Looking for Leopard Cubs… Big Cat Babies in the Klaserie

Well haven’t we been lucky lately? Only last night our guests at nThambo Tree Camp saw a leopard mother and her very small cub calmly walking through the area. In addition, this beautiful female leopard was spotted on our traverse recently looking completely relaxed and at ease with our presence.

Female leopard seen in the Klaserie near Africa on Foot

A privately owned property in the Klaserie was opened up exclusively to Africa on Foot game viewers, and we have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the new area. There are plentiful waterholes and pans, and the area is pristine. New roads to drive, and new territories to discover. This is where we found this beautiful leopardess reclining in the last of the day’s sunlight.

Upon a closer look, co-owner of Africa on Foot and big cat enthusiast, Courteney Blunden, pointed out the very clear suckle marks on the leopard’s belly. This is clear evidence that this female is suckling a young cub, which we assume is being kept safe in a secret hiding place.

Gorgeous leopardess, possibly hiding a young cub nearby

The leopardess shows obvious suckle marks

 

Beautiful female lies in the afternoon sunlight

The relaxed leopard posed in perfect light for some photographs

The 2 recent sightings are of different leopards, which means that potentially there are a couple of wonderfully relaxed cats, plus cubs! It is always a pleasure to witness these magnificent animals elegantly prowling in the wild, but as ferocious as they can be, the presence of The Trilogy coalition and the Ross Pride lionesses are a reason for concern. We’ve witnessed the tragic end of a leopard at the claws of lions before, and we can only hope that these two keep themselves and their cubs well away from the territory of this lion gang.

Cat crazy? Check out the epic sighting of a leopard preying on a big male baboon at Camp Linyanti in Chobe National Park: