Hunting a leopard (Panthera pardus) in Africa is a bucket list item for many dangerous game hunting enthusiasts. A hunt is as challenging as it is rewarding, African leopard hunting requires the hunter to put in their share of the effort before (potentially) being rewarded with one of those magnificent trophies available when hunting in Africa.
Leopard hunting can be found across Africa’s dangerous game hunting destinations, but which should be at the top of the list, and what qualifies them to be a location to consider when planning a leopard safari? While each destination has its similarities, slight differences that can influence the hunter’s choice do exist, so which African leopard hunting destination is the one for you?
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Leopards are seen as being cunning, elusive, and a challenge to hunt, making them a prized dangerous game hunting trophy.
- Five of the most popular game hunting destinations for leopard hunting in Africa include Mozambique, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, and Zimbabwe
- While hunting methods for leopards usually include baiting and stalking, hunting with hounds is legal in Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe
- Excellent shot placement remains critical to ensure that your leopard hunt is successful, with a quick and humane kill.
- Leopards can be hunted using a bow in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique.
- The male of the species is usually hunted unless special quotas have been issued.
- As one of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7, the leopard remains a sought-after game hunting trophy throughout Africa.
The Appeal of African Leopard Hunting: Why is the Leopard such a Prized Trophy?
When looking at the other dangerous game hunting options like lion, crocodile, and buffalo; why do hunters always seem to return for the leopard in particular? In the early days of the African hunting safari, leopards were seen as a highly exclusive (and elusive) trophy because their population wasn’t the biggest, and their shy, slinky nature gave them an air of rarity and exclusivity. To successfully hunt a leopard was a prime manner for the hunter to prove their skills (and let’s face it, masculinity) while capturing a trophy not many others would have.
Some of the biggest and most renowned names in the history of hunting had their share of leopard hunting tales, including Frederick Selous, Bunny Allen, and Theodore Roosevelt, among others. Hunting leopard, an animal that posed and continues to pose a challenge to hunters, also contributes to the thrill and rush of the hunt; giving hunters a sense of walking in the boot prints of the famed figures who came before and left a trail across Africa for others to follow.
Five Top Spots for Leopard Hunting in Africa
Africa has many game hunting destinations, but some stand out more than others depending on what you’re looking for. Leopard hunting is available in almost all of the continents’ hunting territories, provided they have leopards; deciding factors in your African leopard hunting decision can range from climate, time of year, budget, etc.
Tanzania: The Dangerous Game Hunting Mecca of Africa
One of Africa’s most dangerous and sought-after targets can be found in many of the concession areas around Tanzania; including the famed Selous, Rungwa, and Masailand territories. Hunting a leopard in Tanzania is restricted to daylight hours, and like other dangerous game, leopards in Tanzania may not be hunted with a bow. No nighttime or hunting with artificial light is allowed.
Only male leopards may be hunted and must meet the minimum size requirement of a nose-to-tail base measurement of 4.9 feet. Due to Tanzania’s hunting license laws; leopards may only be hunted on a full 21-day permit, even if the hunt itself is only 10 or 15 days, the full 21-day permit must be applied and paid for. When it comes to firearms, a minimum caliber of .375 is the order of the day and expanding tip bullets are recommended.
Zimbabwe: Leopard hunting at its roots
African leopard hunting in Zimbabwe is an experience that could take the hunter well into the famous Zambezi area. Zimbabwe is known for its “raw” wilderness, and hunters should be prepared to handle a more rugged environment. Hunting grounds in Zimbabwe can either be state-owned, tribal, or privately owned; with the classification impacting the regulations surrounding leopard hunting as the body in charge, makes the rules.
On state land, no artificial light or night hunting is allowed, tribal grounds allow for both of these, and when it comes to private land it’s up to the owner. Tribal and private concessions also allow for the use of hounds when hunting leopards, but a check with the owner is a strong suggestion. Regardless of the concession, all hunting parties must be accompanied by a representative or member of Zimbabwean National Parks, another note is that no leopard wearing a collar or tag may be hunted.
Namibia: Hunting a leopard in the Land of Sand
What do you get when you combine expanses of uninhabited land and one of the most shy and elusive creatures on Earth, the answer, is an African leopard hunting safari needing a solid duration of 14–21 days. But then again, the reward is worth the effort. Dangerous game hunting, particularly leopard, is favored in Namibia due to its land layout and stable well-managed conservation efforts.
Leopard hunting in Namibia requires a strong effort to be as invisible as possible, as leopards are highly attuned to “unnatural” sounds, and one slip-up will send the target streaking off into the sunset. Namibia’s hunting season runs from February to November and hunting during the start or ending months could require some extra planning due to the present weather patterns. Due to its fair-chase principles, Namibia does not allow for leopards and other dangerous game hunting targets to be hunted with a bow, the usage of artificial light is also prohibited, and no animal may be shot from the vehicle.
