Leopard hunting
- lbgsafaris
- Dec 1, 2025
- 6 min read
A Friendly Guide to Timing, Gear, and Baiting Success
If you’re dreaming of a night under a star‑filled sky, the soft rustle of dry grass, and the sudden, heart‑pounding appearance of a sleek, rosette‑spotted predator, you’re thinking about leopard hunting in Mozambique.
It’s an experience that blends patience, skill, and a dash of wilderness magic.
Below is a down‑to‑earth walk‑through of the best time to go, the weapons that give you the edge, and the baiting techniques that turn a good hunt into a great one.
Bossie Mostert, owner of Limpopo Big Game Safaris runs a fantastic hunting operation in both South Africa and Mozambique. While Leopard hunting is still not permitted in South Africa, Mozambique offers a great opportunity to hunt Mr Spots.
Best Time of the Year
Mozambique’s official hunting window runs from 15 May to 30 November . Within that stretch, the dry season (May – mid‑September) is the coolest period, but the real sweet spot for leopards is a bit later.
As the bush dries out, game congregates around the few remaining waterholes and predators become more visible.
Outfitters consistently report that August, September, and October deliver the highest predator activity, with leopards hunting more frequently as prey becomes concentrated.
If you specifically want a daytime leopard, aim to be on the ground before the end of August; after that the cats tend to shift to nocturnal patterns. Night hunting is permitted with artificial light for leopard (and lion, crocodile, bushpig), so a moon‑phase strategy can be useful—many hunters prefer the dark‑moon periods when leopards are more likely to approach bait, even though low‑light optics become essential ³ ⁴.
Weapon Selection
Leopards are the smallest of the “Big 5,” but they are still powerful. The Mozambique authorities require a minimum caliber of .375 for thick‑skinned game and most professional hunters echo that recommendation for leopards. A .375 H&H Magnum with a 300‑grain soft bullet provides the penetration needed for a clean, ethical kill at typical ranges of 60 - 100 yards.
Many hunters, however, achieve excellent results with slightly lighter rifles that are easier to carry in the bush. A .30‑06 Springfield with a premium 150‑180 grain bullet or a .300 Winchester Magnum 180‑200 grain bullet offers a manageable recoil while still delivering enough kinetic energy for a clean kill on a leopard. If you prefer a more “rifle‑friendly” option, a .308 Winchester with a 150‑grain soft‑point is more than adequate.
For those who enjoy a bit of vintage flair, a 7×57 Mauser or a .270 Winchester can also do the job, especially when paired with a good low‑light scope. The key takeaway: choose a rifle you can shoot accurately, with a caliber that delivers at least 1 200 ft‑lb of energy at the expected range.
Optics are just as critical as the rifle itself. Because much of the action happens at dawn, dusk or under a red‑light, a scope with an illuminated reticle (preferably with a red‑light setting) makes a world of difference. A 3‑15×44mm variable scope with a calibrated drop‑compensation system will let you range from close‑quarter bush shots to the occasional longer sightline across a waterhole.
Best Bait & Beat Techniques
Leopard hunting in Mozambique is almost synonymous with bait‑and‑blind tactics. The process begins weeks before you arrive, the outfitter will pre‑bait the area with fresh carcasses—usually impala, baboon, or zebra, placed in a sturdy tree just out of reach of hyenas and lions.
1. Choosing the bait – Impala is the classic choice because its scent travels well and it’s abundant. Zebra meat lasts longer in the heat, while baboon is a natural part of a leopard’s diet in northern Mozambique. Many operators use a mix of impala and zebra to combine scent attraction with durability.
2. The drag – After the bait is hung, a fresh drag (a trail of meat or scent) is laid from the ground up to the tree. In winter the drag should be refreshed every 3‑4 days; in the hotter summer months every 2 days keeps the scent trail strong.
3. Blind placement – The blind is set 50‑70 yards downwind of the bait, usually behind a natural obstacle (dry riverbed, termite mound, or a stand of thick brush) that masks the hunter’s approach and provides a clear line of sight.
4. Technology helps – Motion‑detecting sensors or trail cameras are often placed in the bait tree. When a leopard triggers the sensor, a vibrating box alerts the hunter, allowing you to stay hidden while still knowing the cat is feeding. Red‑light illumination is preferred because leopards are less wary of it; a low‑intensity red lamp can be switched on from the blind for a quick, clear view. Thermal and night vision scopes are also used more often at technology become more available.
5. Patience and timing – Leopards are creatures of habit. Once a cat has hit a bait, it may return for several consecutive nights. The most successful hunters spend 6‑8 nights in the blind, checking the bait each evening and resetting the drag as needed .
An alternative method, popular in the Zambezi Delta, is hound hunting. Trained hounds are released at night to track a leopard’s fresh scent, then bay the cat until the hunter can make a close‑range shot. This technique requires a robust health program for the dogs (tsetse‑fly protection) and a skilled hound‑master, but it can be exhilarating for adrenaline seekers.
Choosing an Outfitter
Mozambique offers a range of reputable operators, however, not all specialize in Leopard hunting. Limpopo Big Game Safaris runs leopard hunts in the Niassa province adjacent to the renowned Nyassa reserve and emphasizes sustainable practices, with a strict protocol that only allows mature male leopards, 6 years and older. Limpopo Big Game Safaris is known for its high success rate in northern Mozambique, using pre‑baiting, trail cameras, thermal and motion sensors and they have a 70 % hit rate on baited leopards .
When you book, ask about:
Anti‑poaching contributions – many outfitters allocate a portion of trophy fees to local patrols. But unlike Limpopo Big Game Safaris not all Safari operators does it.
Community involvement – hiring local trackers and staff supports the surrounding villages. 95% of the staff employed in Mozambique are locals.
Equipment rental – if you don’t want to bring your own rifle, Limpopo Big Game Safaris offers rifle rental with several different options.
Safety, Ethics, and the Leopard’s Role
Leopard hunting is regulated. Ethical hunters always aim for a shoulder‑behind‑the‑shoulder shot, which provides a quick, humane kill and minimizes the chance of a wounded cat turning aggressive.
Because leopards are solitary and primarily nocturnal, they are less likely to be seen in large groups, which means quotas are carefully managed to keep populations healthy. The female, young, and immature animals are protected and any hunt must be accompanied by a licensed professional hunter who can verify the sex and size of the animal before a shot is taken.
Conclusion
Leopard hunting in Mozambique is a blend of art and science. The dry season months of August through October give you the best chance of seeing a leopard at a bait, while the dark‑moon periods add an extra layer of challenge for night hunters. A .375 H&H Magnum is the gold standard, but a well‑handled .30‑06 or .308 will also get the job done if you prioritize mobility.
The bait‑and‑blind method—pre‑baiting with impala or zebra, maintaining a fresh drag, placing the blind downwind, and using motion sensors or red‑light—remains the most reliable way to stack the odds in your favor. Pair that with a reputable outfitter like Limpopo Big Game Safaris who respects local communities and conservation guidelines, and you’ve set the stage for a hunt you’ll remember for a lifetime.
So pack your gear, pick a moon phase, and get ready for those quiet, thrilling moments when the night comes alive with the soft rustle of a leopard’s paws. Mozambique’s wilderness is waiting, and the cat’s rosettes are just a heartbeat away.
Contact Limpopo Big Game Safaris today and start planning your next Leopard adventure with us.
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