Top 6 Best Places To See Leopards in Africa.

I can’t get over how amazed I am by leopards. For me, seeing wildlife has never been about crossing off the Big Five (the lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard on a safari wish list). I enjoy seeing a range of creatures in their natural habitat when I’m in the bush. any creatures. However, I get goose bumps and an adrenaline rush everytime I see the most elusive of these safari emblems.

The most resilient large cat is this lonely, nimble, and well-camouflaged hunter. They flourish in a variety of environments, including deserts, jungles, and even the outskirts of cities. Despite being so common, leopards are famously difficult to notice, with the exception of a few specific areas where they have adapted to people. Continue reading to learn about some of Africa’s top leopard viewing locations.

1. South Africa’s MalaMala Group

MalaMala Game Reserve is the best spot in Africa to watch leopards, in my opinion. It has one of the world’s densest leopard populations because of its vast riverfrontage. During a brief visit, you may see three or four different leopards, since the MalaMala guides typically see over 20 individuals each month. Although seeing a variety of leopards is wonderful, what truly thrills me about this place is the caliber of the sightings. You can appreciate each person’s unique personality, habits, and badass attitude because of years of deliberate habituation.

2. Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park

Another excellent location for leopards is South Luangwa National Park. Although the park is well known for its professionally led walking safaris, the best opportunities to see these elusive big cats are during the amazing night drives. Leopards spend a lot of time at night. A mother training her cubs to hunt, a male scouting his territory, or a pair engaging in their complex mating rituals might all be seen in the shadows.

3. Kenya’s Masai Mara NR

All of the big cats may be seen in great detail at the Masai Mara National Reserve. Although there are several leopards here as well, cheetahs and lions thrive on the open savannah. In the kopjes (rocky outcrops), females frequently conceal their cubs. While waiting for their mother to return from a hunting excursion, the curious children may be observed playing among the rocks.

4. Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park

Leopard sightings in the Serengeti National Park are consistently high. All you need to do is be aware of where to look, which the guides always do. You might begin your hunt in the Central Serengeti by taking a trip along the Seronera River. On a thick branch of one of the sausage trees that predominate in the riverine woodland, I frequently spot leopards relaxing.

There are other areas to look if this doesn’t work out. Lone acacias, some of which are famous leopard trees, are scattered throughout the open savannah. This could be due to the fact that the specific tree is especially well-suited for carrying up prey or serving as a viewpoint to observe the surroundings. Leopards are more likely to be habitual beings with preferred hangout locations, much like humans.

5. South Africa’s Sabi Sands

One of Africa’s best, if not the best, places to watch leopards is the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Its open borders with the famous Kruger National Park provide the animal viewing more realism, which is something that fully enclosed private reserves frequently lack. Leopards can be seen in Kruger National Park, but if you want to see this formidable big cat up close, you must stay in Sabi Sands.

In actuality, the reserve is a patchwork of smaller establishments that includes some of Africa’s best lodges, including Sabi Sabi, Londolozi, and Singita. Safari packages to these hotels often include all wildlife viewing activities in prime Big Five region, fine dining, and exceptional service.

6. Botswana’s Mashatu GR

Mashatu Game Reserve is one of my favorite spots to take leopard photos, despite being less well-known than the other parks and reserves on this list. The dry, rocky terrain provides an ideal setting for close-up views of this cunning big cat.

The riverine vegetation of Mashatu’s seven streams is home to the majority of the leopards. The soft sand nicely displays their unique paw prints, and they hunt in the dry riverbeds. Leopard tracking along these natural animal corridors is a thrilling part of most game drives. The success rate is remarkably high, despite the fact that it might occasionally feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.