Wildlife of Africa: The Big Five

The Leopard

Image © Ilana Moloney

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While leopards are more numerous than rhino in the Big 5 pantheon, they are sometimes just as difficult to spot while on safari in Africa. Leopards use trees as observation platforms and for protection, so you have to remember to look up to see this solitary, beautiful cat. Leopards are shy and nocturnal, quite modest for a cat that can climb, swim and live in a wider range of habitats than most other wild cats.

For further information about the leopard, its behavior, habitat and characteristics see the African Wildlife Foundation.

Where to see Leopard

• Botswana at the Okavango Delta
• South Africa at the Kruger National Park
• Namibia at Etosha National Park
• Zimbabwe at Hwange National Park
• Kenya at Tsavo, Masai Mara, and Amboseli National Parks
• Tanzania at the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area