Are there any leopards in Kenya? : One of the big five mammals, the leopard is an impressive animal species that safari lovers should not miss seeing on a Kenya safari. Of the four “big cats” in the genus Panthera—the tiger, lion, and jaguar are the other three—the leopard (Panthera pardus) is the brightest, smallest, and strongest climber. Stronger climbing muscles can even attach to specific attachment points on their shoulder blades. Even when they are hunting and feeding, they spend a lot of time in trees. Most of Kenya’s National Parks and Reserves provide wildlife safaris where you can see these magnificent animals. Being the master of camouflage and stealth, the leopard is the most elusive and difficult to spot of the mammals. It is primarily found in various national parks and reserves, including Maasai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo National Parks, Amboseli National Park, and many more. When it comes to using trees as “larders” for prey, leopards are unique among all other big cats. Their long tail, which is typically curled at the white tip, and their stunning rosette patterning serve as distinguishing characteristics. Leopards are classified as nocturnal animals and are primarily active at night.
When going on a Kenya safari, visitors are always rewarded for seeing leopards. However, even though leopards are nocturnal animals, it is usually during the night drives that yield the best views. That being said, the tip for spotting a leopard on a safari in Kenya is the most incredible one because they are widely distributed but adept at hiding. For instance, you may spot one in a tree during the day.
Leopard sightings
Between dusk and dawn on a kenya safari tour is when leopards are most active. Although they are mostly solitary, nocturnal creatures, each one has a home range that overlaps with its neighbours. Males have a wider range, and the ranges of multiple females frequently overlap with those of a single male. Urine and claw markings are used to identify ranges. Travellers can have extremely high chances of seeing leopards in very specific parks and reserves. For instance, in Kenya, visitors can see leopards in the Maasai Mara National Reserve; here, they are always guaranteed a higher chance of seeing leopards because most guides are familiar with the specific habitats and whereabouts of each cat. While tourists are more likely to see leopards in Maasai Mara National Reserve on night game drives.
While a leopard’s presence is often indicated by the alarm calls of its prey, such as impala, baboons, guinea fowl, and others, tourists on a Kenya safari are always fortunate to have many opportunities to spot the leopards while viewing in almost every tree located in the park or reserve. When tourists go on a Kenya safari, they are advised to spot the leopards in the trees that surround the national parks and reserves.
Though they are best observed in savannah and woodland settings, leopards are most frequently seen in national parks with mountains and rain forests. They can be very territorial and frequently reappear in the same locations, such as Maasai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo National Parks, and numerous others.
Even though leopards are nocturnal animals, tourists who participate in night game drives during their Kenya safari have a better chance of seeing them. During the night game drive, tourists typically use torches to clearly spot the leopards, providing the best safari experience in Kenya’s various national parks and reserves.
On a Kenya safari, you can typically find leopards resting among the sloping trunks of the large trees along the tracks designed specifically for game viewing in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The secret to finding leopards in the reserve is to look for them among the tall trees rather than on the ground.
Black leopard
The melanistic black leopard, commonly known as the black panther, is a variant of the more common spotty leopard. This suggests that they have an excess of black pigmentation, which is why their coats are much darker. Although melanistic leopards still have spots, it may be harder to see these distinctive patterns on the darkest of these animals, creating the impression that they are completely black. Black panthers, which also include melanistic jaguars and melanistic leopards, are thought to exist in small numbers in the wild; however, sightings have been documented in a variety of locations, including Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, Kenya, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and a few more countries.
After San Diego Zoo biologists officially confirmed the first black leopard sighting in Laikipia, Kenya, in 2019, safaris to Kenya saw a sharp increase in popularity. As time passed, this leopard grew more accustomed to people and sightings rose slightly because, like domestic cats, leopards quickly adapt to their surroundings. Following confirmation of this sighting, award-winning photographer Will Burrard-Lucas spent six months attempting to capture a picture of the black leopard; once he published his breath taking images, the area rapidly garnered notoriety.
To date, the Laikipia region of Kenya has been reported to be home to five black leopards. At Laikipia Wilderness Camp, a female leopard that has become accustomed to human habitation has made herself at home among the rocky outcrops and is often heard or seen by visitors. Black leopard sightings are currently increasing at an astounding rate as these incredible large cats adjust to their surroundings.
Black leopard sightings were previously virtually unheard of, and leopard sightings are extremely rare. To improve your odds, though, we suggest staying a few nights at Laikipia Wilderness Camp with a private vehicle and guide (if you’re serious about your hunt, you’ll need exclusive usage of a vehicle). Situated in the heart of Kenya, approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Nanyuki town, Laikipia Wilderness Camp is a basic, family-run jungle camp. The six tents feature open-air bathrooms, electricity outlets for charging gadgets, a cosy lounge, and an eating area, all with unhindered views of the surrounding landscape. For those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Kenya safari experience, Laikipia Wilderness is the ideal destination due to its unrestricted off-roading and activity options, as well as the availability of knowledgeable guides.
Furthermore, this is the best place in Kenya to learn about tracking and photographing African wild dogs. This experience, along with the potential to see the elusive black leopard, makes it a really unique place. Less than 6,000 wild African canines remain in existence today.
