Leopard

The leopard is arguably the most beautiful and elusive of Africa's Big Five. These solitary, nocturnal hunters are masters of stealth and can thrive in a wider range of habitats than any other big cat in Africa.

Leopards are exceptionally strong — they routinely haul prey weighing more than their own body weight up into trees to keep it safe from scavengers like hyenas and lions. The Masai Mara and Serengeti offer some of the best leopard sighting opportunities in East Africa, particularly along riverine forests.

Their distinctive rosette-patterned coat provides excellent camouflage across different environments. In rare cases, melanistic (black) leopards occur, commonly known as "black panthers."