For many visitors to the bush, the art of tracking and following an animal is both mystical and fascinating to experience.  One of the oldest known art forms, tracking is as ancient as man itself yet today it is a diminishing aspect of indigenous culture which is being kept alive by the Tracker Academy.  In this series of posts, sponsored by the Tracker Academy, we aim to help you understand how to identify and follow tracks when you are on your next safari.  Of course, there is no substitute for experience and so we encourage you to come and visit us at Londolozi and spend time with our trackers who have over 120 years of experience combined…

Here are a couple of important things to look for and remember when you are next attempting to track Africa’s most elusive Big Cat – The Leopard…

•  The leopard track appears as a typical cat’s ‘pug mark’ with four clear toe pads – measuring 8 to 10cm in length
•  Male’s tracks are longer and broader than the females. The length of the male’s back foot is 9cm and females’ are approx. 8cm (average measured at Londolozi).
•  The female’s toes are slightly more slender than the males.
• No claws show unless the animal is running. Three typical lobes can be found on the back (main) pad of the animal.
•  Front track is broader but slightly shorter than the hind track.
•  Leopard tracks can be confused with hyena (which has claws) and lion cubs (6 months to 1 year). Lion cub tracks have a more distinct inset in the three lobes at the back of the main pad.


Female Leopard Track

•  The track sequence is typical of the cats – with it registering (hind foot on top of front foot) when the animal is walking slowly or stalking.
•  Leopards are by far the most difficult animal to track and find on foot. They tread very lightly, they are solitary, and they move in unpredictable directions – particularly when hunting. When approached they will often crouch in a thicket, allowing the tracker to walk by completely unaware, not more than five meters away!
•  It is virtually impossible to track a leopard, track-for-track, in the Kruger area. Experienced trackers need to use their knowledge of leopard behaviour, look for the slightest impression indicating a track, and listen carefully to alarm calls – birds, tree squirrels, vervet monkeys and antelope will all produce an alarm call at the first sight of a leopard.

I’m very interested to answer any questions you may have on tracking lions, as well as to hear your own stories and experiences whilst out tracking in the bush.  Please feel free to leave them in the comments section below…

Africa…The very name of the continent is romantic. One of the last wild places where the great herds of elephant still roam, where the night is sequined with a million stars and where lions may be found gliding across a clearing in the dawn light.

At Londolozi we have come to understand that safaris are not just enjoyable holidays but punctuation marks in the journey of life. We know Africa as a place where sunsets are intrinsically romantic and the awe of the wild makes for a thrilling feeling in the very marrow of our bones. It is against this backdrop of impossible wonderment that we launch

“The Londolozi Honeymoon Experience”

Pristine Serve and Meditative Luxury set in 6 Million Acres of Wilderness.

By combining pristine service and meditative luxury with an authentic wilderness adventure, Londolozi has set out to ensure that the honeymoon experience becomes the standout defining moment that will live in the hearts of newlyweds for the rest of time.

The ‘one of a kind’ short wheelbase Land Rover.

Pride of place is given to the game viewing vehicle, a one of a kind sturdy short wheelbase Land Rover, bedecked with a sumptuous safari couch for two. The newlyweds’ chariot awaits, along with a dedicated ranger, ensuring not only supreme flexibility in game drive arrangements – midnight or midday are equally possible – but also opportunity for extraordinary discoveries.The small vehicle can explore the hidden dells and secret places of Londolozi with great agility.

Elegant and Understated – The Private Granite Suites at Londolozi.

Private Granite Suites, play host to the couple – each suite is situated along the Sand River and includes an elegant sitting room and bedroom, glass encased en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, heated swimming pool and, quite extraordinarily, a private outdoor river-view bath. The bath, spacious enough for two and positioned so that you feel the warm sun on your shoulders or see the moon river reflected at your feet, is in itself the ultimate honeymoon accessory.

Watch elephants whilst enjoying the private outdoor river-view bath.

In this intimate setting the newlyweds are invited to be co-creators of their safari experience, venturing beyond the classic interpretive game drive to explore bush yoga, meditative walks, animal tracking, champagne sunsets and full moon bush dinners, as well as the opportunity for wilderness couples massages on an elevated look out deck deep in the heart of the reserve.

With your private vehicle, just for two, you can be the co-creators of your own unique Honeymoon Safari experience.

The Londolozi Honeymoon Experience is Fully Inclusive of:

· A Private Granite Suite
· The Honeymoon Safari Land Rover with private guide and tracker
· Personalised itinerary for each day
· Private dinners
· Romantic turn downs
· A couples wilderness massage overlooking the Sand River
· Limitless Champagne
· Wilderness picnics

We recommend a minimum 3 night stay

To Enquire about the Londolozi Honeymoon Experience – CLICK HERE

Sometimes the Leopards aren’t the main attraction on Honeymoon!