Black Faced Impala
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction: The black-faced impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi) is a sub-spieces of the common impala originally from the north west of Namibia, introduced to Etosha National Park in the 1970's. They are darker than other impala and are so called due to their characteristic black face. They tend to keep to dense riverine vegetation during the day lying in the thickets to escape the heat of the day. Modest vegetation zones are also attractive to them. They are gregarious creatures and occur in small herds of between 3 and 15, with larger herds being formed in the lambing season. Solitary males team up with harems of females with their offspring.
Distribution: They are confined to the south-western part of Etosha National Park and the Kamanjab district, marking its southern boundary. They can also be observed in the Kunene River area.
Diet: Black-faced impala are are both browsers and grazers, consuming flowers, leaves and shoots and the fruit, bark and leaves of shrubs such as the small sour plum. They often compete for food with their arch enemy - the goat.
Colouring: A dull brown with a distinct purplish-black sheen. In adults the side of the face and back of the ears are reddish-brown, as well as the dark coloured face blaze on top of their muzzles that extends from the nostrils to the top of the head.
Breeding: Black-faced impala are seasonal breeders with a short, marked lambing season from the end of December, peaking in January. A single lamb is produced at birth which accounts for their low numbers.
Size: Adults weigh around 63kg and females 50kg. They stand at a shoulder height of around 90cm.
Epacha Game Lodge and Spa
Traditional slightly formal up-market lodge. Situated on same property as Eagle Tented Camp
Etosha Mountain Lodge
A small private lodge, borders on Etosha however the distance to the park entrance makes it fairly un-suitable for day visits
Etosha Safari Lodge
Within 10km of the Etosha entrance this mid-range lodge offers an ideal base from which to explore the park
Halali
One of the four camps situated inside the park, generally less popular with visitors than Okaukuejo or Namutoni but has the advantage of a secluded quiet spot lit waterhole
Little Ongava
Luxury accommodation, each unit with private pool, great place to spoil yourself. Guided tours on private nature reserve and inside Etosha Park
Mamselle Nature Camp
Budget self catering bush hut, an interesting experience for the more independent traveler
Okaukuejo
Extremely busy accommodation inside the park with a good spot-lit waterhole, great choice if location is deciding factor on where to stay
Ongava Lodge
Upmarket accommodation, situated on private game reserve with easy access to the National Park
Ongava Tented Camp
On the same property as Ongava Lodge, but offering a more traditional tented safari style experience
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Otjitotongwe Cheetah Farm
A non-profit organisation aimed at conserving Namibia's cheetah population
