The cheetah is one of Africa’s most captivating creatures, known not only for its incredible speed but also for its slender beauty and utter grace when it is in motion.
The word “cheetah” derives from the Hindi word chita, meaning “spotted one”; a fitting name for this spotted, streamlined predator. Often spotted in the golden grasslands of Africa, and in the northern open plains of the Kruger, the cheetah stands apart from other big cats with its unique ability to sprint across the plains at record breaking speeds.
Beyond its status as the world’s fastest land animal, the cheetah holds a special place in the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts. With its lithe body, striking “tear marks” below its eyes, and distinctive coat, the cheetah is truly a marvel of nature.
And if you’re lucky enough to visit Africa, encountering a cheetah in the wild is one of the ultimate bucketlist experiences.
A common question among safari-goers is whether the cheetah is part of the Big 5.
While it might seem natural to assume that it would be, the cheetah isn’t included in this prestigious group.
The Big 5 were historically named for the challenge and danger involved in hunting them on foot. Cheetahs, though impressive predators, do not pose the same level of challenge or risk to hunters as the Big 5 animals do.
However, the cheetah’s remarkable abilities make it highly sought-after by wildlife enthusiasts. In fact, many safari-goers have a cheetah sighting at the top of their list, as its unique qualities and agility are famous for giving visitors a spectacular sighting, one unlike any other.
This fascinating feline might not belong to the Big 5, but it certainly claims a special place in the hearts of those lucky enough to see it.
The cheetah is a marvel of nature’s design.
Weighing between 21 and 72 kg (46 to 159 pounds) and stretching 1.1 to 1.5 meters in length (3.5 to 5 feet), cheetahs are lightweight and muscular, with long legs, a flexible spine, and a tail that provides them with balance and agility during their high-speed chases.
As for family life, cheetahs have a gestation period of around 90 to 95 days, and females often give birth to a litter of three to five cubs. While males sometimes form coalitions with other males, usually brothers, females tend to be more solitary, raising their cubs alone until they are old enough to hunt.
What makes the cheetah so special? And how fast can the cheetah run?
The cheetah’s primary strength lies in its speed.
With a top sprinting speed of up to 120 km/h (75 mph), the cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds.
But it’s not just their speed that sets cheetahs apart; it’s their technique.
Cheetahs are sprinters rather than marathon runners and they rely on short bursts of energy, which they use to hunt prey across short distances.
They run with an extended, low-to-the-ground posture, using their long tails as a stabiliser, which helps them pivot during rapid chases. Cheetahs have evolved to be highly efficient hunters, using their speed, sharp vision, and coordination to take down prey.
If seeing a cheetah in the wild is on your bucket list, Africa has several prime locations to observe these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
Cheetahs can generally be seen on open savannahs, grasslands, and even in some semi-desert regions, where their incredible speed can be put to use over the wide, open plains.
They are primarily found in eastern and southern Africa, with key populations in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and Botswana.
Yes, the Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the best places to see cheetahs in the wild.
With its wide open spaces and its abundance of prey, the Kruger provides an ideal setting for cheetahs to hunt.
Spotting a cheetah in the Kruger is a memorable experience, as their solitary nature and camouflaged coat make them masters of disappearing into the landscape.
One of the best ways to increase your chances of seeing a cheetah in the Kruger is to consider booking a tour with a knowledgeable guide who can help you track down these remarkable cats and give you a deeper understanding of their behaviours.
Cheetahs are full of surprises. Here are five fascinating facts about these incredible animals:
The cheetah is a true icon of Africa, embodying both beauty and raw power in its quest for survival. Watching a cheetah in action is nothing short of astonishing, and there’s no better place to watch them do what they do best, than out on the open landscapes of the Kruger National Park.
