Top 5 places to see leopard

The elusive leopard is often a target for many a game viewer when heading to Africa. Sadly we still can’t guarantee you’ll see one but if you want to give yourself the absolute best chance then these properties certainly offer that, not least because of their amazing guides and trackers who have the eyesight of an eagle. Leopards are incredibly well camouflaged, very shy and also spend a lot of their time in trees or in thick foliage, for us normal people spotting one of these stunning cats is near impossible. It is often the ‘birders’ who spot the most leopards as they’re always looking closely into thick bush for small birds, and so sometimes catch sight of the odd tail flick or a whisker. Saruni Samburu, Samburu, Kenya Not only is Saruni Samburu one of our favourite luxury safari lodges in Africa with some of the best views in all of Kenya, it is also one of the best spots for leopard. The flat rock on which Saruni Samburu is based is at the top of rocky outcrops and gorges which offer the perfect secluded caves for leopards to live happily and quietly in. The expert Samburu trackers know instinctively where to look and are absolute experts at spotting these magical big cats. Londolozi, Sabi Sands, South Africa Londolozi in the Sabi Sands area of the Kruger, South Africa, has long been famed for its abundance of leopard – here leopard really thrive and are the least shy when it comes to vehicles. Chinzombo, South Luangwa, Zambia Chinzombo is Norman Carr’s new ultra luxurious camp set in the famous South Luangwa. The thick vegetation here offers the perfect habitat for leopard and as a result there are many here – some guests have even counted five different leopard sightings in one day, let’s hope you’ll be as lucky. Tena Tena, South Luangwa, Zambia Tena Tena is one of Robin Pope’s camps, who’s guides are famous for their ability to spot leopard in the thickest of bush. This camp is for pure wildlife enthusiasts and your experience is in depth and exciting. Naibor Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya Naibor Camp is set in the most exquisite location in the Masai Mara, the river on which the camp its is home to numerous leopard – with the help from your Masai guide you have a high chance of spotting one. Good luck! Rose Hipwood is Managing Director of Africa Rose Travel Ltd. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.