Leopard

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Leopard hunting Safaris with Graham Sales Safaris.

The genus Panthera includes two iconic African species: the Leopard and the Lion. Both are members of the Big Five and are characterized by their ability to roar. The name Panthera is believed to derive from ancient Greek, where pan means “all” and thera means “prey.”

Leopard taxonomy & historical distribution

The subspecies status of the African Leopard remains a subject of debate among taxonomists. While some modern DNA analyses suggest that African Leopards are genetically close enough to be considered monotypic, historical records and morphological differences highlight twelve distinct regional subspecies.

At Graham Sales Safaris, we understand that trophy hunting requires a deep respect for these regional variations. Whether you are hunting in Botswana or northern Mozambique, our experienced Professional Hunters ensure an ethical and sustainable hunt.

Regional Subspecies and Historical Ranges

Cape Leopard (P. p. melanotica):

Historically found in the south-western Cape of South Africa.

Shortridge’s or Central African Leopard (P. p. shortridgei):

Ranges from Angola to Mozambique and into northern South Africa.

East African Leopard (P. p. suahelicus):

Found from Kenya through Tanzania and into northern Mozambique.

Zanzibar Leopard (P. p. adersi):

Historically present on Zanzibar and in coastal Tanzania and Kenya.

Congo Leopard (P. p. iturensis):

Occurs in the forest zones of the D.R.C., Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon.

Erythrean Leopard (P. p. antinorii):

Found in Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Somalia.

Ugandan Leopard (P. p. chui):

Occurs across Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

Somali Leopard (P. p. nanopardus):

Found in northern Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.

Sudan Leopard (P. p. minor):

Occurs in Sudan and northern South Sudan.

West African Leopard (P. p. leopardus):

Ranges from Guinea to the Central African Republic.

Barbary Leopard (P. p. panthera):

Historically found in North Africa and now extinct in much of its former range.

Hunting the African Leopard: A Premier Big Five Experience

When planning an Africa hunting trip, the Leopard represents one of the most challenging and rewarding dangerous game hunts. Graham Sales Safaris specializes in guided big game hunts that prioritize old, past-prime males in free-range environments.

We have prime Leopard hunting concessions in Botswana and northern Mozambique, offering authentic, legal, and ethical trophy hunting experiences.

Experienced Professional Hunters

Our Professional Hunters are specialists in baiting and hunting Leopards, combining patience, field knowledge, and time-tested techniques to maximize your chances of success.

Legal Hunting & Conservation

All Leopard hunts are conducted under science-based quotas and in full compliance with local laws and CITES regulations. These hunts directly support anti-poaching, habitat conservation, and local communities.

Big Five hunting Africa

We offer premier free-range concessions for hunting Leopards and other members of the Big Five, delivering a true wilderness Safari in some of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled landscapes.

Present distribution and Safari opportunities

While the Leopard’s historical range was vast, Botswana and northern Mozambique remain among the finest destinations for trophy Leopard hunting.