Originally captured on camera by Will Burrard Lucas in 2019, Laikipia has become famous for sightings of black leopards. These melanistic cats are extremely rare and we are privileged to have them, one female cub was born and raised less than 1km from camp. She is seen fairly regularly and is especially relaxed around vehicles which provides us with the most impressive sightings. She is a wild animal and can be unpredictable whenever she likes as a result so there is no guarantee, we recommend staying longer if this is your focus (4 - 7 nights). There are at least 3 other individuals that have been seen in the conservancy.

We limit the number of vehicles at a sighting and the amount of time spent with the leopard. Those with a Black Leopard private vehicle (BLPV) or a Black Leopard shared vehicle (BLSV) will be given priority. Please book and pay for your Black Leopard vehicle at the start of your booking process. If you do not feel the need for a BL vehicle but you would still like to be given the chance to see the black leopard then normal vehicles will be rotated into a sighting as/if/when there is space.

Booking a black leopard vehicle does not guarantee sightings as she is a wild animal. This is only for a priority slot at a sighting where the number of vehicles is limited. It is not necessary for all clients. 

Kindly note that all black leopard-focused drives will be restricted to 6 am and 8 pm respectively in order to allow the leopard time to be a leopard. The spotlights have also been fitted with red filters. In case of any signs of stress, your guide has the right to end a sighting at any point. Kindly respect the leopard at all sightings.