South Luangwa is also known as the “Valley of Leopards” because it has one of the world’s highest densities of free-roaming leopards. Leopards are listed as a vulnerable species, and their primary threats are habitat loss, poaching and human conflict. However, due to South Luangwa National Parks’ vast, remote location and the stringent Zambian conservation laws, none of these threats apply here. Conservation South Luangwa is continuously monitoring the leopard population and putting measures in place to protect them.

The vegetation of South Luangwa is varied, with much of it appealing to leopards. The dense forests and groves provide cover for these shy animals, while the more exposed Luangwa River is a top hunting ground, and they will lie in wait for thirsty, unsuspecting animals.

South Luangwa National Park is home to the Big Four. The rhino that is part of the Big Five has not been successfully reintroduced to the reserve.

The Big Four is also what many wildlife enthusiasts have ticked off their bucket list of “must see game when in Africa”. Almost every person seeking the Big Five is keen to add the tick for the frustratingly elusive leopard. When visiting South Luangwa National Park, the chances of seeing these magnificent big cats in the wild are almost guaranteed.

Leopards are ferocious predators because they have lightning-fast reflexes, an acute sense of smell, sharp claws and teeth and the ability to sprint at high speed.

These solitary animals are most active at night when they hunt. During the daytime, skilled guides will find the well-camouflaged leopards sleeping under cover on the ground or resting in the trees. Remember to look up on a game drive, as leopards use their remarkable body strength to drag their prey into a tree to deter scavengers and feast at their leisure. Now, that is a sight worth seeing.

Leopards are solitary animals, and the cubs usually leave their mothers at the age of two when they can hunt independently.  They are identified by their light coats dotted with dark spots called rosettes. Easily confused with the cheetah, leopards do not have the cheetah’s black tear marks that extend from the eyes to the mouth. The males weigh up to 90 kg and have a stockier build and bigger paws than females, who average about 60 kilograms with a more slender body.