Most people look forward to spotting lions and leopards during safaris. However, one of the most famed cat species, the cheetah, is also a sight to behold. Since they are categorised as endangered, with only 7,000 cheetahs left in the wild, seeing them in the wilderness is not easy. Yet, this elusiveness adds more to the thrill of spotting a cheetah in its natural habitat.
A cheetah looks around
While cheetahs do appear smaller than other big cats, they are nimble and the fastest runners. Regular sightings of this animal during a safari are occasional and local. Hence, they are limited to only a few regions where they are less threatened and have access to food.
Cheetahs usually reside in open plains, grassland, bushes, and wooded areas. They are native to Africa, making it one of the best destinations to spot them. With a favourable climate and habitat available for this predator, there are certain popular cheetah hot spots around the continent.
Thus, we have curated the six best places to spot cheetahs in Africa:
1. Maasai Mara, Kenya
The Maasai Mara in Kenya is undoubtedly one of the best places to observe wilderness. Its open savannahs are home to a good number of cheetahs, and regular sightings are recorded during the safaris.
The Maasai Mara has introduced the Mara Cheetah Project, which regularly tracks the movements of local cheetahs. This, in turn, predicts the ideal areas in the Mara where sightings are frequent.
A group of male cheetahs in Maasai Mara
One of the biggest contributors to the cheetah population in the reserve is the annual Great Migration. During this period, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles come from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara. Cheetahs usually stalk large amounts of prey in the area and can be seen more often.
Maasai Mara is a classic reserve in Africa that offers an unforgettable safari experience.
2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Adjacent to Maasai Mara and located in the South is the famous and iconic Serengeti National Park. As the park is renowned for having high densities of cheetah populations, this is an ideal location.
Cheetah cubs spotted playing at Serengeti National Park
On the southern plains in the green season (December to May) and in central areas during the dry season (June to November), cheetah sightings are frequent. When the Great Migration phenomenon occurs, animals making their way to Mara are usually preyed upon by cheetahs.
The terrain in the Serengeti is suitable for these animals due to the open plains and sparse savannah grass. One of the best areas to spot cheetahs in the Serengeti is in the Namiri Plain area. This camp has access to the East Serengeti’s old conservation areas, where cheetahs thrive.
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
In South Africa, the open grassy plains are not as prevalent as they are in the East. Yet, Kruger National Park is home to around 200 cheetahs and offers decent chances of sightings.
A cheetah sighted at Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park has 33 percent of Africa’s cheetah population encompassed within its boundaries. You can come across them in the central area of the park or during your stay at one of the lodges, especially Sweni or Lebombo.
4. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is located beside Kruger National Park and shares the wildlife species of the park. Although it offers an unparalleled safari experience with the big five, cheetahs can also be spotted in the reserve.
A cheetah spotted in the open grasslands of Sabi Sand
There are several exclusive lodges inside Sabi Sands that allow for incredible wildlife viewing. Along with the rare cheetah, you can spot leopards in abundance from the lodges.
5. Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana
The Central Kalahari game reserve is the second-largest game park in the world. The expansive Kalahari Desert is located in a remote location and has emerged as a hotspot for cheetahs.
Cheetahs in Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The sightings of different animals depend on the season. The green season in Botswana sees an ample amount of grass in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. It not only invites herbivores, but stalking behind them are predators like lions and cheetahs.
Due to the reserve’s flat surface, spotting cheetahs in their natural habitat becomes easier. These animals are often seen in the central Kalahari’s Deception Valley area, which is accessible from the Kalahari Plains camp. However, the park is only accessible by 4WD.
6. Kafue National Park, Zambia
This national park is the oldest and largest park in Zambia. Thus, Kafue National Park is prominent for holding a diverse range of wildlife. Although the cheetah population in Zambia is small, the park is a reliable place to spot these animals. It is because of the open terrain that makes up a cheetah’s ideal habitat.
A Cheetah hunts down a prey
The park’s north-western corner, known as Busanga Plains, has Zambia’s best open grasslands. It is home to large herds of puku, a golden-colored antelope that is a favourite prey for cheetahs to hunt. These herds attract cheetahs to the plains, which makes it an incredible spot for sighting them.
You cannot find cheetahs in any other park in Zambia except Kafue National Park.
Although cheetahs are an interesting species, they are greatly endangered. Most of the threats faced by cheetahs are caused by humans. Hunting, destroying habitats, illegal trafficking, conflict with livestock farmers, and other reasons are driving cheetahs to the brink of extinction.
When you visit national parks and reserves in Africa, similar to the ones mentioned above, you are not only limited to sightseeing. Here, you become increasingly aware of the status of cheetahs and can contribute to their conservation by various means. Before you stop by these places, make sure to adhere to all ethical practises.
If you loved reading this story, then subscribe to our blog here (it will ask to verify your email) to get inspiring travel stories and trivia delivered to your email. Stories about wildlife trivia, cultural experiences, curated luxury hotel lists, underrated places to travel, polar journeys and much more.
