Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
About the Cheetah
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds of 112 km/h in short bursts. Unlike other big cats, cheetahs have a slender build, non-retractable claws for grip, and a deep chest for large lungs. They are diurnal hunters, relying on speed rather than stealth.
Biology & Stats
Migration: Non-migratory, enormous home ranges up to 1,500 km².
Best time of day: Early morning (6-10am) and late afternoon (3-6pm).
Typical viewing distance: 30-80 metres
Camera settings: 1/2000s-1/4000s for running, f/4-f/5.6, ISO 400-1600, 200-500mm
Fun Facts
- Cheetahs can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds.
- They cannot roar — instead they purr, chirp, and yelp.
- Only about 7,000 cheetahs remain in the wild.
Where to See Cheetah in the Wild
Serengeti National Park
TanzaniaOpen plains ideal for witnessing cheetah hunts.
Masai Mara
KenyaExcellent cheetah viewing especially during the migration.
Etosha National Park
NamibiaOpen landscapes provide great visibility for cheetah sightings.
Where to See Cheetah at Zoos
Smithsonian National Zoo
Washington, D.C., USA
Whipsnade Zoo
Dunstable, UK
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3 Day Safari from Arusha: Serengeti and Ngorongoro
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Photography Tips for Cheetah
Cheetahs hunt during the day, making them easier to photograph than nocturnal cats. A fast shutter speed (1/2000+) is essential to freeze their sprints.
Safety Guide
Cheetahs rarely attack humans. Maintain distance and do not block their hunting path. Stay in your vehicle on safari.
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Cheetah Trip Reports
Real experiences from wildlife travellers
Best big cat sightings of my life
Saw a cheetah coalition of three brothers hunting Thomson gazelle. A leopard in a tree with a fresh kill. Two lion prides with tiny cubs. The migration river crossing was chaotic and incredible.
Stay in a conservancy bordering the Mara rather than inside the reserve. Fewer vehicles, night drives allowed, and walking safaris included. The Olare Motorogi conservancy is exceptional.
Watch in the Wild
Cheetah: The Fastest Animal on Earth
What Travellers Say
Real experiences from wildlife adventurers around the world
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“Watching a polar bear mum with her cubs on the frozen tundra — Churchill delivered beyond our wildest dreams.”
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“Best wildlife photography trip of my life. The light on the Serengeti at golden hour is absolutely unmatched.”
“Took our kids on their first safari — the look on their faces when they saw elephants up close was priceless.”
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“Our honeymoon safari in the Mara was pure romance — sundowners overlooking the savanna, lions at dawn.”
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“Churchill in October is freezing but absolutely worth it. Polar bears playing in the snow is pure joy.”
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Cheetah FAQ
The Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania offer the most reliable cheetah sightings, particularly on open grassland plains. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa/Botswana border) is a hidden gem for cheetah photography with red-dune backdrops. Namibia holds the world's largest cheetah population — the Okonjima Nature Reserve offers exceptional viewing.
Cheetahs can reach speeds of 112 km/h (70 mph) in short bursts of up to 500 metres, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3 seconds — faster than most sports cars. However, hunts last only 20–60 seconds and they succeed only 40–50% of the time. After a chase, they need 15–30 minutes to recover before eating.
Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with only an estimated 6,500–7,100 adults remaining in the wild. Their range has shrunk by 89% historically. The Asiatic cheetah is Critically Endangered with fewer than 50 individuals surviving in Iran. Habitat fragmentation and conflict with livestock farmers are the primary threats.
The Masai Mara's open plains provide unobstructed views perfect for capturing cheetahs at full sprint. Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa is renowned for cheetah photography safaris with expert guides. The Serengeti's Seronera Valley and the Kgalagadi's red dunes offer stunning natural backdrops for dramatic images.
Cheetahs hunt primarily in the early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM) to avoid the midday heat and competition from lions and hyenas. The dry season (July–October) in East Africa is ideal, as short grass makes cheetahs easier to spot. Arrive at known cheetah territories at dawn for the best action.
A 4-day Masai Mara safari with good cheetah sighting potential costs $800–$2,500 per person. Kgalagadi self-drive camping is very affordable at $50–$100/day. Dedicated cheetah photography safaris at Phinda or AfriCat Foundation in Namibia run $350–$800/night. Budget travellers can see cheetahs on group safaris from Nairobi starting at $150/day.