Leopard is probably the most difficult of the Big 5 species to get. Some clients are lucky and get one on their first Safari while others have a couple of returning trips to Africa before they have success! Leopard is the smallest of Africa's Big 5 but definitely the smartest and a wounded Leopard is the most likely to charge. A mature male known as a 'Tom' can weigh anywhere between 150 and 180 pounds.

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Leopard is usually hunted over bait, my preferred method, for the simple reason that a mature old male can be selected. Bait animals taken on a Leopard Hunt vary from Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu and Zebra. Both Matetsi and the Lowveld Area of Zimbabwe deliver big Tom Cats! 

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A .375 H&H Magnum is a good caliber for Leopard as it pack quite the punch although a fast shooting .30 caliber rifle, like a .300 Win Mag, with a fast expanding Soft Nose bullet is ideal! My recommendation for a premium soft nose bullet is a Swift A-Frame. Shot distance is about 50 yards or less on average, a good quality scope with an adjustable zoom is highly recommended.

 

Shot distance can vary depending on the bait and blind setup but won't normally be further than 80 yards. You're Professional Hunter guiding you on the hunt will go over shot placement with you before getting into the blind, but studying shot placement and practicing precision shooting before you're Safari can be an advantage! Time of the year and moon phase is critical for a successful Leopard Hunt! Ideal time is in the winter months, May/June/July/August and during dark phase of the moon.

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Travel options to get to the hunting concession would be to fly to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa and take a connecting flight to Victoria Falls International Airport or Bulawayo, depending on where you're hunting Safari is.

On every Safari you will be greeted at the airport by myself, or one of my handpicked Professional Hunters. If you require overnight accommodation in Johannesburg, I highly recommend Africa Sky Guesthouse.