Impala

The Impala: Africa’s 55 MPH Acrobat and the "M" Brand

Getting to Know the Impala

This stately antelope (Aepyceros melampus) is a perennial crowd-favorite on any game drive. With a glossy coat of cinnamon and cream set against a bright white belly, the Impala is as elegant as it is athletic.

The "M" Brand

God has given the impala some very specific “branding.” Black hairs ring the eyes and tip the ears, head, and feet. Most famously, they sport a distinctive black “M”-shape on their buttocks.

In the guide world, there is a running joke about that marking:

"Mmmmmm," say the carnivores! It’s the “M” for Mmm-pala—the most common “fast food” on the plains. (Get it? Fast food? Ha!)

Speed and Agility

However, catching an impala is no easy task. They are masters of evasion, utilizing a combination of raw speed and high-stakes acrobatics:

  • Sprinting: They can reach speeds upwards of 55 mph.

  • Agility: They are famous for cutting sharply mid-run to lose a predator.

  • Leaping: An impala can leap 10 feet high and cover a staggering 30 feet forward in a single bound.

A Symbiotic Friendship

In the shot above, you'll notice two oxpeckers resting on this female. This is a classic example of mutualism in the wild; these birds provide a "cleaning service" by picking at parasites and ticks, while the impala provides a steady food source for the birds.

See the Impala in the Wild

While they are common, watching a herd of impalas “pronking” (leaping) across the grasslands never gets old. Join us as we explore the heart of Tanzania and Kenya.

  • 2026 Safari Dates: Limited seats are still available for our February and June expeditions.

  • 2027 Planning: We are currently accepting early inquiries for our return to the Serengeti. Email us here for more information.

For a clearer view to the “M” brand on the impala, see our post: Start with the Impala to Find the "Very Good" in the Serengeti.

Start with the Impala to Find the “Very Good” in the Serengeti

A graceful Common Impala (Aepyceros melampus) standing in the golden grass of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Note the distinctive black hair marking on the flanks, tail, and wrists.

"God eyed all that he had made and (just look!) it was very good" (Gen 1:31).

For those who take this statement to heart, every day is Earth Day. As stewards of this planet, believers have every reason to be the greenest people on Earth, honoring the craftsmanship of the Creator through "Creation Care."

There is no better place to see this "goodness" firsthand than the vast plains of the Serengeti. Pictured here is the Common Impala (Aepyceros melampus), a graceful, mid-sized antelope that embodies the beauty of the wild. To see these creatures in person is to look at the world with new eyes—and a renewed commitment to protecting it.

Ready to witness it yourself? Come to Tanzania and experience the splendor of creation. Email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com for expedition details and booking info.

For more on the impala, see our post The Impala: Africa’s 55 MPH Acrobat and the "M" Brand.

The Antelope with Scented Ankles: Meet the Agile Impala

An impala ram stands in the rain.

Built to perform

It is hard to imagine a more elegant and agile creature than the common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus). As a standout of East Africa wildlife, these animals are built for performance. Their long, powerful legs allow them to sprint up to 55 mph, jump over obstacles more than ten feet high, and leap a staggering distance of 33 feet in a single bound.

How to Identify an Impala in the Wild

We often encounter groups of these gregarious creatures while on safari. You can easily identify this African antelope by its:

  • Size: Medium-sized build, perfect for agility

  • Coat: A distinctive, glossy reddish-brown (cinnamon) coat.

  • Horns: Slender, lyre-shaped horns found on the males.

  • The "M" Mark: Look at the hindquarters—the black markings on the rump clearly form the letter "M." Don't blink, or you'll miss the iMpala!

The Secret of the "Cheese Chase"

One of the most unique impala facts involves their "ankles" (metatarsals). The impala is the only member of the antelope family to possess scent glands in this location. Researchers believe these glands allow them to leave a “chemical trail” for the herd to follow during a high-speed chase. The most surprising part? That trail is said to have the distinct smell of cheese. A “cheese chase” in the heart of the savanna? Absolutely!

A group of female impalas gather in the brush.

To read more about the impala—and to see the unique “M” mark on its flank, see our post: Start with the Impala to Find the “Very Good” in the Serengeti.