 The impala inhabits woodlands due to its preference for shade ; it can also occur on the interface ( ecotone ) between woodlands and savannahs . Places close to water sources are preferred . In southern Africa , populations tend to be associated with <unk> <unk> and Acacia woodlands . Habitat choices differ seasonally – Acacia <unk> woodlands are preferred in the wet season , and A. <unk> savannahs in the dry season . Another factor that could influence habitat choice is vulnerability to predators ; impala tend to keep away from areas with tall grasses as predators could be concealed there . A study found that the reduction of woodland cover and creation of shrublands by the African bush elephants has favoured impala population by increasing the availability of more dry season browse . Earlier , the <unk> woodland , which has now declined due to elephants , provided minimum browsing for impala . The newly formed Capparis shrubland , on the other hand , could be a key browsing habitat . Impala are generally not associated with montane habitats ; however , in KwaZulu @-@ Natal , impala have been recorded at altitudes of up to 1 @,@ 400 metres ( 4 @,@ 600 ft ) above sea level . 
