Wildlife

African Leopard Experiences

est. population 700,000+
status near threatened

Leopards are one of the most widespread yet elusive big cats in the world with recognisable rosette markings and coats varying from deep gold to light buff.

Everything you need to know about African leopard safaris

Elusive leopards prowl the deserts and bush of Africa in search of unsuspecting ungulates such as zebra and antelope. Due to the threat of lions and hyenas stealing their prey, leopards haul their quarry high into trees to feast on their meal without interruption. Leopards have also been known to use high vantage points to seek out their prey before slinking through the long grass and making the fatal pounce.


Despite being somewhat difficult to locate due to their covert nature, leopards can be seen during game drives in the majority of African safari destinations.


At Natural World Safaris we put you in the right place at the right time to see these big cats and particularly recommend Botswana and Zambia for fantastic wildlife encounters.

African Leopard safari gallery

Leopard Encounters

Track wild leopards throughout Africa's national parks.

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Leopards on the hunt

Witness hungry leopards on the hunt for tasty prey.

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Leopard photography

Get close enough for great photos on safari staying at some of our favourite camps.

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Leopards hunting

Leopards often drag their prey into trees to stop other predators eating it, an incredible sight to see on safari.

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Expert view: oliver greenfield

Their rosettes help them to blend into their habitat, making them very difficult to spot in the wild, yet all the more rewarding when you see one!

Seeing a leopard in the wild is the ultimate dream for many big cat enthusiasts.

the African leopard

African leopard coats vary greatly in colour depending on their location from pale yellow to more brownish chestnut hues. Their rosette markings range from black spots on their lower limbs to large open flowers on their back and hind. These markings often mean they are confused with jaguars native to South and Central America. The underside of leopards’ torsos and tails are whitish in colour and they use their tail’s underside as a sign denoting that they are not seeking prey when walking through groups of mammals.


Generally solitary creatures, leopards live in separate home ranges only overlapping in order to mate. Fights can break out if other males intrude a neighbour’s range.


Found in parks and reserves throughout sub-Saharan Africa, leopards inhabit rocky bush terrain and riverine forests but have been known to adapt to a wide range of habitats.

African leopard facts

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CONSERVATION STATUS Considered near threatened, leopards’ main threat is from humans due to poaching and loss of habitat.
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HABITAT Leopards are extremely adaptable and can live anywhere from arid landscapes to dense forest and rocky outcrops.
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LENGTH Males can grow up to 8 foot in length from head to tail.

The Best African Leopard Safaris

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Why book with us

We are destination specialists

Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground knowledge and have all lived, guided or explored in great detail the destinations that they sell. They will design your journey around you, at the right place at the right time.

We are wildlife specialists

As a leading specialist operator we have excellent partnerships with naturalists and conservationists. We know our wildlife and do what we can to preserve its natural habitat.

We really care about our destinations

At Natural World Safaris we frequently monitor the social, economic and environmental impact of our travel operations to ensure we are at the forefront of a sustainable and ethical tourism industry. 

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TRACKING BIG CATS IN THE WILD?

Our big cat safari experts know everything there is to know about seeing big cats in the wild. Get in touch to find out more and start designing your journey.

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