Waking at 5:00am for a dawn safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana, brought us more excitement than we ever imagined. The cool air tingled with anticipation as we lined up at the park gate, eager for the moment the rangers signaled our entry at 6:00am.
Tracking in the Early Morning
Our guide skillfully stopped the 4WD every so often, scanning the sides of the sandy track for animal prints. The repetitive rhythm of driving and pausing teased us with the promise of elusive wildlife. Suddenly, the forest burst alive with the frantic calls of monkeys—a sound that compelled us off the main track to investigate.
Leopard in the Trees
Up in the branches, a leopard chased a troop of nimble monkeys from limb to limb, their shrieks echoing through the cool morning air. We fumbled with our cameras, desperate for a clear shot as the predator teetered, then elegantly flowed down the trunk and melted into the dense riverine bush. Even with some blurry images, our adrenaline soared—we had witnessed a leopard “in action,” wild and unpredictable.
Dazzling Morning Light
The experience didn’t end there. Just as we composed ourselves, we glanced ahead and caught sight of the leopard. It had reappeared, calmly poised off the track, directly in view. With cameras trained, we watched in awe as the leopard rose, walked a mere 20 meters in front of us across the track, and slipped gracefully into the bush. For one brief, perfect moment, the sunlight illuminated the rosettes on its golden coat, making its beauty unforgettable.
The Breakfast Buzz
Returning to camp for breakfast, our group buzzed with stories and laughter. The early start was more than worthwhile—seeing a leopard twice in one sunrise ranks among the best safari moments we’ve ever experienced.
Safari Tips for Leopard Sightings
- Always respect the guide’s expertise; tracking skills add adventure to every drive.
- Set out early for the best light and wildlife action.
- Watch and listen for animal alarm calls (like monkeys); they often reveal predator movement.
- Don’t worry if photos aren’t perfect—the thrill is in the encounter.
