Leopards are one of the most elusive and majestic animals in Africa. Known for their stealth and grace, these beautiful big cats can be difficult to spot in the wild. However, several destinations in Africa provide excellent opportunities for seeing them up close. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to see leopards in Africa, including renowned national parks and wildlife reserves where you have the best chance to observe these remarkable predators in their natural habitat.

Best Places to See Leopards in Africa: A Safari Guide

1. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

When it comes to spotting leopards, Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa is one of the top destinations. This private reserve, which borders the famous Kruger National Park, is known for its excellent leopard sightings. The leopards here are more accustomed to safari vehicles, making them easier to spot and photograph.

Why Sabi Sands is Ideal for Leopard Viewing:

High leopard density: Sabi Sands has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in Africa.
Experienced guides: The guides here are skilled at tracking leopards, increasing your chances of sightings.
Exclusive safaris: Being a private reserve, Sabi Sands offers more personalized and intimate safari experiences.

Learn more about leopard safaris in Sabi Sands.

2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Maasai Mara is world-renowned for its wildlife diversity, and leopards are no exception. While many visit for the Great Migration, the Maasai Mara’s riverine forests and rocky outcrops provide the perfect habitat for leopards. These solitary cats are often seen lounging on tree branches or stalking prey in the grasslands.

What Makes the Maasai Mara Great for Leopard Spotting:

Scenic landscape: The Mara’s riverbanks and forests are prime locations for leopard activity.
All-year sightings: While the migration is seasonal, leopards can be seen year-round in the Maasai Mara.
Big Five destination: The Maasai Mara is home to the Big Five, so you can spot leopards alongside lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.

Find out more about leopard viewing in the Maasai Mara.

3. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

For those looking to see leopards in a more remote and less crowded setting, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is the perfect destination. Known for its dense population of leopards, South Luangwa offers incredible opportunities for spotting these elusive predators. Night game drives in particular provide a unique chance to see leopards hunting.

Highlights of Leopard Viewing in South Luangwa:

Night safaris: South Luangwa is one of the few parks in Africa that offers night game drives, increasing the chances of spotting nocturnal leopards.
Remote and wild: With fewer tourists, you can enjoy an authentic, uninterrupted safari experience.
Prolific wildlife: In addition to leopards, South Luangwa is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.

Discover more about South Luangwa National Park’s leopards.

4. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is another top destination for spotting leopards. This vast wetland area is known for its rich biodiversity and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Leopards in the Okavango Delta are often seen near the riverbanks or lurking in the forests, where they patiently stalk their prey.

Why the Okavango Delta is Perfect for Leopard Spotting:

Unique environment: The combination of water and forest creates an ideal habitat for leopards.
Boat safaris: In addition to traditional game drives, you can explore the delta’s waterways by boat, offering a different perspective for spotting leopards.
Exclusive lodges: The Delta’s luxury camps and lodges provide an intimate safari experience with expert guides.

Learn more about leopard sightings in the Okavango Delta.

5. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and a great place to spot leopards. While the Serengeti is primarily known for the Great Migration, its vast plains and rocky kopjes provide excellent leopard habitats. These big cats are often seen resting on rock outcrops or hidden in the tall grass.

Why the Serengeti is a Top Leopard Destination:

Diverse habitats: The Serengeti’s varied landscapes, including woodlands, savannas, and kopjes, are perfect for leopards.
Kopje spotting: Leopards are frequently seen sunning themselves on the Serengeti’s distinctive rocky outcrops.
Abundant prey: The Serengeti’s large populations of antelope and other herbivores make it a prime hunting ground for leopards.

6. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa, and it’s also one of the best places to see leopards. The park’s wide variety of habitats, including dense bush and riverine forests, provide ideal environments for these solitary cats. While sightings are not guaranteed, the chances of spotting a leopard in Kruger are high, especially in areas like the Sabi River and Timbavati.

Why Kruger National Park is Ideal for Leopard Viewing:

Vast area: As one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger offers diverse ecosystems that are home to leopards.
Accessible safaris: Kruger is a well-established park with excellent infrastructure, making it easy to plan self-drive or guided safaris.
High predator density: In addition to leopards, Kruger is home to large populations of lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Explore more about leopard sightings in Kruger National Park.

7. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience, Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is an excellent choice. Known for its rugged terrain and fewer visitors, Ruaha offers some of the best chances to see leopards in East Africa. The park’s dramatic landscapes, including rocky hills and river valleys, are prime leopard territory.

Why Ruaha is Great for Leopard Spotting:

Low tourist numbers: Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s lesser-known parks, meaning fewer vehicles and more intimate wildlife encounters.
Varied landscapes: The park’s rocky terrain and dense vegetation make it a prime habitat for leopards.
Exceptional guiding: Local guides are experts at tracking leopards and increasing the chances of a sighting.

Learn more about Ruaha National Park’s wildlife.

8. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Moremi Game Reserve, located in the Okavango Delta, is another excellent destination for spotting leopards. With its mix of woodlands, wetlands, and floodplains, Moremi provides ideal cover for leopards, allowing them to ambush their prey with ease.

What Makes Moremi Ideal for Leopard Viewing:

Scenic landscapes: Moremi’s diverse habitats offer great opportunities to see leopards in both forested areas and open plains.
Boat and land safaris: Explore the reserve by both vehicle and boat, increasing your chances of seeing leopards and other wildlife.
Abundant wildlife: Moremi is home to large populations of herbivores, providing plenty of prey for leopards.

Discover more about Moremi Game Reserve’s wildlife.

9. Tips for Spotting Leopards on Safari

While leopards are elusive, there are several tips that can increase your chances of seeing one on safari:

Leopard Spotting Tips:

Look in trees: Leopards often rest in trees during the day, so scan the branches carefully.
Listen for alarm calls: Birds and smaller animals will often make alarm calls when a leopard is nearby.
Go on a night drive: Leopards are most active at dawn, dusk, and during the night, making night drives a great way to spot them.

Learn more tips for spotting leopards in the wild.

10. Planning Your Safari with Local Experts

Planning a safari in Africa requires expertise, especially if you want to increase your chances of seeing elusive wildlife like leopards. Eddy Tours & Safaris offers tailored safari packages that ensure you visit the best destinations for spotting leopards. Whether you’re traveling to Tanzania’s Serengeti or Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Eddy Tours can help plan your ideal safari.

For those interested in combining a leopard safari with a Mount Kilimanjaro trek, Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist offers custom packages that provide the best of both adventures.

Start planning your safari with local experts today.

Conclusion: Where to See Leopards in Africa

Leopards are one of Africa’s most sought-after animals, and seeing them in the wild is a thrilling experience. Whether you’re visiting South Africa’s Sabi Sands or Tanzania’s Serengeti, Africa offers numerous opportunities to spot these elusive big cats. By choosing the right destination and working with expert guides, you can increase your chances of witnessing the beauty and power of the African leopard.

For personalized safari packages, visit Eddy Tours & Safaris. If you’re seeking a combination of adventure and wildlife, explore Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist for custom trekking and safari experiences.

Best Places to See Leopards in Africa: A Safari Guide