Black Leopard at Laikipia

Did you know that you can spot a black leopard in Kenya – Laikipia? Spotting Black Leopards (Melanistic Leopards) is such a rare encounter of the Big Cat family. About 11% of Black Leopards still survive in the world, and in Africa. These elusive big cats have been sighted in Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia. Out of the 3 African safari destinations where these mammals have been recently spotted, Kenya’s Laikipia offers the most reliable sightings. Camera traps and guides have confirmed the presence of the Black Panther in Laikipia. In 2019, Will Burrard-Lucas captured pictures of Black Leopards in Laikipia. The Black Leopards are rare, and locating them in the spectacular Laikipia offers nature lovers amazing encounters.

Description of a Black Leopard

The Black Leopard (Black Panther) is unique due to its melanistic variation. Unlike the usual Leopards, the Black Leopards feature excess black pigmentation, making them darker. However, as you draw near, you can notice the rare spots, and they can’t be spotted. As a result, they are usually viewed as completely black. The Black Leopard population in the natural environment remains unknown.

Black Leopard Spotting in Kenya

The first Black Leopard was spotted in Laikipia in 2019. This was by the scientists from the San Diego Zoo. Leopards are more like domestic cats –they can easily get acclimatized to their environment. As time goes on, they become more comfortable with visitors getting a chance to spot them often. Following confirmation of these big cats by the San Diego Zoo scientists, Will Burrard-Lucas, one of the world’s renowned photographers, spent up to 6 months capturing the Black Leopard images. After he published his pictures, the Black Leopards became more popular.

About 5 Black Leopards often roam in the Laikipia Area of Kenya. Around Laikipia Wilderness Camp, there is a female that has become familiar with human presence and has camped in the rocky outcrops. Often, she is spotted and heard roaring. With confirmation from scientists and Lucas, Black Leopard watching is increasingly becoming popular.

How to Watch a Black Leopard in Laikipia

Black Leopards at Laikipia spotting is a rare opportunity. At Laikipia, you can be privileged to spend quality time exploring the renowned Giza Black Leopard. The best you can do is to spend more nights to increase your chances. We can recommend that you spend some nights at the Laikipia Wilderness Camp. While at Laikipia Camp, you should also have a well-serviced safari car and a private tour guide.

Laikipia Wilderness Camp is a family-run safari camp. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from Nanyuki town in Laikipia, Central Kenya. This comfortable wilderness camp is made of 6 tents and offers unique views of the lush surrounding area. The camp features en suite bathrooms. Generally, it is the best place to stay for all nature lovers with a desire for authentic or off-the-beaten-track safari experiences. While at this camp, you have a higher chance of sighting the elusive Black Panthers.

The Guidelines to follow during Black Leopard Watching

All Black Leopard guided drives are restricted between 6 am and 8 pm.
Please take note that the spotlights are used and they are mostly fitted with red filters.
A guide has the right to end the Leopard watching session if he senses any signs of stress.
Always respect the Leopard during the entire watching session.
If the Leopard is spotted hunting, the safari cars shouldn’t move.
If the Leopard makes a kill, the spotlights should be switched off to let her hide her kill from the rest of the leopard.
When she leaves the kills, visitors are free to proceed observing her.
If the Leopard stays on the kill, leave her on the site to concentrate on eating. Overall, maximum respect should be exercised during the Giza’s Hunting and Feeding sessions. Provide adequate space during interaction with the Leopard.
There shouldn’t be artificial lighting when viewing the cubs at night. No spotlights rule applies to cubs till 6 months.
Movements of safari vehicles should be restricted. When the car is parked for actual spotting, it shouldn’t be repositioned again. While the cubs are moving, the safari cars shouldn’t intercept their paths/block them when on a move.

Are safari cars restricted during Black Leopard Watching?

Yes, the number of safari cars at the Leopard sightings is restricted, and so is the time you spend interacting with these big cats. You need a Black Leopard private car/Black Leopard shared cars, which should be secured early before the actual safari to watch the Black Leopard at Laikipia. If you are on a single photography tour, then you need a Black Leopard Shared Vehicle.

Tips for Watching a Black Leopard at Laikipia

Secure a Black Leopard Private Safari Guide & Car. Use of exclusive safari cars guarantees an amazing tracking and photography experience with Giza.

Expect the unexpected with Melanistic Leopard at Laikipia. Sightings of the Black Leopards are not usually guaranteed, but Laikipia provides remarkable game viewing moments. Besides leopards, visitors can also have a chance to come across the African wild dogs.

Book multiple nights to increase your chances of viewing the Black Leopard at Laikipia. To encounter the Black Leopards, you must exercise the highest level of patience.

Where to Stay

Laikipia Wilderness Camp is nestled on the scenic hillside above River Ewaso Narok. It is strategically set in the area that captures the attention of adventure seekers and any nature lover who is interested in the relaxed wilderness experiences. Laikipia Wilderness Main Camp features rooms offering guests ultimate comfort and seclusion. It is accommodating to even the young families on the Kenya safari. There are comfortable tents fitted with shared bathrooms and a veranda. These are ideal for families’ relaxation while they immerse themselves in the African wilderness.

At Laikipia Wilderness Main Camp, there are six luxurious tented rooms with central dining, indoor and outdoor living spaces. Wilderness Camp is a luxury facility with comfortable bedrooms, en suite bathrooms, and viewing points.

The available tents include family and double tents. The family tents comprise four family tents featuring double rooms. The family tents are ideal even for children on a safari. The double tents feature double/twin tents that come with an open-air bathroom, verandas for you to experience the excellent views of the Laikipia plains.

The mess tent features as the central region and comes with a sitting area, a dining room, and a sitting area that features interesting books and games. You can also come across a cupboard with bones and skulls. Overall, Laikipia Wilderness Camp offers a more exclusive experience for family travelers on a Kenya tour. The camp is also most popular for Mount Kenya’s mesmerizing views.

Explore the Ol Doinyo Lemboro Nature Sanctuary

Laikipia Wilderness Main Camp is located in the lush Ol Doinyo Lemboro Nature Sanctuary, a private wildlife ranch. This wildlife ranch is found in the remotest Laikipia region, and is most popular for the unique Black Leopards and African Wild Dogs. The possible game viewing sessions to enjoy include guided game drives (during the day), night game drives, walking tours, and many others.

Black Leopard at Laikipia offers a rare game viewing opportunity to nature enthusiasts. To explore more about the Black Leopard, consider booking a Kenya safari with Native Africa Tours.