Leopard Hunting with Hounds in the forests of Mozambique
Booking Season: 2025/2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
No big game hunting safari is complete without targeting this shy and elusive member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7. While many may underestimate this nocturnal predator, its reputation precedes it, and it is widely regarded as the most dangerous of all animals worldwide to target on a game hunting safari. Now if that doesn’t pique your interest, nothing will! The leopard (Panthera pardus) sports a gorgeous pelt, one of the reasons why this African feline is such a sought-after game hunting trophy. This apex predator is a force with which to be reckoned, and a difficult trophy to harvest. The leopard is a master of camouflage, extremely alert, with exceptional eyesight and excellent hearing, making it a challenge to hunt and a challenging predator to evade.
While leopards are found throughout Mozambique, some popular hunting locations also include the Niassa Reserve, Marromeu Complex, Cohora Bassa region, and the Marangira Region. Leopards are classified as “vulnerable” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and a CITES permit is required for this African hunt. Dangerous game may not be hunted with a bow in Mozambique.
Shot Placement when Leopard Hunting in Mozambique
Targeting this cunning and clever African feline is not as simple as one might think. Yes, baiting does work to a certain extent, but leopards are easily spooked, and should it get a whiff of hunters in the blind, or hear something out of place as it nears the bait, it will leave and possibly never return again. When baiting the leopard, the bait is hung just low enough to entice it. Activity at the bait is then monitored via a trail cam and if the leopard is visiting the area, a temporary blind is erected. Hunters then sit in wait for this dangerous African cat, hoping that they will be lucky and harvest this big game hunting trophy. When it comes to shot placement, do your homework. Read up and familiarize yourself with a leopard’s anatomy and what the best shot placement would be when leopard hunting in Mozambique.
Keep the following in mind during your African hunt: When targeting this elusive African cat, keep in mind that the leopard will be shot while it is under or next to the bait. This will then see the target in a sitting position and not in the classic broadside position. If the leopard is reaching up to the bait, their body position will also change. A leopard is not an ungulate, meaning that the heart and lungs sit further back. A leopard generally has a soft body and is highly susceptible to hydrostatic shock. Remember your leopard research with regards to shot placement, and don’t even think about employing the head shot option, as your trophy will be ruined. Shot placement is critical, and the hunter is advised to study the leopard's anatomy, as angles and body position can again play a vital role.
What Caliber Rifle is used when Hunting Leopard in Mozambique?
Hunting leopards in Mozambique requires a minimum caliber of .375 with a 300-grain bullet. An expanding bullet tip is recommended, and the rifle should be fitted with an excellent-quality tactical scope. Whichever rifle you decide upon, consider that without adequate and precise shot placement, your trophy will be missed, lost, or ruined.
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