Species guide · Most wanted
Where to see cheetahs in southern Africa
The world's fastest land animal needs open country to hunt, so the best places to see cheetahs are wide plains and dry savannah rather than thick bush. Unlike leopards and lions, cheetahs hunt by day, which makes them easier to watch in action.
Quick answer
In southern Africa, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the wider Kalahari give some of the best cheetah sightings, thanks to open dunes and dry riverbeds. The Etosha region in Namibia and Zambia's Busanga Plains in Kafue are also excellent. Visit in the dry season, May to October.
Best regionKgalagadi and the Kalahari
Best timeMay to October
Suggested stayThree nights or more
The best places to look
Botswana and South Africa
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Open dry riverbeds where cheetahs hunt springbok in full view, alongside black-maned lion.
Namibia
The Etosha region
Open plains around the Etosha pan and the private reserves on its borders hold good cheetah numbers.
Zambia
Kafue and the Busanga Plains
Remote floodplains with cheetah, lion and huge herds, and very few other vehicles.
Botswana
Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi
Vast open grasslands, best for those who like wild, empty landscapes.
When to go
| Months | Chances | Why |
|---|---|---|
| May to October | Best | Dry season: short grass, open views and game gathered near water. |
| November to April | Good | Green season: newborn antelope draw cheetahs, though grass is longer. |
Tips from the field
- Look for open plains and riverbeds; cheetahs avoid dense bush.
- Morning and late-afternoon drives are best, as cheetahs hunt in daylight.
- Bring a long lens. Cheetah hunts are fast and often at a distance.
Questions travellers ask
How fast is a cheetah?
Cheetahs can reach around 100 km/h (about 60 mph) in short bursts, making them the fastest land animals.
Do cheetahs hunt at night?
Rarely. They hunt mostly in daylight to avoid lions and hyenas, which is why they are easier to watch hunting than other cats.
Where is the best place in Africa to see cheetahs?
East Africa's Masai Mara and Serengeti are famous for cheetahs. In southern Africa, the Kgalagadi and the Etosha region are among the best.
Add cheetah to your wishlistWe'll match it with the other species you want to see, and suggest the right combination of places.
Start my wishlist