Impala

While lions, elephants, and leopards may steal the spotlight on safari, no journey through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is complete without seeing one of Africa’s most graceful antelopes, the impala.

Commonly found in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and even the Ngorongoro Crater, impalas are known for their agility, elegance, and speed. Often seen in large herds, these reddish-brown antelopes are easily identified by the black “M”-shaped marking on their rumps and the males’ striking lyre-shaped horns.

Impalas are incredibly agile, capable of leaping over 10 meters in a single bound and reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. This helps them escape predators like cheetahs and wild dogs that roam the savannahs and woodlands of the Northern Circuit.

But impalas aren’t just runners, they play a vital role in the ecosystem. They’re selective grazers and browsers, helping maintain balance in vegetation, and they provide a crucial food source for many of the circuit’s top predators.

Fun Fact: Only male impalas have horns, and during the mating season, you’ll often witness intense sparring matches between rivals, a thrilling display of strength and stamina!

Whether they’re leaping through the tall grasses of the Serengeti or gathering at a waterhole in Tarangire, impalas add elegance and energy to every safari.