The name impala comes from the Zulu word meaning gazelle. This graceful antelope is found in abundance at Kudu Ridge Game Lodge and the nearby Addo Elephant National Park.
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Top Impala Facts
The impala is a medium-sized African antelope. The males are known as rams while females are referred to as ewes and have no horns. A male impala weighs between 40 and 75 kgs and female between 30 and 50kgs.
Male impalas produce a scent from a gland on their foreheads to advertise their status to rivals. When a male loses his rank he produces less scent. Males will fight for status and territory throughout the mating season using their antlers as weapons.
Most young impala are born around midday as this is the safest time to give birth since most of their predators are resting. Mothers can delay giving birth for a month if the weather conditions are harsh, such as during the wet season. The sex ratio among impala is weighed in favour of the female, with twice as many females born each year.
The impala is rarely seen on its own. Females and young animals form herds of up to 100 individuals, while males live in a bachelor group of about 60 animals. They occupy a large range and make seasonal migrations from high to lower ground according to the availability of suitable food.
Like other antelope, impala are constantly alert to danger and have extremely acute hearing, sight and smell. Impalas can release a scent from their glands on their heels that may help them stay together. The scent is released by performing a high kick of their hind legs.
Read more about the other game found in and around Kudu Ridge Game Lodge.
