The Leopard of Helskloof Pass
Some moments in the Richtersveld stay with you forever.
After more than 20 years of guiding visitors through this ancient mountain desert, I experienced something I had never witnessed before.
It was the final morning of a four-day expedition. Our group had camped near Helskloof Pass, and at around five o’clock, while the first light was still touching the mountains, we were awakened by a deep, loud snoring sound coming from somewhere close to our campsite. We listened in silence, wondering what animal could be making such an unusual noise.
Later that morning, as we packed up and continued our journey, the mystery was solved.
There, standing quietly beside the road, was a magnificent leopard.
For a few unforgettable seconds, we looked at one another. Then, with effortless grace, it disappeared into the rocky mountains. We thought the encounter was over, but moments later it emerged once again, giving us one last breathtaking view before vanishing into the wilderness.
In all my years as an expedition leader in the Richtersveld, it was my very first leopard sighting.
It was a powerful reminder that the Richtersveld still holds secrets, and that nature reveals its greatest treasures only to those who are patient, respectful, and fortunate enough to be there at the right moment.
Every expedition has its stories. This is one I will never forget.
— Conrad Mouton, Expedition Leader
Richtersveld
AI-Ais
Namakwaland
