Tracking Leopards In The Sabi Sand

There is a quiet thrill in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve that begins long before the sun rises. The world is draped in a soft mist, and the air carries a subtle, earthy scent of leaves and soil. Against this backdrop, the leopard moves with a grace that is nearly invisible, a shadow in the brush.

One of the many reasons guests opt to stay at Leopard Hills South Africa is for the chance to wake up to this feeling of adventure; it is also because of our reserve’s close kinship to the leopard, and the deep knowledge our guides have of the population that call this wilderness home. With us, you will get up close and personal with one of Africa’s most enigmatic predators.

Are you ready for luxury and wilderness to converge?

You’ve joined us to see leopards on safari, but first things first, we must understand what we are seeking!

Leopards are solitary, elusive, and fiercely independent big cats. Their stealth is legendary, their presence often felt more than seen. Mostly nocturnal, leopards hunt and patrol under the cloak of darkness, slipping silently between trees and over rocks. Unlike lions which find success in prides, leopards rely on subtlety and cunning.

Each sighting is a privilege: A glimpse of a creature whose life is largely hidden from human eyes. Understanding these behaviors, their hunting patterns, territorial habits, and the elegance of their movement, heightens every moment spent in the bush, and your expert guide will explain all of this to you in detail when you are on the back of their vehicle, on the lookout with your ‘bush eyes’ peeled!

At Leopard Hills, the safari experience is guided by those whose knowledge of the Sabi Sand is scientific and intuitive.

Our guide and tracker teams read the land as one might read a story: footprints in soft soil, a broken branch, a startled bird. Every subtle clue can reveal the presence of a leopard before it is even visible. They are in constant communication with one another to ensure guests have the best possible chance of sightings, sharing live updates on tracks, movements and likely paths.

Many of our guides have observed the leopards of the Sabi Sand over generations and know individual cats by name, a familiarity that transforms each drive into a deeply personal experience. Tracking is not just about discovery, it’s about respect, and these guides ensure that every encounter honours the leopard’s space.

Our advice? Get to know your guide. Pick their brain, ask them about their previous experiences with these leopards. Get in on the story! It adds so much texture to your game drives. You’ll also find that some of our guides and trackers grew up in the immediate vicinity, giving them so much more knowledge than what can be found on the pages of a book.

Keen to test your own bush sense? Here are some things to note and look out for while your guide is on the trail of a leopard during one of your drives.

• Early morning and late afternoon drives maximize the chance of sightings, when leopards are most active.
• Guides read spoor and interpret subtle signs in the environment like broken branches, tracks, scent, and even birds’ behaviour.
• Each guide is intimately familiar with the leopards on the reserve, recognising individuals by name and behaviour.
• Continuous communication between guides ensures guests have the most informed and immersive experience.
• Patience is key. The reward lies not only in the sighting itself but in the anticipation, the shared excitement, and the quiet understanding of the land.

Leopard Hills is committed to more than luxury, we’re committed to this land, the wildlife, and the delicate ecosystems that sustain it all.

Guests are invited to participate in this mindful approach to safari, gaining insight into the ongoing efforts to preserve our reserve’s species and their various habitats.

The magic of tracking leopards is complemented by the comforts of Leopard Hills South Africa. Guests return from drives to private decks, sumptuous meals, and serene spaces designed for reflection. Afternoon teas, spa treatments, and quiet moments overlooking the bush offer balance to the excitement of the day. Each itinerary is bespoke, intimate, and designed to align with the rhythms of the land. Here, luxury does not distract from nature, but enhances the experience of being truly present in it.

Witnessing a leopard in the wild is a rare privilege. At Leopard Hills South Africa, every safari is a chance to glimpse the secret life of these remarkable predators, guided by experts who know them intimately and care deeply for the land they inhabit.

For those seeking an experience second to none, get in touch with our reservations team at Leopard Hills by emailing book@leopardhills.com. Alternatively, feel free to use our online booking platform by clicking here

We can’t wait to welcome you to leopard country!