21/08/2025
The black leopard, a rare and captivating melanistic variant of the leopard, has become a hallmark of Laikipia Wilderness Camps, located on the Ol Donyo Lomboro Ranch in Central Laikipia, Kenya. This 70,000-acre private conservancy, nestled along the Ewaso Narok River, offers a pristine and diverse landscape of rolling hills, riverine woodlands, and open grasslands, providing an ideal habitat for these elusive big cats. The camps, including Laikipia Wilderness Main Camp, River Camp, and Palm Camp, are renowned for their authentic, family-run safari experiences and their unique opportunity to encounter the black leopard, particularly a female named Giza, meaning "Darkness" in Swahili.
Giza, born and raised less than a kilometer from the main camp, has become a focal point for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers since her first documented sighting by photographer Will Burrard-Lucas in 2019. Unlike typical leopards, Giza is remarkably relaxed around safari vehicles, allowing for extraordinary sightings, though her wild nature makes encounters unpredictable. She is often seen in the company of her spotted mother and a territorial male, forming an unusual leopard coalition where her mother benefits from Giza’s hunting efforts. At least three other black leopards have been spotted in the conservancy, but Giza’s proximity to the camp and her relative comfort with vehicles make her a prime draw.
Laikipia Wilderness Camps prioritize ethical wildlife viewing to ensure minimal disturbance to the leopards. The camps limit the number of vehicles at a sighting and the time spent observing, with strict guidelines to protect Giza and her potential cubs. For instance, no spotlights are used on cubs under six months old, and vehicle movement is minimized to avoid stressing the animals. If Giza is hunting or feeding, vehicles maintain distance to allow her natural behavior to unfold undisturbed. To enhance chances of seeing her, the camps offer Black Leopard Private Vehicles (BLPV) at $350 per day or Black Leopard Shared Vehicles (BLSV) at $100 per person per day, which grant priority access to sightings. Regular game drive vehicles may still see Giza if space allows, but priority is given to those with specialized bookings. Sightings are not guaranteed, as Giza’s movements are unpredictable, and the camps recommend a stay of 4–7 nights for the best chance of an encounter.[](https://www.laikipia-wilderness.com/black-leopard)[](https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294206-i9216-k14934447-Black_Leopard_at_Laikipia_Wilderness_Camp-Kenya.html)[](https://www.swissafrican.com/en/kenya/camps/laikipia-wilderness/)
Beyond the black leopard, Laikipia Wilderness Camps are celebrated for their rich biodiversity, hosting species like African wild dogs, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, lions, elephants, and over 350 bird species. Activities include day and night game drives, guided bush walks, wild dog tracking, fly camping, fishing, and river swimming, offering a holistic safari experience. The camps emphasize sustainable tourism, with eco-friendly practices like wood-burning stoves and locally sourced produce, ensuring conservation alongside adventure.[](https://wild-wings-safaris.com/accommodation/laikipia-wilderness-camp)[](https://www.benchafrica.com/experiences/laikipia-wilderness-camp/)
The allure of Giza and her melanistic kin, combined with the camps’ commitment to ethical wildlife viewing and immersive experiences, makes Laikipia Wilderness a bucket-list destination for those seeking a rare glimpse into the world of one of Africa’s most enigmatic predators. For bookings or tailored itineraries, visitors can contact operators like Begin North Adventures or check the camp’s website for availability.[](https://beginnorthadventures.com/unveiling-the-black-leopard-realm/)