Mozambique: Leopard Hunting on the Continent’s Wildside
This southeast African country offers an experience harking back to the traditional dangerous game hunting expeditions of old. Hunting leopards in Mozambique occurs across various hunting areas like the Cohora Bassa, Niassa, and Marromeu regions. Leopard hunts in Mozambique typically last 14–21 days depending on whether or not other species are included. And with Mozambique’s tropical climate, leopards can be hunted during the dry and the wet seasons, as long as reasonable and relevant planning is involved.
Leopard hunting in Mozambique is regulated by the government to ensure no over-exploitation of the species and to regulate conservation efforts. Both bow and rifle hunts are available in the country, as long as the prescribed stipulations are followed; leopards are also allowed to be hunted at night and with the use of artificial light.
Botswana: Leopard Hunting at Its Best
Leopard hunting in Botswana is not for the faint-hearted, with this cunning, elusive, and majestic African cat being a challenge to hunt. Not only that, but pound for pound, they are seen as the most dangerous wounded animal in Africa.
Botswana’s hunting season runs from April to September, with the best time for leopard hunting recommended from July to September. Leopard hunting in Botswana is available throughout the country, from the famous Kalahari Desert to the beautiful Okavango Delta, alive with fauna and flora, making it a prime dangerous game hunting destination.
Leopard hunting with Hounds
Three of the top four African leopard hunting destinations offer the opportunity to hunt a leopard with hounds. The practice of leopard hunting with hounds (and hound hunting in general) dates back hundreds of years and provides an enjoyable and unique experience to hunters looking for something different.
Zimbabwe
Leopard hunting with hounds was a practice initiated in 1980s Zimbabwe, and became a legalized method in 1996, with hound hunting only taking place on privately owned hunting grounds, and not on state or tribal land. These private land concessions are spread across the country and include a variety of landscapes from bushveld and rocky outcrops to woodland-type areas all suited to and supporting leopard populations.
Mozambique
In Mozambique, leopard hunting with hounds is typically restricted to the nighttime period, especially in areas where the tsetse fly is prevalent. The tsetse fly is host to a parasite, that if passed on to dogs can be fatal. Much like neighboring Zimbabwe, leopard hunting with hounds occurs across Mozambique, most often on private hunting concessions.
Botswana
Leopard hunting with hounds has a high success rate in this popular dangerous game hunting destination. Again, this dangerous African cat is not to be messed with, and the hounds distract its attention while the hunter aligns for the perfect shot ensuring a clean and humane kill.
Considerations when Hunting with Hounds
Hunting a leopard with hounds is a “specialized” form of dangerous game hunting, and as such, more consideration is needed when looking at planning and cost.
These hounds are trained from a young age, often starting with small predators, and are not released onto cold trails. This training takes years, and once a hound is properly trained, there’s no going back to other species. Due to this and the “exclusivity” of these hunts, the cost is therefore increased. While it could seem ridiculous to others, this increased cost is well justified considering the training, accommodation, transport, food, and maintenance costs involved in keeping these dogs ready for action.
Is Leopard Hunting with Hounds ethical?
Often the topic of conversation surrounding these hunts includes concerns for the safety of these dogs and how “right” it is for leopards to be hunted in this manner. Truthfully, these hunts make use of hundreds of years of history relying on the innate conflict and confrontation between the feline and canine species; leopards will try their luck with one or two hounds; but when faced with a pack, they typically seek the nearest tree to wait out. Once the leopard is in the tree (much like it would be if it were baited) the hunter takes their shot, hounds don’t bother with the shot animal and when well controlled, don’t pose a risk to the trophy either.
What makes a good Leopard Hunting Trophy? Let’s a look at the Books…
Unlike other hunting targets, a leopard’s body size alone doesn’t guarantee its trophy quality. When looking at the SCI and Rowland Ward scoring systems, the measurement of the skull is the determining factor. SCI requires a minimum of 14 inches, and RW calls for 15 and of an inch (to be technical). For those who operate in metric units, 32cm is considered the minimum requirement for the trophy.
It’s worth noting that in most destinations mentioned above, only male leopards may be hunted unless special quotas are given.
Hunting a Leopard – The Approach and Shot
Hunting Methods and Practices
Aside from leopard hunting with hounds, everyday leopard hunts involve stalking and baiting. Trail cameras and guides are employed to track leopard activity and scout for possible bait sites, these sites can be near a watering hole or popular hunting/feeding ground.
Once the bait site is secured, a temporary blind is built and the waiting game begins. All bait needs to come from a licensed hunt and leopards are known to be very fond of zebra. Hunting a leopard through bait and blind is a lesson in patience and waiting for the right moment, it also requires hunters to be as invisible as possible.
