Leopard wildlife Safaris Uganda : When on safari in Uganda the lion and leopard is on the top of many visitors’ wish list for the game drives, targeting to see a leopard in Uganda. The more elusive leopard is trickier to get a sight of than the lion so it is really a highlight to see a leopard in Uganda. If your dream is to see a leopard makes sure to tell your guide so the game-drive can be adapted to the areas where chances of seeing one are bigger.
“So boldly marked by dark rosettes on tawny skin…” is a line from a poem that describes the leopard. Known as the most secretive and elusive of the large carnivores found in the wild, the leopard is a magnificent sight to behold for those who get the opportunity to see it.
Leopards can be found in a number of national parks in Uganda. They are however very solitary creatures and if you get an opportunity catch sight of one on Uganda wildlife Safari, you should count your blessings. They are hard to see, much less photograph.
Behavior and characteristics of leopards
Leopards spend most of their days strolling through the savannah or the forests, hiding in tree or caves. The leopards are very solitary animal and are very rarely seen in pairs. While other carnivores such as lions can live in groups/ prides, that is not the case with leopards, these animals are loners. The only time you can see them in pairs is during mating. But because they are solitary animals they do not multiply as much as other animals that live in groups.
They are very fast and stealthy and the spots on their skins provide camouflage which helps them hide and difficult to spot. They are also nocturnal and that is why it is extremely rare to spot them on a game drive through the parks.
Sometimes hunt and kill leopards, so they avoid lions. They also avoid hyena, which are annoying enough to steal their kill/food before the leopard has time to hide it.
Leopards are very adaptable. No matter what their surroundings are. Be it rainforests, jungles, deserts, mountains, or savannah, they are able to adapt and survive in their environment.
They are very fast and agile and can pounce on prey from trees and haul them up the trees. They are strong and can take down prey which is three times their size.
They are also very good swimmers and can hunt fish in water, and other things such as reptiles, insects, and animals that may be grazing near the water. If leopards are living near human settlements, they will feed on livestock such as goats and chickens.
Leopards do not have a specific mating period; they can mate any time of the year. Conception takes can happen about 90 to 100 days later.
A female leopard can give birth to up to four cubs. The mother finds a cave or well protected area to protect and raise her cubs. The mortality of leopard cubs is very high though. It is at about 50%. Those that survive stay with the mother leopard for about 1 ½ to 2 years, during which time they play with each other and learn to hunt for their own food.
Parks in Uganda where leopard can be seen
Leopard in Queen Elizabeth National Park: In Queen Elizabeth national park if the target is to spot a leopard there are some special places to look, one being the track called the leopard loop. The beautiful cat is also known to be seen by the adventurous channel track, Kasenyi research track around the crater at Queen’s pavilion (recently seen with a cub here) and by the old mating ground in Kasenyi. There is as well a resident leopard around Kyambura Gorge. In the Ishasha sector, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park, it is to go for the Kigezi game reserve or for Ntungwe mating ground in the morning or late evening if the aim is to see a leopard in Uganda.
Leopard in Murchison Falls National Park: If your safari takes you to Murchison Falls national park chances are to spot a your Uganda leopard by the palms towards Tangi gate, along Buligi track in the elephant corridor and by Queen’s track through the sausage tree areas.
Leopard in Kidepo Valley National Park: Leopards in Uganda are as well found in Kidepo Valley national park as you go exploring this untouched wilderness.
Leopard in Lake Mburo National Park: Here the leopard search should focus on Warukuri track, Zebra track and Lake Side drive in the evening. There is as well a resident leopard around Mihingo lodge and Rwakobo Rock lodge. In Lake Mburo national park it is also possible with a night game-drive with spotlight to search for this rare great cat.
The elusive leopard lives a solitary life spending the day up in the trees and hunting at night. The search for a leopard in Uganda itself is exciting as you are driven out on the savanna keeping your eyes open to spot a leopard and the search reminds you that Uganda’s animals are living in a vast wilderness enjoying their freedom.
Fun activities involved in leopard safaris in Uganda
There are lots of fun game activities to do in Uganda on a safari mostly to learn more about leopards in Uganda and some of these activities can leave you wanting more and more of the safari moments and all these can contribute to your fun moments and adventures in Uganda and these include:
Walking Safaris.
Game Drives.
Biking Safaris.
Bird Watching.
Sundowner.
Horseback Riding
Uganda safari moments can never end every different direction is a different adventure and all these can help you to know much better about the precious pearl of Africa and its hidden sceneries.
With a well trusted Uganda safari company be assured to have a thrilling adventure of your life in Uganda and all that you and learn will push you to need another adventure every season.
