Best Countries to see Leopard in Africa

Known as the most elusive member of the Big 5, the African leopard is one of the most sought after animals to see on safari. People sometimes wait years to see their first leopard, proving hours of fruitless searching for the spotted feline. When it is found, only a glimpse of a tail or a twitch of an ear may be all you see as it disappears into the undergrowth.

Best Places to see Leopard

South Africa: Although leopards are generally extremely hard to find in the wild, there are two places we would certainly recommend visiting if you're hoping to spot this elusive feline. The first is the Sabi Sands game reserve in South Africa. For years this collection of private reserves has boasted a fantastic density of the Big 5. Although it boarders are open to Kruger National Park, the Sands have one of the richest leopard populations and their relaxed nature makes viewing them a treat. Up to seven separate leopards have been seen by guests in one drive!

Zambia: The other destination famous for its leopard activity is the South Luangwa in Zambia. Situated around the meandering Luangwa River, the fertile river basin is abundant with wildlife. The South Luangwa is the perfect place to spot leopard, especially during the dry season between May and October. The camps in Zambia are renowned for their walking safaris and there is nothing quite comparable to seeing a leopard on foot.

best countries to see leopards

African Leopard

Africa is littered with different kinds of cat species and people flock from all over to witness these extraordinary animals go about their daily lives. Lions take centre stage for first time safari goers, yet it is the safari purists who treasure leopard sightings the most.

The leopard is a sleek and elegant feline. It is covered in a dappling of black rosettes over its golden coat and it holds its tail high in a recognisable curl. Its rasping calls signal its territory that it holds alone. Unlike the very sociable lion, leopards are generally solitary, unless you're lucky enough to find a mating pair or a mother and her cub. Hunting is an art form and they have to be extremely stealthy and careful if there are to succeed in bring down their prey. Meals range from young zebra foals and impala to baboon and cat fish. It has been recorded during a drought in the Kruger National Park that a leopard has brought down an adult buffalo.

best parks to see leopards

Leopard Habitat

The habitat of the African leopard varies dramatically. They have adapted to almost any environment and their camouflage makes them extremely hard to spot. Whether they are nestled into a crevice in a kopje or lying low in the tall grass, a leopard is only found when it wants to be found...

Leopards are seen in habitats varying from the harsh Kalahari Desert where temperatures soar and water is scarce, to the lush riverine thickets that meander through much of Southern Africa. They love to snooze on the broad branches of marula trees and because of their vulnerability to other predators; they will often drag their prey into the tree to consume it.