Leopards are opportunistic hunters. In Kruger they eat mainly impala, bushbuck and duiker, as well as warthog, birds and smaller animals when the chance comes.

Scan large trees along riverbeds and rocky outcrops, and drive slowly at dawn and dusk. A guided night drive gives the best chance, because leopards are mostly active after dark.

The African leopard is the most elusive of Kruger's Big Five, and spotting one is the highlight of many a safari. It is a solitary, mostly nocturnal cat that spends the day resting in a tree, in thick riverside bush or among rocks, perfectly hidden by its spotted coat.Each leopard holds its own territory, which it marks with scent, scratch marks and a rasping, sawing call. A male's territory often overlaps those of several females. Mothers raise their cubs alone, hiding them in dens among rocks or thickets for the first weeks of life.On a guided drive, your field guide watches for signs such as tracks, alarm calls from impala and baboons, and drag marks, which show where a leopard has been. With patience, and sometimes a little luck, a sighting lasts long enough to watch the cat walk, hunt or settle in a tree.

The dry winter months, from May to September, are best because the vegetation is thinner and animals gather near water. Drive at dawn and dusk, or book a guided night drive.

Leopards are wild predators and deserve respect, but they almost always avoid people. Stay inside your vehicle on a self-drive, and follow your guide's instructions on a guided safari.