When baiting for a leopard, the general rule is that the bait animal needs to be killed on the same licensed hunt as the leopard. Some outfitters do offer the option of pre-baiting sites, so whether you want to do it yourself or have a helping hand is up to you and the local rules and regulations.
Shot Placement and Accuracy
The leopard’s uniquely patterned coat comes in handy as a means of camouflage in the bush; unfortunately for hunters, this feature can also affect the accuracy of their shot placement, especially if the target is in motion at a bait site or on the move.
It is said that one of the best ways to ensure an accurate shot when hunting a leopard is to isolate a particular rosette over the vital organs and aim for that specific marking. For this purpose, ensure you have a decent scope fitted to your rifle and practice this shot well.
African leopard hunting standards regarding caliber are fairly equal across the board with a .300 size being the minimum requirement. Leopards aren’t the largest of animals and when compared to other targets, have soft bodies that don’t require a large caliber (like a .416) or a hard expanding bullet. Their bodies are lower-slung than that of the body of a lion, and aiming for the spot 1/3 of the way up the leg is a good option for striking the heart. On the off chance of facing the leopard straight on, the middle of the chest presents the best opportunity, while head or neck shots should be left to the professionals.
It should however be noted that the minimum legal requirement for leopard hunting in some countries is a .375 caliber rifle.
While many dangerous game hunting participants are warned about wounded buffalo, wildebeest, or rhino; the leopard is also known to be a dangerous liability if not felled on the first shot. Given their speed and ability to hide in plain sight, the leopard has all the advantages when fleeing an unsuccessful shot. Wounded leopards have been known to lay low in bushes, brush, or trees and pounce on unsuspecting hunters following their trail.
In leopard hunting, the first shot needs to seal the deal.
Bow Hunting
Of the destinations discussed above, only Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique allow the bow hunting technique to be used when hunting a leopard in their respective concessions, in Zimbabwe it’s restricted to tribal and private land. While Namibia and Tanzania allow for Bowhunting, dangerous game cannot be hunted in this manner. When looking at the requirements and regulations involved in Bowhunting, the standards across Africa are very similar when compared.
Leopards are considered to be large game and the bow requirements are as follows:
- Draw mass and kinetic energy rating of 60 – 70 pounds
- Arrow point grain category of 40
- Arrow weight of 500 – 600
Bow hunting often requires a separate permit that comes at an extra cost and can sometimes require special permission from the government’s wildlife and conservation departments or the land owner.
How to Prepare for an African Leopard Hunting Safari
Hunting a leopard is a marathon, not a sprint and as such, hunters need to focus on and train their physical and mental endurance. Tracking (and trekking) after a leopard through the wilderness for days on end while climbing hills and dealing with whatever the African climate throws at them can take a toll on the hunter’s morale and patience. Keeping both the physical body and the mind in shape is highly important on these hunts, there will be miles of walking, there will be hills and vast sandy plains and there will be close shots and even closer misses (if you’re unlucky). But the main part is to trust yourself and your PH or guide, you’ve earned your African leopard hunting opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most difficult animal to hunt in Africa?
The leopard is most definitely a challenging animal to hunt on an African safari. They are renowned for their cunning, elusive behavior and that, together with their exceptional camouflaging skills, ensures that they are difficult to hunt. These animals are typically hunted through the bait and blind method, while some countries do allow leopard hunting with hounds.
What animal eats leopards?
While rare, lions have been known to attack, kill, and eat leopards.
Where is the best place to hunt leopards?
Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Botswana are known as excellent leopard hunting destinations.
What African country has the most leopards?
Zambia is said to be the country with the most leopards, with the South Luangwa National Park having the highest concentration of leopards in Africa.
What is the lifespan of a leopard?
In the wild, leopards can reach up to 12 years old, depending on their habitat, environment, prey, and other factors that can influence their general health. In captivity, it is said that they can live more than 20 years.
Do leopards sleep at night?
Leopards are part of the cat family, and like many felines, are nocturnal. They sleep and rest during the day, and are more active at night. Hunting also takes place during the night.
How fast can a leopard run?
Leopards can reach speeds of up to 36 miles per hour. They are also renowned for their exceptional climbing abilities and are extremely agile.
How aggressive are leopards?
Leopards are seen as one of Africa’s fiercest animals. They are not a member of Africa’s Big 5 and Dangerous 7 in vain! Members of the hunting community also know that a wounded leopard is the most dangerous animal there is. It will defend itself to the death, whether its own or its assailant’s.
Can leopards swim?
Yes, leopards can swim and enjoy being in the water, which allows them to cool down when the African heat gets too much.
The Last Word
As always, the best way to gather the correct information when you plan to go hunting a leopard in Africa is to speak with your broker or outfitter. The rules and regulations surrounding leopard hunting practices and quotas are subject to change at any given time, and to avoid disappointment, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Still interested in leopard hunting in Africa? Check out some of our available leopard hunts at https://shorturl.at/jr72S
Author: A. Baker