Leopard in Tanzania
One of Africa’s most secretive big cats, leopards can be found throughout Tanzania’s safari areas. For your best chance of seeing them, head to the central Serengeti.
Quick facts about Leopard
| Scientific name: | Panthera pardus | Habitat: | Savanna, woodland, forest, mountains |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Vulnerable | Adult weight: | 30–90kg |
Africa has just one subspecies of leopard, Panthera pardus pardus (the others being Asian). While numbers are in decline by as much as 8% per year, the leopard is still Africa’s most numerous big cat and is widespread across Tanzania. Although they can live in a range of habitats, leopards favour open bush, dotted with large trees and rocky kopjes.
They formerly lived on Zanzibar, where an endemic race persisted in the forested interior until 2002, when hunting and habitat caused its extinction. A camera trap sighting in 2018 gave hope for their continued presence on the island, however on review it was determined to most likely be a civet cat.
58km/h
MAX. SPEED
3 months
GESTATION
6m
MAX. LEAP
3
MAX. LITTER
Tanzania's top camps for seeing leopards
Based on 295 reports since May 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing leopards. Simply follow the key below.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Where to see leopards in Tanzania
Leopards are solitary and shy, so they can be challenging to find. The central Serengeti is probably the best location for them in Tanzania, and roughly three-quarters of our travellers see leopards there.
Top tips for viewing leopards in Tanzania
The Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti can be a good leopard location, though you may need patience. To increase your chances of seeing a leopard, combine the Serengeti with Tarangire, where the chance of seeing leopards is also generally good.
In southern Tanzania head to the riverine bushland of Ruaha National Park, which is famed for good sightings. Leopards are found here in relatively small numbers, but the locations of individual cats are often known by guides, and consequently you may have to share sightings (around 60 per cent of Expert Africa travellers report sightings here) with other vehicles. Look out for giveaway tails dangling from tree branches or the alarm calls of prey, giving away their presence.
Holiday ideas to see leopards in Tanzania
These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing leopards in Tanzania
Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.
US$17,640 - US$25,560 per person
Gorillas and Migration Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.
US$17,930 - US$25,280 per person
Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding areas, relatively remote locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.
US$7,300 - US$14,860 per person
Avocet Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxurious safari explores three iconic African reserves from exclusive lodges in unbeatable locations. A very high standard of food, care and guiding ensure that you can focus on this amazing experience.
US$9,750 - US$15,860 per person
Superb Starling Fly-In Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Explore Nyerere and Ruaha national parks from two luxurious sister camps within wildlife-rich locations. Both offer a range of land- and water-based activities, a superb standard of guiding and access to beautifully contrasting landscapes.
US$8,500 - US$12,950 per person
Flufftail Guided Safari
10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.
US$13,020 - US$18,460 per person
Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.
US$8,840 - US$10,760 per person
Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.
US$11,570 - US$17,740 per person
Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari
8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and a wide range of activities.
US$9,640 - US$14,140 per person
Our top destinations for leopards
Read tips for spotting leopards in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings
