Activities and Leopard spotting on an African Safari

While safari guides are often bombarded with a myriad of questions from eagle-eyed travellers, there’s one that they dread more than others. “Will we see a leopard?” Is the refrain from many safari-goers, but the fact remains that this question cannot be answered with any conviction by local guides.

This is a challenge, as while the leopard is one of the most beautiful and enigmatic creatures in the world, it also happens to be the most elusive. Boasting a true mastery of camouflage and stealth-like movement, leopards can be difficult to spot and the same applies for industry experts.

While leopard sightings are often the result of luck rather than judgement, you can improve the odds by visiting a prime habitats and one of best ways to do that is to ensure you book African safari adventure and activity packages because the experts will help point you in the right direction.

However, right now, to give you a helping hand, here are three places where you’ll have the best chance to spot some:

1. South Luangwa, Zambia

In terms of sheer numbers, it’s estimated that the South Luangwa National Park has the greatest number leopards in the whole of Africa.

This makes it one of the most popular and affordable destinations among knowledgeable safari visitors, who can traverse a wide and fertile plain that is bisected by the nourishing Luangwa River.

While the park has always boasted an incredible diversity of species including aardvarks and zebras, it’s most renowned for its dense concentration of predators (especially lions and leopards).

So while it cannot be guaranteed that you’ll see a leopard during your trip to the park, this destination enables you to improve your odds. To further increase your chances, consider booking during the late dry season and scheduling your safari between August and October.

2. Londolozi, The Kruger National Park

Some experts have labelled the Kruger National Park as the best place to see leopards and similar predators, with its Sabi Sands region highly recommended.

The Sabi Sands is a collection of exclusive-use private reserves located in the heart of the Kruger National Park, which are located on the western boundary and in close proximity to the surrounding wildlife.

The Londolozi reserve is arguably the most popular, as it has retained an intimate relationship with leopards for decades now.

Set around the Sand River, the reserve is packed full of leopard-size prey including impalas and warthog piglets, making it the ideal habitat for the world’s most elegant big cats.

3. The Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Botswana is another popular safari destination in Africa, and one that is home to the outstanding but often underrated Moremi Game Reserve, where cheetah spotting is common.

Moremi conserves much of the Okavango Delta, which just so happens to be Botswana’s wildlife showpiece and home to some of the most elegant predators in the world.

This includes leopards, who love to roam around the fringes of the Delta and feed on animals such as antelope, birds and monkeys. The terrain here is also dominated by tall forest and thick bush, making it ideal for leopards as they look to camouflage themselves and hunt their prey.

Just remember; you’re more likely to find leopards around the fringes of the delta, so refrain from heading deep into the forest in search of predators as this will most likely leave you disappointed.