Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
Field notes
How they live.
- Diet
- Carnivore (gazelles, impalas, hares)
- Social structure
- Females are solitary; males often form lifelong coalitions with their brothers
- 01
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 112 km/h (70 mph) in short bursts.
- 02
Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar; instead, they purr, chirp, and hiss.
- 03
They have non-retractable claws that act like cleats for better grip while running.
Where to see them
Your best chances.
Ranked by how reliably our guides find cheetah in each park. Nature makes no promises, but the odds are not equal.
- Masai MaraKenya · Approx. 50-70Best months: Jul, Aug, Sep, OctCommon
- SerengetiTanzania · Approx. 300Best months: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, OctCommon
- AmboseliKenya · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, OctOccasional
- LaikipiaKenya · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, OctOccasional
- Lake EyasiTanzania · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jul, Aug, Sep, OctOccasional
- Lake ManyaraTanzania · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jul, Aug, Sep, OctOccasional
- Lake NakuruKenya · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, OctOccasional
- Ol PejetaKenya · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, OctOccasional
- SamburuKenya · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, OctOccasional
- TarangireTanzania · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, NovOccasional
- Tsavo EastKenya · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, OctOccasional
- Tsavo WestKenya · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, OctOccasional
- NgorongoroTanzania · Varies by season / Data unavailableBest months: Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, OctRare
Also out there
The rest of the field guide.
Plan your journey
Go and find the cheetah.
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