Wildlife Travel: Leopards

Leopards are medium-sized cats found throughout most of Africa and Asia where they inhabit forests, mountains, grasslands and deserts. Like many cats they are nocturnal, hunting in the evening and resting under thick brush or tress during the day. Leopards primarily hunt gazelle, impala, deer and occasionally monkeys, rodents and birds.

Leopard Safaris and Tours

Despite the fact that Leopards are considered endangered in Asia and threatened in Africa, there are still many agencies which provide Leopard wildlife safaris and tours.

Natural Habitat Adventures is a company based in Boulder, Colorado which strives to take its guests to see “wildlife as it lives, wild and free.” They offer a 12 day tour called Secluded South Africa which costs between $7,695 and $8,890.

The safari begins in Mashatu and continues onto Kruger National Park. Both locations are known for spectacular wildlife viewing, including leopards. For the true leopard enthusiast, the highlight of the trip happens at the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which is famous for its significant leopard sightings.

Another Natural Habitat Adventures offering is their 8 or 10 day The Best of Namibia Safari which costs between $4,795 and $7,490. This unique trip utilizes aircraft to transport its guests to secluded locations while at the same time offering remarkable accommodations in thatched and stone chalets. Guests will enjoy the wildlife oasis of the Etosha Salt Pans, the Namib Desert and Damaraland – home of the desert elephant.

Earthguides, based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and strives to provide global eco adventures that are remote, pristine and leave its guest feeling rejuvenated. They offer a 15 day Kenya Safari that puts comfortable and reliable Land Cruisers to good use.

Guests on this trip will visit Samburu National Park, enjoy the unique experience of riding a camel, and enjoy a day hike on Mount Kenya. In addition, Earthguides insures that its guest do not leave Kenya without experiencing the local culture, including enjoying a dance performance by the Masai tribe.

Snow Leopards

Snow Leopards are extremely rare with an estimated 3,000 to 7,000 remaining the wild. The demand for their fur is the main reason for their reduction in numbers. To see one in the wild is an exciting experience and isn’t likely to be forgotten. Natural Habitat Adventures provides an extraordinary opportunity to do just that.

Their 12 day Bhutan: Spirit & Nature wildlife tour costs between $5,995 and $6,790. This Himalayan adventure seeks out Asian elephants, tigers, red pandas, blue sheep, and the remarkable snow leopard.

Experience Leopards with your Family

For those who would like to experience leopards with their family, but believe that extensive, walking or hiking would be too strenuous Kumuka Worldwide provides a nice alternative.

Kumuka Worldwide is based in Brooklyn, New York. They offer a Lions, Leopard and Rhino Family Tour - 10 Day/9 Night for $1,950 per child and $2,175 per adult. The trip includes stops at Tarangire National Park as well as the Serengeti National Park home to leopards, lions, zebras, gazelles, buffalos and other animals.