The next of the beautiful five is the impala - one of the many types of antelope in Kenya. Impalas have unique black striping on the hind legs and ringed, twisted horns (well, the males only). The herds of impala, as with all types of antelope are plentiful on the African savanna!Image
It was neat to identify which antelopes we were viewing based on their horns and other features. The Thomson gazelles were the smallest we saw and have identifiable black marks on their sides. We were amused by the "blue jean" antelope = Topi - Kifa told us the dark marks on their legs look like the creature is wearing blue jeans 
The Hartebeests have have short curvy horns, and Elands have straight crooked horns, females have spirals on their horns. We saw plenty of herds of antelope as we criss-crossed the savanna (and in Nairobi National Park as well).
The Hartebeests have have short curvy horns, and Elands have straight crooked horns, females have spirals on their horns. We saw plenty of herds of antelope as we criss-crossed the savanna (and in Nairobi National Park as well).We saw a single wildebeast! This loner slept through his alarm for the migration to the Serengeti, and we saw it hanging out in a field with other antelope - the same field the cheetah mentioned in yesterday's was waiting to pounce his prey. Kifa told us that during the migration season (starting in June/July) the fields are covered with wildebeasts and zebras! (we were okay with our off-season personal safari - it's clear we saw some amazing creatures)
Okay, back to impala - we talked the most about the behaviors of impala, but I would assume other antelope are quite similar. Females (ewes) live in groups with babies and a single male (yes, a harem). However, what surprised us is that the male is only in charge of this group of females for a short time - it's an exhausting job to corral the females and keep other rams at bay. Males (rams) will challenge other males to take over the herd - one way they woo the ewes is by sticking out their tongues. Once a ram gets control of a herd of females, he will mate with as many as possible, then after some exhausting days retreat to the bachelor herd.
We actually witnessed this all in action - rams trying to keep his harem together and away from other males who were nearby trying to gauge a good time for a challenge. In Nairobi National Park, we saw a bachelor herd with young males play fighting to practice and learn the tricks for dominance.
I loved spotting the graceful impala and other antelope!
You can learn a bit more about different types of antelope here: https://www.kenyawildparks.com/10-most-popular-antelopes.../
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