The leopard is Africa’s most widespread big cat, living everywhere from deserts to rainforests and even on the edge of cities. It is also the most elusive: mostly nocturnal, superbly camouflaged and solitary. On many safaris, a good leopard sighting is the highlight of the trip. Some places, though, are far better than others. See our leopard profile for more about the species.
The best places to see leopards
1. Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
The best leopard viewing in Africa. Generations of leopards in this private reserve bordering Kruger have grown up around vehicles and ignore them, and off-road driving lets guides follow them. Sightings are almost daily at many lodges. See our Sabi Sands vs Kruger guide.
2. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Known as the “valley of the leopard”, South Luangwa has a high leopard density and allows night drives, when leopards are most active. See our South Luangwa guide.
3. Maasai Mara, Kenya
Leopards are regularly seen along the Talek and Mara rivers and in the Leopard Gorge area. The Mara’s conservancies, which allow night drives and off-road tracking, improve your chances. See our Maasai Mara guide.
4. Serengeti, Tanzania
The Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti is famous for leopards lounging in sausage trees and acacias along the rivers. See our Serengeti guide.
5. Samburu, Kenya
The riverine forest along the Ewaso Ng’iro and the rocky outcrops of Samburu and Buffalo Springs are excellent for leopards. See our Samburu guide.
6. Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
The islands and riverine forest of the delta, particularly around Mombo, Xakanaxa and Khwai, have strong leopard populations. See our Moremi guide.
7. Kruger National Park, South Africa
In the south of the park, especially along the Sabie and Sand rivers, leopards are seen regularly from public roads, though you may share the sighting with other cars.
8. Other good options
Chobe’s riverfront, Etosha’s waterholes at night, Ruaha, Hwange, the Kgalagadi and the Luangwa’s Nsefu sector all offer good chances. Outside Africa, Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is one of the best places in the world.
Tips for finding leopards
- Look up: leopards often rest in trees, especially large sausage trees, marulas and figs near rivers.
- Check rocky outcrops (kopjes) and riverbanks.
- Go early and late: leopards are most active at dawn, dusk and night.
- Choose reserves with night drives and off-road driving.
- Listen: alarm calls from baboons, monkeys, impala and birds often give a leopard away.
- Stay longer: three or four nights in one area improves your chances.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place in the world to see leopards? Sabi Sand in South Africa is widely considered the best, with Yala in Sri Lanka and South Luangwa in Zambia close behind.
Why are leopards so hard to see? They are solitary, mostly nocturnal and extremely well camouflaged, and they avoid people in many areas.
Are leopards endangered? The leopard is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Populations have declined because of habitat loss, conflict with livestock farmers and illegal trade in skins.
When is the best time of year to see leopards? The dry season, when vegetation is thinner and animals gather near water.
Related guides
- Where to see the Big Five
- Where to see cheetahs in the wild
- Yala National Park: leopards and sloth bears
- Animal profiles: Leopard, Lion, Cheetah
Cover photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons