Species profile
About this species
The leopard is a large wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa & parts of Asia, renowned for its striking spotted coat of rosette-patterned markings. It is the most widespread of the big cats, capable of adapting to a wide range of habitats from dense forests to open savannah. Leopards are solitary & largely nocturnal, often hauling prey into trees to keep it safe from scavengers.
Leopards occupy a diverse range of habitats including savannah grasslands, dense tropical forests, mountainous terrain, & semi-arid scrubland across Africa & Asia.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Leopard with us in Botswana, India, Kenya & Tibet.
These departures are part of our Africa & Asia programme.
In the field, David Miles & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning & late afternoon during the dry season (June to October in Africa) offer the best light & visibility, as leopards are most active during these crepuscular periods & vegetation is less dense.
Use a long telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detail without disturbing the animal, & shoot from a low angle where possible to create a compelling perspective. In low-light conditions, which are common given the leopard's crepuscular behaviour, increase your ISO & use a wide aperture to maintain a fast enough shutter speed to freeze movement. Patience is essential - spending extended time near known resting spots such as rocky outcrops or large trees increases your chances of capturing natural, relaxed behaviour.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Leopard
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.