Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on Earth, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (113 km/h). Seeing these majestic cats in the wild is an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Africa is home to most of the world’s cheetah population, and there are several prime locations where you can witness their beauty in action. If you’re planning a safari, here are the best places to see cheetahs in Africa.
Plan your ultimate cheetah safari in Tanzania.
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park is world-renowned for its vast plains and abundant wildlife, making it one of the best places to spot cheetahs. The open savannahs of the Serengeti provide the perfect hunting grounds for these fast predators. Cheetahs are often seen during the Great Migration, when wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains, offering plenty of prey for the big cats.
- Why Visit: The Serengeti offers excellent opportunities to see cheetahs in their natural habitat, especially during the dry season when the grass is short, and visibility is high.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October during the dry season for optimal wildlife viewing.
Discover more about Serengeti safaris.
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is famous for its high density of wildlife, and cheetahs are among the star attractions. The reserve’s wide-open spaces allow cheetahs to thrive, and many visitors are fortunate enough to witness them hunting or caring for their cubs. The Mara River crossings during the Great Migration offer a dramatic backdrop for spotting cheetahs on the prowl.
- Why Visit: The Maasai Mara is one of the best places to witness cheetah families in action, often seen with their cubs as they roam the savannah.
- Best Time to Visit: July to October during the Great Migration.
Plan your cheetah safari in the Maasai Mara.
3. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is known for its lush wetlands, but it’s also a great destination to see cheetahs. Although cheetahs prefer open plains, they are frequently spotted in the drier areas of the Moremi Game Reserve, located within the delta. The delta’s unique landscape offers a stunning setting for observing cheetahs as they hunt and interact with other wildlife.
- Why Visit: The Okavango Delta offers a unique chance to see cheetahs in a diverse environment that combines wetlands and dry savannahs.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October, when the water levels are low, making wildlife easier to spot.
Explore Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
4. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Namibia is home to the largest free-roaming population of cheetahs in the world, and Etosha National Park is one of the best places to see them. The park’s expansive salt pans and arid plains provide a stunning backdrop for cheetah sightings. The open landscape of Etosha makes it easier to spot these elusive cats, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
- Why Visit: Etosha is ideal for those seeking a remote, uncrowded safari experience with excellent opportunities to see cheetahs and other wildlife.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October during the dry season when animals gather around waterholes.
Learn more about Namibia’s cheetah conservation efforts.
5. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa and Botswana
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park spans the border between South Africa and Botswana and is a prime location for spotting cheetahs in a semi-arid environment. The red sand dunes and dry riverbeds provide a striking contrast to the wildlife that roams the park. Cheetahs are frequently seen in this area, often stalking prey along the Nossob River.
- Why Visit: The park’s open landscape and sparse vegetation make it easier to spot cheetahs as they hunt.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November for mild weather and excellent wildlife viewing.
Explore more about Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
6. Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe and Zambia
The Zambezi Valley offers a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience with good opportunities to see cheetahs, particularly in Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe and Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. These parks, located along the Zambezi River, provide a rich habitat for cheetahs and other predators. The combination of riverine forests, floodplains, and savannahs creates a diverse environment where cheetahs can hunt.
- Why Visit: The Zambezi Valley offers fewer tourists and the chance to see cheetahs in a more remote and pristine setting.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October during the dry season for easier wildlife viewing.
Plan your Zambezi Valley safari.
7. Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
For those looking for a luxury safari experience with excellent cheetah sightings, Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa is a top choice. The reserve is known for its conservation efforts and is home to a thriving cheetah population. Private game drives with expert guides increase your chances of seeing these beautiful cats up close.
- Why Visit: Phinda offers an exclusive safari experience, with fewer crowds and excellent wildlife conservation programs that help protect cheetahs.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September for cooler temperatures and optimal game viewing.
Find out more about Phinda Private Game Reserve.
8. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Located off the typical tourist trail, Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park and an excellent place to see cheetahs. The park’s vast open landscapes and low visitor numbers make it a peaceful destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Cheetahs are often spotted hunting on the expansive plains, making it a great destination for photography.
- Why Visit: Ruaha offers a quieter safari experience, where you can observe cheetahs and other wildlife in a less crowded environment.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October during the dry season for better visibility and wildlife concentrations.
Discover more about Ruaha National Park.
Conclusion: Top Destinations for Cheetah Safaris in Africa
Cheetahs are one of Africa’s most fascinating predators, and seeing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the remote landscapes of Etosha, the best places to see cheetahs in Africa offer a combination of stunning scenery and incredible wildlife viewing. Whether you’re planning a luxury safari in South Africa or an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Namibia, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for a thrilling cheetah safari.
For expert guidance on planning your African safari, visit Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist or Eddy Tours & Safaris.