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.

Leopard at Saruni Samburu

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.

Leopard at Londolozi

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.

Leopard at Chinzombo

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.

Leopard at Tena Tena

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.

Leopard spotting Naibor Camp

Good luck!

Rose Hipwood is Managing Director of Africa Rose Travel Ltd.

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Comments (2)

  1. susan njoki says:

    Being one of the big cats, its amazing to discover that leopards are shy animals. Visiting them at their own territory and trying hard to spot them is a breath taking experience that is worth all your time.

  2. Luke Powers says:

    Great post! There is nothing quite like seeing a leopard in the wild. This svelte compact predator is just phenomenal in all aspects. The power, the stealth and the beauty. I have it on good authority that Botswana’s newly established Machaba Camp in the Moremi is delivering some excellent leopard sightings of late too. A friend of mine was there a week ago and had 9 sightings in 4 days. Including with kill up tree, with cubs and and. Superb. See our blog for more on that…

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