• Destinations
    • Botswana
    • Kenya
    • Mauritius
    • Mozambique
    • Namibia
    • Rwanda
    • Seychelles
    • South Africa
    • Tanzania
    • Uganda
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe
  • ITINERARIES
  • Trip Types
    • Family Travel
    • Honeymoon and Romance
    • Private Groups
    • Special Interests
    • Conservation & Community
  • HOW IT WORKS
    • Our Process
    • Transportation
    • Health & Safety
    • Financing
    • FAQs
    • COVID-19
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Travel Blog
    • Responsible Travel
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Get Started
Exceptional African Journeys
  • Destinations
    • Botswana
    • Kenya
    • Mauritius
    • Mozambique
    • Namibia
    • Rwanda
    • Seychelles
    • South Africa
    • Tanzania
    • Uganda
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe
  • ITINERARIES
  • Trip Types
    • Family Travel
    • Honeymoon and Romance
    • Private Groups
    • Special Interests
    • Conservation & Community
  • HOW IT WORKS
    • Our Process
    • Transportation
    • Health & Safety
    • Financing
    • FAQs
    • COVID-19
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Travel Blog
    • Responsible Travel
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Get Started

5 Best Places to See a Leopard in Africa

Written by: Sean Messham 

“If a leopard doesn’t want to be found, you won’t find it.” andBeyond Kirkman’s Kamp tracker Elvis Nyathi. 

I was fortunate to work with an incredibly talented and gifted tracker while guiding at Kirkman’s Kamp in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa. Over three years, Elvis taught me an exceptional amount about the bush, from bird calls, animal behavior, to tracking and how to approach (and leave) animals on foot. 

This above quote of his, said on a summer morning drive, has stuck with me ever since, for me it perfectly describes why it’s just so special to see a leopard… To romanticize it slightly, it is because they have seemingly  “allowed” you to view and witness them. And even though I have seen many leopards, in my opinion, it is still one of the most privileged sightings one can have… 

The success of a safari game drive is a mixture of knowledge, skill and yes good fortune. You can, however, increase your chances of seeing a leopard by putting yourself in the right place. Here are five of the best destinations to find a leopard…


 

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

South Africa

In some areas, your tracker and guide might know the movements of leopards more intimately, and this will certainly help towards the success of finding a leopard. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve, with its dense concentration of leopards patrolling the Sand and Sabi River and its multiple drainage lines, is such a place!  

The lodges in this private 65 000 hectare reserve have worked closely with Panthera, a big cat conservation organization, for many years by monitoring and documenting leopard movements and behaviors. As a result, many of the guides and trackers have an in-depth knowledge of individuals, their territories and movements. Years of ethical off-roading practices and limited vehicles in sightings has also contributed to more “relaxed” leopards. This has resulted in unparalleled opportunities to not only view a leopard, but witness their behavior too.

Suggested Itinerary – Best of South Africa 

Okavango Delta

Botswana 

A Botswana safari is often on the bucket-list, and for good reason, over 40% of the country is set aside for conservation. The Okavango Delta’s riverine environment, with mixed woodlands and tall grassy open spaces makes the perfect habitat for an ambush predator like the leopard. 

The combined Ubuntu Travel team has traveled to all parts of the Delta, be it north, south, east, center or west, and we have all enjoyed incredible leopard sightings. This being said, to increase your chances of finding a leopard, we must recommend the dry season (May to October). As this is when animals are forced to congregate around water channels and waterholes, the vegetation is also dry and not as dense. 

Although you have a chance of seeing leopards pretty much anywhere. I would suggest  splitting your time up slightly. Spend a few days at a lodge that focuses on mokoro rides and channels cruises, and then visit another lodge for game viewing. There are some lodges that are uniquely positioned to enjoy both equally too, and this is where our Travel Designers can help you decide what is best for you.

Suggested Itinerary – Explore the Best of Botswana 

Kruger National Park and Timbavati

 South Africa

“Stations, a sixth unknown leopard has just entered the sighting”. No need for exaggeration here, this was just one of those ridiculous moments that the Kruger National Park can deliver. 

Guiding out of andBeyond Ngala Safari and Tented camp, I was fortunate to witness many incredible leopard sightings that equally competed with the “relaxed” sightings of the neighboring Sabi Sand Game Reserve. However, I also quickly learnt that some unrelaxed leopards in the Kruger can disappear as quickly as you found them, as not all were as used to vehicles. Perhaps paradoxically, this provided a wonderful opportunity to find a leopard and show just how shy these elusive cats can be.  

