Leopards are solitary, secretive and found in more habitats than any other big cat. They often haul kills up trees to keep them from lions and hyenas.
Best places to see it
TanzaniaSerengeti National Park
Endless plains, big cats and the Great Migration year-round in different parts of the park.
Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights
KenyaMasai Mara
Kenya’s most famous reserve, with dense big cat populations and the migration from about July to October.
Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights
South AfricaKruger National Park
South Africa’s flagship park: Big Five, excellent roads and options for every budget.
May to Oct 3 to 4 nights
BotswanaOkavango Delta
A vast inland delta where floodwaters arrive in the dry season, drawing wildlife from all around.
May to Oct 3 to 5 nights
ZambiaSouth Luangwa National Park
The home of the walking safari, and one of Africa’s best parks for leopards.
Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights
Where to see it
- Sabi Sand reserves next to Kruger
- South Luangwa, especially on night drives
- Serengeti’s Seronera valley
- Okavango Delta
Our destination guides: Serengeti National Park · Masai Mara · Kruger National Park · Okavango Delta · South Luangwa National Park
Best time
All year; dry season and night drives help.
Tips
- Scan large trees and riverbanks.
- Night drives in private reserves greatly improve your chances.
Did you know?
- Each leopard’s rosette pattern is unique, like a fingerprint.
- A leopard can carry prey heavier than itself up a tree.
Conservation status: Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see the leopard in Africa?
Sabi Sand reserves next to Kruger; South Luangwa, especially on night drives; Serengeti’s Seronera valley.
Is the leopard endangered?
It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
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