I AM DONOVAN CROSS
12 May 2025
PERFECT EXCLUSIVE USE FAMILY SAFARI LODGES
20 May 2025I AM DONOVAN CROSS
12 May 2025PERFECT EXCLUSIVE USE FAMILY SAFARI LODGES
20 May 2025The Black Leopard of Laikipia
THE WILD EYE PODCAST
Out in the wild, rugged beauty of Kenya’s Laikipia region lives a truly rare and breathtaking creature – Giza, the black leopard. With her inky coat and glowing orange eyes, she’s captured the imagination of wildlife lovers all over the world. First photographed in 2019 by Will Burrard-Lucas, Giza was the first black leopard to be scientifically recorded in Africa in over 100 years.
In this podcast episode, Johan and Michael chat about their time tracking this mysterious cat. They share what makes seeing a black leopard so incredibly rare – and why it’s one of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife experiences.
Giza’s unusual coloring is thanks to melanism, a rare genetic twist that affects about 11% of leopards around the world. The extra melanin gives her that stunning black coat, though if you catch her in the right light, you’ll still see the classic leopard rosettes. Laikipia has become one of the best places to spot these melanistic leopards – around ten have been identified here.
Planning a trip to see Giza takes a bit of forward thinking. Because of conservation efforts, only three vehicles are allowed in her territory at any one time, and you’ll need to book your permits well in advance. For the best chances, we suggest spending at least six nights at either Main Camp or River Camp – both are perfectly located near Giza’s hunting grounds.
But it’s not just about the black leopard. Laikipia is bursting with wildlife – regular leopard sightings, packs of wild dogs, reticulated giraffe, and the endangered Grevy’s zebra. And if you're up for more than just game drives, you can enjoy guided walks, bush breakfasts, mountain biking, or even a night under the stars on a deck in the bush.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE
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We’ve got some unforgettable safaris lined up that pair six nights in Laikipia with four in Amboseli – giving you the chance to see both Giza and Craig, one of Africa’s iconic tusker elephants.
Everything we do around Giza follows strict ethical guidelines – sightings are only allowed from 6am to 8pm, and we always put her wellbeing first. With new cubs recently spotted and Giza’s movements always evolving, this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that might not always be possible.
Would you like to join us?
START PLANNING YOUR SAFARI TODAY
Contact Wild Eye today, and let’s craft the perfect adventure tailored to your budget and expectations!