Leopards are secretive night hunters that spend the day resting in trees or rocky outcrops. They carry prey into the branches to keep it from lions and hyenas. In the Serengeti, the Seronera River area is well known for leopard sightings.
Big cats
One of the Big Five
Leopard
Panthera pardus
A solitary, powerful climber that hides its kills in trees.
Size
Males 37-90 kg; females 28-60 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Diet
Impala, gazelles, monkeys, birds and small mammals.
Habitat
Woodland, rocky hills, riverine forest and savannah.
About the leopard
Did you know?
01
A leopard can carry prey heavier than itself up a tree.
02
Every leopard's spot pattern is unique, like a fingerprint.
03
Sightings are best at dawn and dusk.
When to see it
Seen all year round; the best sightings depend on where you are.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Where to see it in Tanzania
Trips that go there
Where to meet the leopard
More wildlife to discover
Big Five
VU
Big cats
African Lion
Panthera leo
The largest social cat, living in prides and ruling the Serengeti plains.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +7 more
Big cats
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The fastest land animal, hunting by day on open plains.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +2 more
Big Five
EN
Elephants
African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
The largest land animal on Earth, living in family herds led by a matriarch.
Tarangire, Nyerere +7 more
Big Five
NT
Bovids
African Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
A heavy, dangerous grazer that lives in herds of hundreds.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area +7 more
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