13 Speedy Cheetah Facts

Cheetahs are Africa’s undisputed speed champions—built for power, precision, and beauty. But there’s so much more to these incredible cats than their record-breaking pace. With Martin Meyer Safaris, you can go beyond the page, beyond the photos, and step directly into their world. Imagine the rush of spotting a cheetah stalking through golden grass… the silence before the chase… and the breathtaking burst of speed that leaves you in awe.



Here are 13 fascinating cheetah facts to inspire your next safari—and the best way to see them up close while supporting real conservation.

1. The Fastest Land Animal

Cheetahs can hit speeds of up to 100 km/h—faster than most sports cars. On safari, you may witness them accelerate from a standstill to top speed in just a few strides.


2. Acceleration Kings

They can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, a feat that leaves even elite predators like lions and leopards in the dust.


3. Short-Distance Sprinters

Despite their speed, cheetahs can only sustain a sprint for around 200–350 metres before they need to rest.


4. Lightweight but Powerful

Weighing 40–60 kg, their slim build, long legs, and flexible spine allow them to stretch their stride to 7 metres in full sprint.


5. Claws Built for Grip

Unlike other cats, cheetahs have semi-retractable claws, giving them extra traction when running at top speed.


6. Black Tear Marks

The distinctive tear lines running from their eyes to their mouth help reduce glare and improve focus on prey.


7. Solitary Yet Social

Males often form coalitions—usually brothers—while females are mostly solitary except when raising cubs.


8. Exceptional Eyesight

Cheetahs hunt primarily by sight and can spot prey up to 5 km away.


9. Cubs in Danger

Only about 10% of cheetah cubs survive to adulthood in the wild due to predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards.


10. Silent Stalkers

Cheetahs rarely roar—instead, they chirp, purr, and growl to communicate with their young and coalition partners.


11. Specialist Hunters

They prefer open grasslands where they can unleash their speed, preying mainly on gazelles and other small antelope.


12. Conservation Status

Fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remain in the wild, making them one of Africa’s most vulnerable big cats.


13. The Best Way to See Them? With Experts Who Know Their World

Seeing a cheetah in the wild is unforgettable—but finding them takes skill, patience, and deep knowledge of their behaviour and territories. That’s where Martin Meyer Safaris comes in.

  • A cheetah running swiftly across a dusty, tan-colored plain. Its spotted coat blends with the background as it sprints.

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  • A cheetah peeks out from behind green foliage, focused gaze and spotted coat visible.

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  • Cheetah mother nuzzles one of her three cubs. The cheetahs stand in a dry, grassy environment.

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  • Two cheetah cubs rest on a mound in dappled sunlight under a tree. Their fur is spotted, and they look alert.

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  • Cheetah perched atop a dead tree, surveying the plains under a bright blue sky.

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  • Close-up of a cheetah's face. The cheetah's tan fur is spotted; it has dark tear marks and brown eyes.

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  • A cheetah stands in tall, dry grass. The spotted cat looks alert, with a focused gaze.

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Where to See Cheetahs – Our Top 5 Lodges Across Africa

We curate itineraries that take you to prime cheetah habitats, ensuring the highest chance of sightings while avoiding overcrowded reserves.

  1. Abelana Safari Camp – Limpopo, South Africa
    An intimate tented camp in a private reserve, offering low vehicle density and authentic tracking experiences with skilled guides.
  2. Phinda Private Game Reserve – KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
    Famous for its cheetah conservation success, this reserve is ideal for both sightings and contributing to research initiatives.
  3. Namiri Plains Camp – Serengeti, Tanzania
    Situated in one of East Africa’s cheetah hotspots, with vast open plains perfect for high-speed hunts.
  4. Kalahari Plains Camp – Central Kalahari, Botswana
    See rare desert-adapted cheetahs in a dramatic, open landscape far from the crowds.
  5. Olare Motorogi Conservancy – Masai Mara, Kenya
    Exceptional predator density and low tourist numbers create unmatched opportunities for close encounters.


Cheetah on safari

Why Choose Martin Meyer Safaris for Your Cheetah Safari?

  • Tailor-Made Itineraries – Every safari is custom-designed to suit your interests, travel style, and preferred destinations.
  • Expert Guides – Track cheetahs with professionals who know their habits, movements, and territories.
  • Authentic Encounters – Ethical viewing practices ensure no interference with natural behaviours.
  • Conservation Impact – Every safari supports local projects that protect cheetah populations and their habitats.


Two cheetahs are drinking water from a pond.

Don’t Just Read About Them—See Them


Your dream cheetah safari is only a step away. Whether you want to watch them hunt in the Serengeti, observe cubs at play in the Kalahari, or track them through South Africa’s private reserves, Martin Meyer Safaris will get you there.


Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made cheetah safari and witness the fastest cat on Earth in its natural element.

Cheetah female with her cubs on safari

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