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Imagine travelling across the savannah in an open safari vehicle, enjoying the sun on your skin; all of your senses are heightened as you search for an elusive member of the Big Five. Suddenly you come to a stop and your guide pulls out their binoculars to make sure the animal is there. Resting in a tree is the highlight of your African safari: a leopard. If you’re eager to make this a reality, here are the best places to see leopards in Africa.
Leopards are considered to be very secretive and elusive. This is ironic, as of all the big cats, they are considered to be the most geographically widespread. Their elusiveness is contributed to by the fact that they are very shy animals. They’re solitary and live in well-defined territories that are marked with urine and claw marks on trees to keep other leopards at bay. Mainly, they are nocturnal and spend the day hidden on trees or in caves. If you’re lucky enough, you may see one feasting on a kill. They’re great climbers and carry their prey high up into trees.
Are African Leopards Endangered?
The African leopard conservation status is listed as Vulnerable according to the IUCN’s Red List. These big cats, which are native to over 35 countries in Africa, are experiencing decreasing numbers due to human activity. Poaching, habitat loss, and a reduced prey base have all contributed to their reduction.
Luckily, leopard conservation projects and initiatives in reserves and game parks are helping to turn the tide to ensure that these iconic big cats are able to live their lives in peace and thrive in their natural habitats.
Do you want to go on a big cat safari to see these majestic creatures? Let’s explore the best places to see leopards in Africa, from South Africa to Tanzania.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Adjacent to the Kruger National Park and sharing an unfenced border with the famed safari destination, Sabi Sands is one of the best destinations to see leopards in Africa. These big cats are seen regularly on the reserve, giving wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and photographers a chance to view them at a close range.
The Leopards of Londolozi
Within Sabi Sands lies Londolozi, a reserve that has developed an incredible relationship with the leopards in the area, starting all the way back in the 1970s.
John Varty, co-founder of Londolozi, together with naturalist Elmon Mhlongo, developed a relationship with a mother leopard and documented her life. Tabs are still kept on her lineage and other leopard families that have grown and thrived in the wilderness here.
A dedicated team has studied these big cats, and incredible stories have come about from this initiative. From cub adoptions to eight leopards in just one sighting, Londolozi has become one of the best places for leopard safaris in Africa.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari is a haven for rescued big cats, including leopards. In this game reserve lie two big cat sanctuaries that are operated in partnership with Born Free. These sanctuaries provide a wilderness home to lions and leopards that have been rescued from captivity.
The reserve is a Big Five habitat, so leopards are one of the residents here and can be seen during the game drives, which take place at sunrise and sunset in open viewing vehicles. It’s important to remember that leopards are shy! So it may take some tracking and keeping an ever-watchful eye before you spot one.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s most popular safari destination because of its abundance of wildlife, including leopards. In fact, this area is known as the ‘valley of the leopard’!
With one of the highest leopard densities in Africa, there is a high chance you’ll spot one resting in a tree or prowling in the woodlands while on a Zambia safari.
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve is one of the wildlife-rich habitats in the famed Okavango Delta and is a stronghold for all three species of big cat. Due to the delta’s impressive waterways, both predators and prey animals are drawn to this area, making it one of the best places in Africa for safaris.
While sightings are never guaranteed, the reserve’s diverse habitats, including mopane woodlands and floodplains, provide the leopards of the area with good hunting opportunities to feed on lechwe and other antelope species. Chef’s Island, in particular, is well-known for frequent leopard sightings.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
While Tanzania’s Serengeti is iconic for being one of the main locations of the Great Wildebeest Migration, this region offers so much more thanks to its abundance and diversity of wildlife. Home to around 1,000 leopards, it’s one of the best places to see these big cats in Tanzania.
During the Great Migration, it’s not just wildebeest that are travelling across the plains – predators, including leopards, are following, hoping to catch a straggler for lunch. It’s also the calving season in the beginning of the year that draws big cats to the stage. While on a Tanzania safari here, you may witness the spectacular sight of a leopard in a tree with its spoils.
Seeing a leopard is always a magical experience. These big cats with their beautiful coats and piercing eyes always enchant. If you want to see this member of the Big Five for yourself, consider the above top spots for your next African safari.
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Author: Megan Warrington
Published: 2 June 2017