Everyone has lifetime firsts (first kiss; first job etc.) and every safari-goer has their safari firsts. I had an exceedingly exciting personal first last year when I saw a wild serval here at Londolozi. What makes these moments even more exhilarating is that you just never know when one may come about.
A pangolin – incredibly rare and definitely a ‘first’ that many seasoned safari-goers hope to tick off the list. They are predominantly nocturnal and use burrows or thickets to hide, thus seeing one is always quite a surprise!
This week while trying to find a leopard that had been evading us for about two hours, we stopped a few metres from a herd of impala. Often overlooked in my opinion as they are striking antelope, we were looking the opposite direction listening out for the rasping roars of the elusive leopard. The impala ram controlling the harem behind us made some horrible snorting noises as he chased the females around. I noticed how the morning light was hitting the herd perfectly and got my camera ready to try and capture the antics of the ram.
The sort of picture I was hoping for but didn’t manage to get! A ram chases ewes around, herding them more tightly.
While staring through the viewfinder, missing the shot I was aiming for, something completely unexpected happened. The ewe stopped running away. The ram paused behind her and proceeded to mount her. I held my breath while holding the shutter button down. I was seeing impalas mate, metres away. By the time it had begun it was already over. I suppose the stamina is preserved for the herding rather than the action itself.
The moment of contact. Just as the ewe stopped, it enabled the ram to catch up with her and hop onto his hind legs.
Now, since impala are the most common animal out here, this may seem like an unexciting event. However in all my years visiting the bush, and all the years I have observed impala rutting, never ever have I witnessed impalas mating. I have asked many guides and trackers, most of which have never experienced this either. I have been told rumours that the mating happens at night, hence the reason we never see it. Not this time though… It was in full view.
The copulation itself. This moment lasted about five seconds at the most. If I wasn’t looking through the lens at the time, I would have missed the moment altogether.
Unfortunately for the other two guides though, they were too busy sitting with their backs to the impala. They missed it. Lesson to take away from this: always expect the unexpected and don’t brush off an epic impala sighting.
Wot ? No caracal?
We have never seen Impala mate either. That is definitely something different.
Hahahahaha, interesting this. Wonder where the next first will come from…………..
Pete, what a wonderful blog, you saw two Impala’s Mating🤗, and a Pangolin🤗
Thanks for the reminder Pete! It’s a challenge sometimes to know which way to look when on a game drive. Between the beautiful trees, vegetation, landscapes and wildlife, there is always a “shiny object” to grab your attention! Great shot of the Pangolin too!
We have been on safari 17 times and never have we witnessed impalas mating! Thanks for sharing your special capture!
I agree with you Pete … some of the most special viewings are of the most common things – things that some people just drive past without a second glance. It’s not always the large predators and magnificent elephants that matter, the wonderful birds, the colourful butterflies, the exquisite flowers, the surround- sounds and the tiny insects are also part of the whole bush experience. Paradise on earth. Thank you and all the other rangers for sharing your experiences. It’s made lock-down more bearable knowing that my inbox will have a new story each day – including meditation and lovely recipes. Thank you so much.
The ever-alert Pete strikes again!
I love being in the right place at the right time and seeing something epic! Well done!
Gorgeous impala, thanks! As a child it was one of the first African animal that caught my attention. Have you ever seen an old one? With so many predators around I guess it is almost impossible… Great picture of the pangolin otherwise – common versus elusive creatures
Congratulations, Pete!! Now, for that pangolin…!
I so enjoy how easily you are impressed and amused by the Africa you so love. Please continue and thank you for all your shares.
Wonderful stories and photos!..thanks so much once again… always look forward to them…take care…
Now that was a phenomenal sighting! Just shows one has to pay attention to your surroundings, and not be fixated on one thing, or even more so, be chatting with others….. I’ve seen several species mating but not the impala- maybe next Safari.
the last 2 weeks have been stressful and long as we in the US begin to confront our problems with racism and a president who is only concerned with getting re elected. so altho I have read every post all of which give my day a happy start (except for the loss of the 7 wild dog puppies) and make the day go better. I have loved them all and thank you all for your work and posts!! Victoria
Thanks for today’s Blog Pete! I’m a big fan of Impala and quite happy to sit and watch them, I find them quite ‘photogenic’ 🙂
True how we ignore the common game so much, always intent on the big 5 ! Great shots 🙏🏻❤️
Great post and “expecting the unexpected” I’d great advice in any context!!
never ever have l seen Impala mating.bulls tussling during rut yes many a time l have witnessed. beautiful first✓
Pangolin image is simply stand out gorgeous in every angle.This specie many a guide or nature enthusiastic have not ticked on their list of seen animals. beautiful image
Londolozi is a haven for the most elusive species of southern Africa.