These agile predators are most commonly found on the chase or reclining in a tree having just enjoyed a hearty dinner, making them every wildlife photographer's favourite subject. The thrill of spotting a leopard in the wild – always difficult due to their remarkably effective camouflage markings – is a sure-fire safari highlight.
All but one leopard species – the African leopard – can be found in Asia, including in Sri Lanka, India and Malaysian Borneo. African leopards are found in virtually all of our favourite African safari destinations, but two of our favourite sighting spots are Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Their knack for camouflage means that if you've been on safari, there’s a strong chance you’ll have driven straight past at least one leopard without realising it. But if you’re keen to try and catch a glimpse of these spotted, speedy and majestic big cats, read on for the best places to see leopards...
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Sri Lanka
- India
- Malaysian Borneo
South Africa
One of the best places to see leopards on safari in Africa is in Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa. Sharing a 30-mile border with the vast Kruger National Park, animals roam freely between the two territories and the population of leopards here is one of the most famous in the world. With lush vegetation to camouflage in, high-branched trees for climbing and plenty of prey to chase, the reserve is somewhat of a leopard-mecca.
Botswana
Situated within the larger Okavango Delta Game Reserve, the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana is famed as one of the continent’s stand-out year-round safari experiences. The stunning conservation area comprises wetlands, woodlands and grasslands, all of which are home to elephant, buffalo, rhinos, antelopes, hyenas and bird species; our spotted big cat friends can be found on the fringes of the Okavango Delta, especially around the lagoons and woodlands near the floodplains.
Zambia
Boasting one of the densest populations of leopards in Africa, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia combines dense habitat with reliable water sources to attract wildlife. In fact, the park has been bestowed with the nickname ‘the Valley of the Leopard’, in recognition of the impressive ratio of one leopard per every square mile.
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, leopards can be found prowling through some of the country’s 26 national parks, including Yala and Wilpattu National Parks. Yala is blessed with the largest population of Sri Lanka’s crowning cats and you’re in with the best chance of spotting them between December and August. Wilpattu – the island’s largest wildlife reserve – is the place to go for remote wildlife encounters, thanks to its position slightly off the classic tourist trail.
India
Up there with the most elusive of the big cats, snow leopards inhabit remote and mountainous regions in central Asia. If you’re eager to seek them out, head to Ladakh, located in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas. Locally referred to as the ‘ghosts of the mountain’, you’ll need some luck on your side (and plenty of warm clothing) to spot a snow leopard. Elsewhere in India, Jawai Bandh is home to the Indian leopard, while the parks throughout Central India are also some of the best places to see leopards.
Malaysian Borneo
In Malaysian Borneo, the forest along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah and the Deramakot Forest Reserve in Sandakan are two of the best places to see leopards. Here you’ll find the native species of Bornean clouded leopard, a subspecies of the Sunda clouded leopard.
Fun Facts about Leopards:
- The average speed of a leopard running is 36 miles per hour.
- Leopards can leap a distance of 19 feet.
- Much like a human fingerprint, every leopard's coat is completely unique; there are no family similarities and no set number of rosette markings. This is one of the key ways researchers track and identify individuals.
- Leopards are solitary animals and once a cub reaches the age of two, they will leave their mother to fend for themselves.
- As nocturnal hunters, leopards need to have good eyesight and have consequently evolved with a thick line of white 'eye liner' (actually a line of fur) underneath each eye to help reflect more light into the eyes at night.
- We can arrange night drives in a private game reserve to give you the best chance of spotting an African leopard hunting.
- Leopards are more adaptable than many other big cats, so they live in a variety of habitats, from forests and mountains to grasslands and deserts, and are able to survive in more degraded habitats and much closer to human dwellings.
For more, check out our Top Five Leopard Facts.
