Michael,
The LX L is a VG bin for use in areas where it is often cloudy (like where I live), however, the full sized LX L's brightness tends to overwhelm the contrast on brightly lit targets, which in Africa, I'm sure there are many, and you lose detail.
There is also the issue of the "rolling ball effect," which is quite extreme on the full sized LX L, because it has no pincushion so if you are sensitive to it, you will see the images scroll over a curved surface while panning with the bins (I can even see it with the bins stationary).
Not everybody is sensitive to this effect, but just in case you are, you want to be able to return it w/out a restocking fee.
I personally would not recommend this model for a safari because of the contrast problem.
Since you like Leupold, there's a great buy at Cabela's on Leupold's top of the line Gold Ring roof that cost $1,000 when it was first introduced.
The second generation version has HD glass so chromatic aberration control should be much better than the LX L, which has excessive CA, IMO.
Unlike the LX L, the Gold Ring has shallow thumb indents which should make it more comfortable to hold. But it's heavier than the LX L @ 33.8 oz. so you will probably want to buy a binoharness. Some stores offer packages with reduced cost if you buy the bin with the binoharness. Ask Cabela's if they will do that.
I haven't tried this bin, but it has gotten VG reviews, including on Better View Desired, which Steve mentioned.
It's on sale at Cabela's for $679.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=cat601538_feat&id=0044455712728a&navCount=0&podId=0044455&parentId=cat603572&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=UK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233
Here's the review of the first version of the Gold Ring, which didn't have low dispersion glass.
http://www.betterviewdesired.com/Leupold-Golden-Ring-8x42.php