Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, capable of reaching speeds over 110 km/h in just a few seconds. Unlike other big cats, cheetahs are built for speed rather than strength, with a slender body, long legs, and a flexible spine that acts like a spring. Watching a cheetah hunt is one of the most thrilling experiences on safari - a blur of spotted fur exploding across the savanna. Sadly, cheetahs are Africa's most endangered big cat, with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Acinonyx jubatus
- Family
- Felidae
- Diet
- Carnivore - mainly small to medium antelopes like gazelle and impala
- Social Structure
- Females solitary except with cubs; males in coalitions of 2-3 brothers
- Top Speed
- 112 km/h
- Lifespan (Wild)
- 12 years
Best Parks to See Cheetahs
Top safari destinations for cheetah sightings
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
Very high
Open plains ideal for cheetah hunting. Famous for coalition brothers on Mara Triangle.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania
Very high
Southern plains excellent during calving season. Best for hunting footage.
Phinda
South-africa
Good
Private reserve with good cheetah viewing and conservation program.
Kgalagadi
South-africa
Good
Desert-adapted cheetahs in dramatic red dune landscape.
Samburu
Kenya
Good
Less crowded than Mara, good cheetah population on open plains.
Best Time to See Cheetahs
Dry Season
July, August, September, October
Short grass makes cheetahs easier to spot and their hunts more visible.
Calving Season (Serengeti)
January, February, March
Abundant prey as wildebeest give birth, excellent hunting opportunities.
Physical Characteristics
Male Weight
40-65 kg
Female Weight
35-55 kg
Top Speed
112 km/h
Lifespan
12 years (wild)
Conservation Status
Population
Decreasing6,500 - 7,500
Estimated wild population
Main Threats
- Habitat loss
- Human-wildlife conflict with livestock farmers
- Prey base decline
- Competition with larger predators
- Low genetic diversity
Viewing Tips
Cheetahs hunt in daylight, making them easier to observe than other cats
Look for them on termite mounds and elevated areas scanning for prey
Morning hours are best when they're most active
If a cheetah is stalking, keep your vehicle still and quiet
Coalition males are more approachable than solitary females with cubs
Photography Tips
High shutter speed (1/2000+) essential for hunting sequences
Continuous focus mode to track fast movement
Pre-focus on likely running path during a stalk
Golden hour light creates stunning spotted coat images
Include the landscape to show their habitat
Interesting Facts
Cheetahs can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds
Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar - they chirp and purr
A cheetah's hunt lasts less than a minute but exhausts them for 30+ minutes
Only 5-10% of cheetah cubs survive to adulthood due to predation
Cheetahs have 'tear marks' from eye to mouth that reduce sun glare while hunting
Ancient Egyptians and Asian royals kept cheetahs as hunting companions
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can a cheetah run?
Cheetahs can reach speeds of 112 km/h (70 mph), making them the fastest land animals. They can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds, faster than most sports cars.
Where is the best place to see cheetahs?
The Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania offer excellent cheetah viewing on open plains. Namibia has the largest cheetah population in Africa. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is also exceptional.
What's the difference between a cheetah and a leopard?
Cheetahs are slender with solid black spots and distinctive 'tear marks' on their faces. Leopards are stockier with rosette-shaped spots and no tear marks. Cheetahs hunt by day using speed; leopards hunt by stealth and are primarily nocturnal.
Why are cheetahs endangered?
Cheetahs are vulnerable with only 7,000 remaining in Africa. Threats include habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, illegal pet trade, and low genetic diversity. Cubs have a 90% mortality rate in the wild.
Can cheetahs climb trees?
Unlike leopards, cheetahs are not good climbers. They may climb onto low branches or termite mounds for a better view, but they cannot climb trees like leopards. Their non-retractable claws are designed for running, not climbing.