Leopards Galore

Having in the past travelled to Sri Lanka to see Leopards in the world famous Yala National Park. One of the few places in the world were they can be seen being active in daylight hours, and being somewhat disappointed with result. With one sighting over three days and having to put up with being jostled by at least 20 other jeeps all trying to get a closer view. 

Two years later in the scenic Tadoba Reserve in India during the spring season. An encounter unfolded early one morning, presenting a great opportunity to photograph a pair of leopards mating. Capturing what I thought to be my best images of these wonderful creatures.

Greater Kruger National Park

Venturing further, the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa emerged as a revelation. A prolific population of leopards inhabited the region, and what astonished me was not only the proximity one could achieve but the apparent contentment of these majestic cats with the presence of one or two vehicles. Within the initial hour of our first drive, we came across two leopards, the second quenching its thirst at a water hole. As an unexpected bonus, a rhino mother and her calf stood on the opposite bank of the water hole, adding to the the encounter.

As our trip continued in the kruger area each subsequent drive revealed new chapters in the lives of these enigmatic cats. Each encounter, a fresh individual leopard engaged in their daily routines, from resting under trees to the drama of hunting. Thornybush, Timbavati, Motswari Nature Reserves—each destination showcasing the varied facets of leopard behavior in their natural habitat.

Timbavati & Thornybush Leopards

Timbavati and Thornybush, nestle within the Greater Kruger National Park, they boast a prolific population of leopards. These elusive cats, with their distinctive rosettes and sleek, powerful build, navigate the diverse ecosystems of the reserves . One remarkable aspect of these leopards is their remarkable adaptability. From the dense woodlands to the open savannah, these cats display a versatile hunting behavior, preying on an array of animals, from impalas to smaller mammals.

After spending some time in the Timbavati and Thornybush area we moved further north to the Motswari Private Game Reserve, Once again, each day we came across leopards either resting up from the heat of the day or out in the cooler hours before dusk hunting