Leopards in Rwanda: The leopards are part of the big five animals in Rwanda that can be seen in Akagera National Park, home to the big five animals in Rwanda. Although the leopards are one of the most sought after animals in the ark while tracking the big five animals in the park, it should be noted that there are about 15-20 leopards in Akagera national park which makes it really difficult for them to be seen, it should also be noted that they are quite difficult to spot because they are quite shy species that can however with our skilled guides, it can be quite easy for one to spot them. Most of the leopards in the park can be seen around the Magashi tented camp.
How to watch the leopards in Rwanda
Game drives in Akagera National Park will give you more chances to watch the leopards as they go about their hunting in the park. Travellers can opt to participate in either the day or the night game drives to access the leopards in the park. For the day game drives, travelers can either participate in the half day game drives which will give you about 6 hours top access the species and during the full day game drives, you will have the opportunity to access the species for 11 hours which will give you more chances to watch the species as they go about their daily activities. Usually with the day game drives, travelers will get more chances to watch the species and also get the opportunity to watch other animal species like the buffalo, gazelles, and other big five animals like; the elephants, buffaloes, rhinos as they go about their daily activities in the wild.
It is also important that the leopards are primarily nocturnal species but they can also be active during the day most especially early morning. So for a day game drive in Akagera National Park, an early start will give you more chances to watch the species as they get their first hunt for the day.
You can also watch the leopards when you participate in the night game drives which will give you more chances to spot the species as they hunt for their prey. the night game drives in Akagera National Park are carried out in the northern part of the park and these start from 5 pm and end at 8 pm. Travellers who sleep at Magashi campsite have higher chances of watching the leopards as well. All you have to be is attentive and follow instructions by the guides to ensure you get to watch the species.
Best time to see the leopards in Rwanda
The best time to watch the leopards in Rwanda is during June to September, where the vegetation is low and has thinned out making it easy for travelers to spot the species from a distance and also get to easily locate them. Although the best to see the species is during the dry season, it should be noted that you can see all throughout the year if you follow the instructions of your guide that takes you on your game drives in the park.
