Cheetahs hunt in daylight and rely on a short, explosive sprint of up to about 100 km/h. They prefer open plains, and the southern Serengeti near Ndutu is one of the best places to watch them. They often climb termite mounds or vehicles to scan for prey.
Big cats
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The fastest land animal, hunting by day on open plains.
Size
35-72 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years in the wild
Diet
Gazelles, impala, hares and young wildebeest.
Habitat
Open plains and lightly wooded savannah.
About the cheetah
Did you know?
01
A cheetah accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about three seconds.
02
Cheetahs cannot roar; they purr and chirp.
03
Females raise cubs alone for up to 18 months.
When to see it
Gold months are usually the easiest time to find it.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec
Trips that go there
Where to meet the cheetah
More wildlife to discover
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