Slender, graceful, and impossibly stealthy, the serval is one of Africa’s most enchanting small cats. With its oversized ears, long legs, and a spotted-golden coat, it resembles a miniature cheetah—but don’t let its size fool you. The serval is a master hunter, capable of catching prey mid-air with pinpoint accuracy.
Scientific name: Leptailurus serval
Habitat: Wetlands, savannah grasslands, and light bush near water
Weight: Males: 12–18 kg; Females: 9–13 kg
Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild
IUCN Status: Least Concern – though habitat loss and poaching pose localized threats
The serval’s long limbs and acute hearing allow it to hunt rodents, birds, and insects with astonishing success rates. It is solitary and secretive, making it a rare and thrilling sighting for keen-eyed safari-goers.
Quick Facts About the Serval
Built to Hunt
Servals have the longest legs relative to body size among all cats. Their mobile ears can detect underground movement, allowing for precision pounces.
Camouflage Expert
Their golden coat with bold black spots and stripes blends seamlessly into tall grasses and wetland reeds.
Incredible Leap
Servals can jump over 3 meters high to snatch birds mid-flight and often leap vertically to ambush prey from above.
Nocturnal by Nature
Though sometimes seen during dawn or dusk, they’re mostly active at night, moving silently through dense grass.
Diet
Rodents, hares, birds, reptiles, frogs, and large insects make up the bulk of their diet. They occasionally hunt fish or insects in shallow waters.
Reproduction
Females give birth to 1–3 kittens after a gestation of about 70–75 days. The young remain hidden in dense grass or old burrows.
Territorial
Servals are solitary and territorial, using scent markings and claw-sharpening posts to signal boundaries.
Where to See Servals
Servals are widely distributed across East and Southern Africa, but sightings require luck, patience, and the right habitat. Wetlands and grassy plains near water are your best bet.
Best Places to See Servals in East Africa:
Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Occasionally spotted in the Kasenyi savannahs and along Mweya’s lush tracks during early morning drives.
Murchison Falls National Park – Sightings occur on the Albertine side, especially around Nyamsika flats.
Kidepo Valley National Park – Excellent serval habitat, with open plains and quiet driving routes.
Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve – The Mara’s rolling grasslands and light acacia thickets are ideal for servals. Early morning game drives often produce sightings, especially near the Talek and Olare Orok rivers.
Laikipia Conservancies – Areas like Lewa, Ol Pejeta, and El Karama boast low visitor numbers, off-road access, and trained spotters—increasing the odds of locating elusive species like the serval.
Amboseli National Park – At the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, marshy clearings and open plains provide the perfect habitat for servals. Look along the edges of wetlands during early drives.
Lake Nakuru National Park – A hidden gem for small cats, Nakuru’s combination of wooded hills, grasslands, and soda lake shoreline offers surprising serval encounters. The park’s compact size makes it easier to cover key areas efficiently.
Samburu & Buffalo Springs – In drier, more arid northern Kenya, servals are less common but not absent. Sightings occasionally occur near seasonal riverbeds and rocky outcrops.
Tanzania
Serengeti National Park – Central and eastern Serengeti, particularly Seronera Valley, offers the best odds. Look near short-grass plains, termite mounds, and wet-season flood zones where rodents and birds are abundant.
Ngorongoro Crater – The Crater’s morning calm, rich prey base, and open grassy floor make it one of the best places in Africa to spot a serval, often surprisingly close to vehicles.
Tarangire National Park – Though often overlooked, Tarangire’s open woodland and seasonal marshes near Silale Swamp provide suitable serval habitat. Early game drives may reveal brief but rewarding sightings.
Lake Manyara National Park – Known for tree-climbing lions, but also features dense groundwater forests and grassy clearings—habitats frequented by small cats like the serval, especially near the northern entry zone.
Ruaha National Park – Vast, wild, and low-traffic, Ruaha’s Miombo woodland and riverine zones are home to servals, though they’re harder to find here due to scale. Expert guides in private concessions improve your chances.
Katavi National Park – In western Tanzania, Katavi’s remote floodplains and bushveld support servals. It's a dream destination for travelers seeking uncrowded wilderness and rare species.
Rwanda
Akagera National Park – Recent conservation efforts have seen servals return to Akagera’s southern and central sectors.
Top Tips for Viewing Servals
- Drive Early or Late
Servals are most active in the early morning and late evening. Book dawn game drives or stay in camps that offer sunrise departures.
- Scan the Grass
Look for movement just above the grass line—those large ears and flicking tails can give them away. Pay attention to subtle rustling.
- Focus on Wetlands and Meadows
Servals prefer areas with long grasses, near marshes, or termite mounds. Avoid dry bushes or dense forests.
- Watch for Hunting Behavior
They often freeze, tilt their heads, and leap suddenly—signs a serval is about to strike.
- Be Silent and Slow
Serval cats are shy and alert. Sudden movement or loud voices can scare them off. Let your guide lead calmly and quietly.
Safari Holiday Ideas to See Servals
While not guaranteed, seeing a serval in the wild feels like unlocking a secret level of safari magic. These safaris maximize your chances by combining the right regions, times, and guiding style.
Suggested Serval-Focused Itineraries:
Uganda’s Cat Track (10 Days)
Explore Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo, and Murchison Falls with a focus on small cats, nocturnal drives, and bird-rich grasslands. Ideal for photographers and birders alike.
Kenya Predator & Plains Safari
Combine Masai Mara, Laikipia Conservancy, and Amboseli for big cat variety, off-road tracking, and high chances of rare cat sightings.
Serengeti & Crater Explorer
Spend mornings in Seronera and quiet evenings around Ngorongoro, focusing on stealthy servals and Africa’s famed megafauna.
Servals & Stars |Offbeat Safari Special
A custom-built itinerary with night drives, small camps, and photography stops—ideal for guests seeking rare sightings and quiet scenes.
At Wild Compass Africa, we know where and how to find Africa’s secretive small cats. If the lion is the king, the serval is the ghost prince—silent, swift, and unforgettable.
