Cheetahs hunt by day, sprinting at up to about 100 km/h over short distances. They are slender and need open plains, which is why the Serengeti and Mara are the best places to see them.
Best places to see it
TanzaniaSerengeti National Park
Endless plains, big cats and the Great Migration year-round in different parts of the park.
Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights
KenyaMasai Mara
Kenya’s most famous reserve, with dense big cat populations and the migration from about July to October.
Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights
Where to see it
- Serengeti and Masai Mara
- Kgalagadi
- Namibia’s conservancies
Our destination guides: Serengeti National Park · Masai Mara
Best time
Dry season on open plains.
Tips
- Look for them on termite mounds, scanning the plains.
Did you know?
- Cheetahs cannot fully retract their claws, which help them grip when running.
Conservation status: Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see the cheetah in Africa?
Serengeti and Masai Mara; Kgalagadi; Namibia’s conservancies.
Is the cheetah endangered?
It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Have you been to Cheetah?
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