Meet one of the Manyeleti's stealthiest hunters...

Images: Peter Maas Wildlife Photography

Widely regarded as the most charismatic of Africa's big cats, the leopard is also adaptable, opportunistic, and extremely photogenic. The Manyeleti is blessed with one of the healthiest populations of this fabulous feline in the Greater Kruger, making Pungwe a hot "spot" for cat lovers!

Renowned for being secretive and using the cover of darkness for their hunting forays, leopards regularly top the list of the animal our guests most want to see during their stay at Pungwe. Of course, while we can never guarantee anything, we are fortunate to be in an area of the Manyeleti, and, indeed the Greater Kruger, that's known for its regular leopard sightings

Located as we are between the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand private game reserve, the Manyeleti plays a pivotal role in one of the largest conservation areas in Southern Africa that's renowned for its biodiversity. It has a healthy population of leopards, the territories of which often overlap with our illustrious neighbours. 

Our resident leopards are generally extremely relaxed around safari vehicles, giving us the opportunity to view them at close quarters without disturbing them or negatively affecting their natural behaviour. Over the years we have gotten to know many leopards intimately, forming relationships with them and having the privilege of watching their lives unfold, year on year. 

Leopards are extremely adaptable big cats and thrive in a range of diverse habitats, from savannah grasslands to acacia woodlands and riparian forests, all of which can be found on the Manyeleti. Their diet is as broad as their range and they are known to hunt and consume a variety of animals from antelopes like impala, bushbuck and duiker to smaller mammals, birds and even reptiles.

Their strength is legendary and adult leopards are capable of carrying prey twice their own body weight up into trees to protect kills from scavengers like hyena and other predators. Climbing is their super-power and they spend a good deal of time in trees, using them as vantage points, larders in which to store their kills and resting places where they can escape the heat of the day and annoying, biting insects.

Their distinctive coat is not actually spotted. It's covered in what's known as rosettes - clusters of spot-like markings forming a rose-like pattern - providing excellent camouflage, especially in the dappled shade of riverine woodlands and swaying savannah grasses.

Leopards have one of the widest geographic ranges of any big cat species. They can be found across Africa and parts of Asia, including countries like India, China, and Russia. They are primarily solitary animals, coming together for mating. Females hold their own territories and the males' territories will often cover that of several different females. 

They mark their territories by spraying urine on shrubs and trees. Leopards communicate using a variety of vocalisations, including growls, roars, grunts, and even meows. Their calls play a role in establishing territories and attracting mates.

Females give birth to one or two cubs after a gestation period of between 88 and 112 days. The cubs are born under-developed, and their eyes do not open for the first week or so. They stay with their mother for some two years, until they are able to hunt for themselves with ease. 

As apex predators, leopards play a critical role in the health of ecosystems, helping to regulate herbivore populations and shape the behaviour of other key species. Sadly, populations of leopards are in decline across their range, largely due to a loss of habitat caused by human expansion. Poaching also plays a role in their drop in numbers, as does human-wildlife conflict.

Ensuring their survival in reserves like the Manyeleti involves efforts to protect their habitat, mitigate conflicts, reduce poaching and raise awareness about their importance.