayEarth
Jun 4, 2026
An African Elephant stands prominently in the center of the frame, facing the camera and occasionally moving its trunk. In the foreground, two impalas are visible; one on the left is actively grazing, while the rear of another is seen on the right. The animals are gathered in an open, grassy area with a wooded hillside in the background.
Jun 4, 2026
A female Impala stands alert among the dry brush and green foreground leaves. She turns her head to survey the area before moving slightly further into the woodland thicket.
Jun 3, 2026
A peaceful morning at the Tau waterhole where a herd of African Savanna Elephants is scattered across the landscape, grazing on the lush grass and slowly moving toward the water. In the background to the right, a group of Impalas is also seen grazing calmly. The scene is illuminated by low-angled sunlight casting long shadows across the green terrain.
Jun 3, 2026
A busy morning at the waterhole features an African Savanna Elephant approaching from the left. In the center and right of the frame, two White Rhinoceroses are seen grazing in the lush grass alongside a small herd of Impalas scattered across the field.
Jun 3, 2026
An African Elephant and an Impala are seen grazing together in an open, grassy clearing. The elephant uses its trunk to pull up vegetation while flicking its tail, and the impala moves slowly through the foreground, keeping its head down to feed.
Jun 3, 2026
Three impala are seen grazing in a vibrant field of yellow wildflowers. They move slowly through the meadow, lowering their heads to feed on the vegetation under the bright morning sun.
Geographic range
Where Does the Impala Live?
The impala is a quintessential resident of Eastern and Southern Africa, spanning a wide arc from Kenya and Uganda down through Tanzania, Zambia, and into South Africa. They are incredibly common in core conservation areas like the Serengeti and the Kruger National Park, though the unique black-faced subspecies is restricted to the arid border regions of Namibia and Angola. Unlike many migratory species, impala are generally sedentary, remaining in the same general territory as long as water is available.
Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recorded on EverydayEarth
Behavior
Impala are highly social animals that live in organized herds. Their social structure changes with the seasons; during the wet months, dominant males defend large territories to secure breeding rights with female herds, while other males form bachelor groups. During the dry season, these groups often merge into massive aggregate herds to better locate dwindling food and water sources.
Known as the 'athletes of the savanna,' impala are famous for their incredible leaping ability. When startled, they can leap over 3 meters (10 feet) into the air and cover distances of 10 meters (33 feet) in a single bound. This behavior, known as 'stotting' or 'pronking,' is thought to confuse predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs while signaling the impala's high fitness level.
EverydayEarth exclusive
Camera Tips
To capture high-quality footage of impala, position your camera near a permanent water source or a well-used game trail. Impala are water-dependent and usually drink at least once a day, typically during the heat of the afternoon when predators are less active. Set your camera at a height of approximately 1 meter (3-4 feet) to ensure you capture the full body profile, including the distinctive black markings on their hind legs and the impressive horns of the males.
Because impala are incredibly fast and prone to sudden, explosive movements, a camera with a fast trigger speed (0.3 seconds or faster) is essential. If you are using video mode, set a high frame rate to capture their graceful leaps without motion blur. Impala are also very vocal; setting your camera to record audio can help you capture the loud, snorting 'alarms' they give when they sense a predator nearby.
During the rutting season, which usually peaks around May, look for open 'leks' or clearings where males engage in territorial displays. This is the best time to capture dramatic social interactions, including horn-clashing and 'roaring' displays. Using a 'no-glow' or 'black' infrared flash is recommended, as these antelopes are highly alert and may be spooked by the faint red glow of standard IR LEDs, potentially ruining the natural behavior you want to document.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Impala.
Frequently Asked Questions
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