photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
deseml | profile | all galleries >> Botswana (2003) >> Mammals >> Leopards tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Leopards

We were fortunate to see leopards at all three camps. But the most exciting sighting was at King's Pool where we spotted a leopard walking across an open area, returning to the bush from the river. Our Range Rover was positioned between the river and the bush. As we were turned towards the bush watching the leopard investigate a hole in a termite mound, a lioness walked by the front of the Rover. Surprised by the proximity of the lioness, we then noticed 3 other lions coming from the river towards our vehicle. They were stalking the leopard, apparently using the Rover as a blind! The first lioness tore after the leopard, chased it behind the termite mound (we heard lots of growls from both cats), and then chased it 20-25ft up a tree. We followed and sat near the tree until the leopard figured out how to get down. Meanwhile the lions lost interest and started stalking some nearby zebra. We also got to see the zebra hunt, but the lions were once again unsuccessful.
previous pagepages 1 2 ALL next page
Leopard spotted by Dave
Leopard spotted by Dave
We followed this leopard for hours while it stalked an impala herd
We followed this leopard for hours while it stalked an impala herd
Leopard resting but still keeping an eye on the impala
Leopard resting but still keeping an eye on the impala
Leopard
Leopard
Leopard exercising its jaws
Leopard exercising its jaws
Leopard coming down a tree after checking where the impala had gone
Leopard coming down a tree after checking where the impala had gone
previous pagepages 1 2 ALL next page