Kruger National Park has an array of different vegetation biomes, dry drainage lines and riverbeds that leopards will use to ambush their prey. This provides an opportunity to spot these solitary cats almost at every turn. Research being conducted in the area is proving that the density of leopards in the region is also high, giving you an even better chance of spotting them.

Suggested Itinerary – The Best of South Africa 

South Luangwa National Park

Zambia 

Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to visit South Luangwa National Park…yet. However, this area is known as the “valley of the leopard”, and by all accounts you are pretty unlucky to NOT see a leopard during your stay in the National Park. 

It is argued the park has one of the highest density of leopards on the continent. It’s estimated that there is 1 leopard for every 2 square kilometers – that’s wild! I can only imagine driving along the lush Luangwa River during the dry season (April to October)  and spotting a rosetted cat resting in a large sausage or marula tree.  

Suggested Itinerary – Waterfalls and Wildlife

Serengeti National Park 

Tanzania  

Quite understandably, the Serengeti National Park is known for the Great Wildebeest Migration. However, like the Great Migration, timing and positioning is everything when it comes to giving yourself the best chance to see a leopard. 

Remember, leopards are ambush predators and will position themselves perfectly to take advantage of the injured or weak. So if you are following the migration, there is always an opportunity to see a leopard leap from its perfect vantage point. Take a look at this incredible ambush witnessed by our Ubuntu Travel’s Director of Operations, Jenna Chase, during her last visit to Tanzania! Incredible! 



 

Away from the Great Migration, leopards are also territorial and will shift their territory slightly during different seasons and in relation to prey densities. This means you can visit the north and scan the rocky outcrops for a residential leopard, or search for a leopard patrolling their section of the Seronera Valley (center) even without the Great Migration present. A small suggestion, this approach could provide a unique opportunity to view a leopard, without the crowds being present…

Ready to book a trip? Take a look at our Suggest Itinerary –  Tanzania and Zanzibar 

If you are looking to witness the Great Migration, read our Great Migration Guide. 

Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?

If you’re thinking of planning a trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.

*Please understand that although the malaria risk statuses were taken from the respective sites. Please consult your local doctor on what they believe will be best for your family at the time of travel.*

Follow us on Instagram

Next stop, @Tswalu Kalahari, protecting over 271 8 Next stop, @Tswalu Kalahari, protecting over 271 815 acres of the Kalahari, Tswalu is the largest private game reserve in South Africa!

Ubuntu Travel is looking forward to sharing this unique game viewing destination with you this week! Known for its black maned lions, incredible cheetah viewing and desert adapted wildlife, this area will definitely have an unparalleled experienced! Look out for our stories!

📷: @Tswalu
🌍: Kalahari, South Africa

#UbuntuTravel #TimetoTravel #FamilySafari #Travel2022 #FamilyTravel #FamilyFriendly #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #TravelInspiration #AdventureTravel #TravelUbuntu #LetsTalkTravel #UbuntuTraveler #Travel2022 #Safari #Tswalu #TswaluExperiences #TswaluKalahari
How's this for a fun #FlashbackThursday! Ubuntu Tr How's this for a fun #FlashbackThursday! Ubuntu Travel's Marketing Manager, Sean Messham, guiding at @andbeyondkirkmanskamp, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa.

Before his life at Ubuntu Travel, Sean guided at both Kirkman's Kamp and Ngala Private Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park. Today, he is back with Kyle visiting the area and Tengile River Lodge! Check out our stories and experiences, and please ask any questions while they are both in the area!

📷: @photowildsa
🌍: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

#UbuntuTravel #TimetoTravel #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #Panthera #TravelInspiration #TravelUbuntu #LetsTalkTravel #andBeyondTravel #andBeyondTengile #Leopards #southafricaistravelready #BigCatConservation #FamilyTravel
Take a journey towards an African sunset! We are b Take a journey towards an African sunset! We are biased, but everyone needs to enjoy a safari sunset!

Your Trip of a Lifetime Awaits ✨
Email: info@ubuntutravelgroup.com

#UbuntuTravel #TimetoTravel #FamilySafari #Travel2022 #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #TravelInspiration #AdventureTravel #TravelUbuntu #LetsTalkTravel #UbuntuTraveler #Travel2022 #Safari
What's the chances of Co-founder, Kyle Green, taki What's the chances of Co-founder, Kyle Green, taking a plunge in this pool at Pamushana Lodge, Zimbabwe?

