Leopard hunting is often described as a mental chess game — precise, strategic, and intensely rewarding. As the most elusive member of the Big Five, leopards are rarely seen until the moment of the shot. Despite being the smallest of the group, a wounded leopard is highly dangerous and known for sudden, aggressive charges.

The hunt typically begins with baiting selected areas using impala, kudu, or zebra — all ideal due to the leopard’s ability to consume up to 20% of its body weight in one feeding. Leopards often drag their kill into trees to keep it safe from scavengers. Drags made from the internal organs and blood of the bait animal are used to lure the leopard toward the feeding site.

Once a bait is hit, a blind is carefully constructed nearby. Stealth and silence become critical at this stage, as leopards are exceptionally cautious and can vanish at the slightest disturbance. Mature males (toms) usually weigh between 120–180 lbs, sometimes reaching over 200 lbs. Females are smaller, typically between 70–130 lbs, and appear more slender.

Our leopard hunts take place in Zimbabwe’s prime wilderness concessions — including the Gonarezhou and Matetsi Safari Areas — which offer rocky outcrops, caves, and dense cover that leopards prefer. While on safari, you’ll likely encounter plains game like zebra, wildebeest, impala, and eland, along with smaller predators.

To reach the hunting areas, we recommend flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa to either Victoria Falls or Harare, depending on your destination. South African Airways (SAA) allows the transport of firearms, and your rifles will remain with you during overland transfers.

The best months for leopard hunting are during the cooler seasons, from April/May through July/August. A full moon phase provides ideal conditions, improving visibility and activity at the bait.