Cheetah in Africa
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
Quick facts about Cheetah
| Scientific name: | Acinonyx jubatus | Habitat: | Grassland & woodland |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Vulnerable | Adult weight: | 50–70kg |
The cheetah is unique among Africa’s large carnivores in relying on speed as a hunting strategy: long-legged and deep-chested, it is the greyhound of the cat world, capable of surpassing 100km/h in a short burst. A cheetah typically hunts small to medium-sized antelope, including impala, springbok and gazelles.
Roughly the same size as a leopard, it differs in its slimmer build, smaller head and round, solid spots. It also has a distinctive black ‘tear’ line beneath each eye.
The downside of the cheetah’s specialisation is a reduced resilience: this predator quickly surrenders its prey to other predators, and its silver-maned cubs, born in the open, are vulnerable to attack from hyenas and lions.
±2,000
Number of spots
112 km/h
Max. speed
3–5
Average litter
±7000
Worldwide population
Africa's top camps for seeing cheetahs
Based on 1185 reports by our travellers since May 2018, the camps below have the best chances of sighting cheetahs. Simply follow the key below.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Where to see cheetahs in Africa
Cheetahs are rare, but their preference for hunting by day gives you a decent chance of spotting one in areas where they occur. Search for them in open country.
Top tips for viewing cheetahs
Cheetahs prefer open savannah habitats, where they can more easily spot and pursue their prey. They are thus most easily seen in regions that offer this terrain, including the Serengeti/Maasai Mara (Tanzania/Kenya) the central and southern Kalahari (Botswana/South Africa) and Etosha (Namibia). Good populations also occur in the Okavango (Botswana), Kruger Park (South Africa) and Kafue (Zambia).
Nonetheless, cheetahs are rare, having lost more than 90 per cent of their historic range across Africa. Look for them by day, scanning the grasslands and watching for prey animals on the alert. Check termite mounds, too: cheetahs have a convenient habit of perching on top. Sightings are typically of a female with cubs or a group of young males, known as a coalition.
Holiday ideas to see cheetahs
Based on our travellers experiences, these are the holidays which will give you the best chances of good cheetah sightings
Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.
US$17,280 - US$25,560 per person
Puku Safari
11 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Discover South Luangwa’s prolific wildlife before exploring the wildly remote pans of Liuwa Plain National Park and relaxing in one of the Livingstone area’s most romantic and exclusive hideaways. A safari of luxury, style and impressive diversity.
US$13,200 - US$19,920 per person
Nyala Safari
10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls
US$10,150 - US$16,260 per person
De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of activities in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Mara ecosystem. Private vehicles and guides heighten the personalisation of this highly immersive safari.
US$12,310 - US$16,320 per person
Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.
US$10,740 - US$17,740 per person
Klipspringer Safari
8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.
US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person
Hamerkop Fly-In Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Different wildlife, contrasting camps and a whole host of activities, this is a safari for those wanting to get out and about and not just sit in a vehicle.
US$6,350 - US$10,960 per person
Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.
US$4,340 - US$8,630 per person
Our top destinations for cheetahs
Click below for detailed information about cheetahs in these countries, including our latest sightings data from the camps and lodges there.
