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Barry Bath

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Barry grew up in Johannesburg and knew from a young age that he had a true love for the African bush yet it was only after spending several years in the corporate world in Europe, followed by a two year sabbatical of traveling ...

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12 Comments

on The Indomitable Impala: Why They Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

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Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

Well Barry, you hit the nail on the head with this blog. It is so true that seeing dozens, or perhaps a hundred or two of Impala in the course of a game drive can become somewhat monotonous, especially if they are simply browsing. But, on a drive in November a few years ago , I witnessed the birth of an Impala lamb and watched as it struggled to its feet, it’s mother waiting patiently, and my mind changed about this beautiful animal completely. Thereafter watching them leap, as balletic as well-trained dancers, is mesmerizing. Their snorting, when the scent of a predator passes their nostrils can be almost comical, but also is a sign of what could happen if a big cat is nearby. So thank you Barry for reminding us that each animal is an important part of the total safari experience.

Valmai Vorster
Master Tracker

Hi Barry, your story on the impala’s is something to take note of. It is true, even riding in your car in the Kruger you tend to ride past the impala herd. But just takeca look closer at those enormous eyes and beautiful coloring of their skin, makes you look a few times longer at them. We have impala’s here on the reserve where we stay, they feed a few meters from my house and walk in between the houses with such grace and dominance. I love them and I loved it when they come and eat their lusern, pellets and block, that we put out for them

William Paynter
Master Tracker

Barry, thank you for the information on the impalas. They are a case of volume vs uniqueness for sure.

Hayley Myburgh
Digital Ranger

Such a lovely read, thank you Barry. I always enjoy watching Impala, such beautiful antelopes.

Vin Beni
Guest contributor

Intersting insight into the most common species. One incredible evening, we were rushing back to camp in the midst of a rainstorm. An extremely large herd of impala rushed alongside us and kept us company for a short period.

Francesca Doria
Master Tracker

Such a lovely blog Barry! I have searched for deeper info and documentaries on impala for years but it’s not so easy, they are underrated by documentarists. I watched one about African trees and there were impala among the most important guests and dispersers of seeds. Another one was really cute, about the life of an impala ram from his birth to his adulthood, it kept me on the edge with so many predators around! The are so beautiful animals and must have their hidden sides still to be discovered!

Christa Blessing
Master Tracker

Great article on Impalas, Barry

Tricia Ball
Explorer

Every time I read a blog post, I want to come back to Londolozi. Great article, Barry Bath. Next safari, I’ll view the impala in a new light. Not just #AFI.

Leonie De Young
Master Tracker

Nice blog Barry. Love their ears, but guess most times they save them from being dinner. Thanks for sharing.

Paul Canales
Master Tracker

I love this post Barry! Such a fascinating subject, and a wonderful gleaning of interesting factoids on your part. I particularly enjoyed the different strategies the Impala use to deter predators, and especially the African wild dogs!!

Kara Taylor
Master Tracker

Great blog post. Time should be taken to savour each moment and animal, but all too quickly we can get lost in seeing what is next. Perhaps an Impala can be the am ambassador of being in the moment.

Gay Walker
Explorer

Nothing prettier than a group of impala females standing looking at you with their lovely markings and ears. Just beautiful.

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