African Hunting The Black Impala

Impala hunting in South Africa is almost like a rite of passage and is often included as a target species on African plains game hunting safaris. The black impala is a color variant of the common impala and has been bred on South African game farms by employing selective breeding methods.

There are three impala color variants:

• Black impala
• White-flanked impala
• Saddle-back impala

Impala hunting in South Africa is a popular pastime, with the impala usually one of the first antelope hunters target on an African plains game hunt. While they are seen as a good challenge for a novice hunter, seasoned hunters also hunt this striking antelope with its beautiful horns. 

While impala hunting is prevalent throughout South Africa, these color variants are best targeted in the Limpopo province. The conservation status of the impala is listed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as least concern.

Impalas are water-dependent antelope that need to drink daily, and they prefer habitats with a good water supply, as well as good grazing, with a selection of leaves and shrubs. They thrive in habitats of woodlands with some trees, grasslands, and savannas with these regions allowing them the opportunity to hide from predators such as cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and leopards.