Overlooking the Malilangwe Dam, @Singita_ Pamushana Lodge is set in Zimbabwe’s remote southeast, within the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. Kyle will be visiting this astonishing location over the next two days. Standby for some of his experiences 🐘

📷: Singita_
🌍: Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe

#UbuntuTravel #TimetoTravel #FamilySafari #Travel2022 #FamilyTravel #FamilyFriendly #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #TravelInspiration #AdventureTravel #TravelUbuntu #LetsTalkTravel #UbuntuTraveler #Travel2022 #Safari #Singita
Super excited to be supporting @elephantcooperatio Super excited to be supporting @elephantcooperation annual golf fundraiser this Friday! All the best to the golfers and participants! We will be there! Looking forward to meeting you all. 🦁

Elephant Cooperation is a non-profit devoted to raising awareness of the African Elephant crisis and supporting existing organizations who embrace our cause.

*Ubuntu Travel is sponsoring the Hole-In-One prize during this event.*

Your Trip of a Lifetime Awaits

📷: @messham.photography
🌍 Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa.

#UbuntuTravel #LuxurySafaris #TravelUbuntu #OCGolf #OrangeCounty #Golfers #Elephants #Fundraiser #Conservation #Protectelephants
A lone red lechwe enjoying the sanctuary of a smal A lone red lechwe enjoying the sanctuary of a small island in the middle of the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

Taken during a scenic helicopter flight with @helicopterhorizons, during our incredible stay at @africanbushcamps Khwai Leadwood Camp, Botswana.

📷: @messham.photography
🌍: Okavango Delta, Botswana

#UbuntuTravel #TimeToTravel #LuxuryTravel #LuxurySafari #TravelInspiration #Botswana #helicopter #OkavangoDelta #scenicflight #helicopterride #Khwai
 

Adventures Botswana conservation Conservation Safari Kruger National Park Leopards Okavango Delta Panthera Sabi Sands Zambia
5 Best Places to See a Leopard in Africa2022-04-302022-05-12https://www.ubuntutravelgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/utg-logo.pngUbuntu Travel Grouphttps://www.ubuntutravelgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/male_leopard_sm_001_lr.jpg200px200px
Ubuntu Travel Group

1570 Brookhollow Dr., Suite #100
Santa Ana, CA 92705

[email protected]
949.877.0385
CST 2133120-40

Terms & Conditions

THE LATEST FROM THE BLOG:
  • 5 Best Places to See a Leopard in Africa
  • A Quick Ubuntu Travel Visit – Khwai Leadwood Tented Camp
  • The Best Places To See Wild Dogs
  • The Most Romantic Safari Lodges in Africa
© Ubuntu Travel Group | Travel Web Design by Gravitate

Download Brochure

Quiz Gated Content

To make this site work properly, we sometimes place small data files called cookies on your device.

Accept
Cookies Settings
Cookie Box Settings
Cookie Box Settings

Privacy settings

Decide which cookies you want to allow. You can change these settings at any time. However, this can result in some functions no longer being available. For information on deleting the cookies, please consult your browser’s help function.

With the slider, you can enable or disable different types of cookies:

  • Block all
  • Essential
  • Functionality
  • Analytics
  • Advertising

This website will

  • Essential: Remember your cookie permission setting
  • Essential: Allow session cookies
  • Essential: Gather information you input into a contact forms newsletter and other forms across all pages

This website won't

  • Remember your login details
  • Analytics: Keep track of your visited pages and interaction taken
  • Analytics: Keep track about your location and region based on your IP number
  • Analytics: Keep track of the time spent on each page
  • Analytics: Increase the data quality of the statistics functions
  • Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies)
  • Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location

This website will

  • Essential: Remember your cookie permission setting
  • Essential: Allow session cookies
  • Essential: Gather information you input into a contact forms newsletter and other forms across all pages
  • Functionality: Remember selected region and country

This website won't

  • Analytics: Keep track of your visited pages and interaction taken
  • Analytics: Keep track about your location and region based on your IP number
  • Analytics: Keep track of the time spent on each page
  • Analytics: Increase the data quality of the statistics functions
  • Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies)
  • Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location

This website will

  • Essential: Remember your cookie permission setting
  • Essential: Allow session cookies
  • Essential: Gather information you input into a contact forms newsletter and other forms across all pages
  • Analytics: Keep track of your visited pages and interaction taken
  • Analytics: Keep track about your location and region based on your IP number
  • Analytics: Keep track of the time spent on each page
  • Analytics: Increase the data quality of the statistics functions

This website won't

  • Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies)
  • Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location

This website will

  • Functionality: Remember social media settings
  • Functionality: Remember selected region and country
  • Analytics: Keep track of your visited pages and interaction taken
  • Analytics: Keep track about your location and region based on your IP number
  • Analytics: Keep track of the time spent on each page
  • Analytics: Increase the data quality of the statistics functions
  • Advertising: Tailor information and advertising to your interests based on e.g. the content you have visited before. (Currently we do not use targeting or targeting cookies)
  • Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location

This website won't

  • Remember your login details
Save & Close