# Cheetah > Discover the Cheetah, the fastest land animal on Earth and one of Africa's most iconic predators. Known for its incredible speed, slender body, and distinctive tear-mark facial stripes, the cheetah is built for hunting across open grasslands and savannahs. These remarkable big cats can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just a few seconds, making them unmatched hunters of the African plains. Spotting a cheetah stalking prey or sprinting across the savannah is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences on any African safari. - **Type:** animal - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//wildlife/cheetah - **Last updated:** 2026-07-23 ## Key facts - **Scientific Name:** Acinonyx jubatus - **Category:** Predator - **Habitat:** Open savanna, grasslands - **Diet:** Carnivore - **Conservation Status:** Vulnerable - **Sighting Chance:** Moderate - **Best Time To See:** Year-round; June–October offers the best visibility, with early-morning drives prime for daylight hunts ## Details The Cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus ) is one of Africa's most extraordinary predators and holds the title of the fastest land animal in the world. Built for speed rather than strength, the cheetah possesses a lightweight frame, long legs, flexible spine, and powerful muscles that allow it to chase down prey at incredible speeds. Unlike lions and leopards, cheetahs rely on acceleration and agility rather than ambush tactics. During a hunt, a cheetah can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately three seconds, rivaling some sports cars. Their top speed can exceed 120 km/h (75 mph), although they can only sustain such speeds for short distances. Cheetahs are easily recognized by their slender build, small rounded head, spotted coat, and distinctive black "tear marks" running from the eyes to the mouth. These markings help reduce glare from the sun and improve focus while hunting. Unlike most big cats, cheetahs are generally active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. This behavior helps them avoid competition from lions, leopards, and hyenas, which are more active at night. Cheetahs primarily prey on medium-sized antelopes such as Thomson's gazelles, Grant's gazelles, impalas, and young wildebeests. After a successful chase, they must rest before feeding, making them vulnerable to larger predators that may steal their kills. These magnificent cats are often found in open habitats where visibility is high and their speed advantage can be fully utilized. Their graceful movements and incredible hunting ability make them one of the most exciting animals to observe on safari. Despite their fame, cheetahs face numerous threats including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, declining prey populations, and competition with larger predators. Conservation programs across Africa are working to secure the future of this iconic species. ## Cheetahs in the Masai Mara The open short-grass plains of the [Masai Mara National Reserve](/kenya/masai-mara-national-reserve) are among the best places in Africa to watch cheetahs hunt in daylight. Sightings are strongest June to October when grass is short, and a [3-day fly-in Maasai Mara safari](/safaris/3-day-fly-in-maasai-mara-safari-from-nairobi) is often enough for a memorable encounter. ## Where to See Cheetahs in East Africa Cheetahs need space to sprint, so the best sightings come on open, short-grass plains where they can scan for prey from termite mounds and fallen trees. In Kenya, the [Masai Mara](/kenya/masai-mara-national-reserve) — and especially its quieter conservancies — is one of the most reliable places in Africa to watch a cheetah hunt in daylight, while [Amboseli's](/kenya/amboseli-national-park) dry lake beds and [Samburu's](/kenya/samburu-national-reserve) open country add further chances on a classic Kenya circuit. In Tanzania, the [Serengeti's](/tanzania/serengeti) southern short-grass plains around Ndutu are outstanding from December to March, when calving season concentrates the gazelle herds cheetahs favour. Because cheetahs hunt by day, they fit game-drive rhythms better than any other big cat: be out early, when the light is soft and the lions are still resting. Our [10-day luxury Kenya safari](/safaris/10-day-luxury-kenya-safari-with-flights) and [Kenya & Tanzania two-nations route](/safaris/10-days-two-nations-safari-kenyatanzania) both build in extended time on cheetah country plains — ask our Nairobi team to weight your itinerary toward big-cat viewing. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a cheetah? The cheetah is the world's fastest land animal and a highly specialized predator found across parts of Africa. ### How fast can a cheetah run? A cheetah can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph). ### Where can I see cheetahs in Africa? The best places include Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Samburu, Ngorongoro, Amboseli, and Botswana's Okavango Delta. ### How many cheetahs are left in the wild? Roughly 6,500–7,000 adult cheetahs remain in the wild, and the species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. East Africa's open savannahs, including the Masai Mara and Serengeti, hold some of the most important remaining populations. ### Are cheetahs endangered? Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable due to declining populations and habitat loss. ### Where can I see cheetahs on safari in East Africa? Top cheetah areas include Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Samburu, plus Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ndutu and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Open grasslands with good visibility offer the best chance of sightings. ### When is the best time to see cheetahs hunting? Cheetahs are most active in the cooler parts of the day, especially early morning and late afternoon. Unlike lions and leopards, they often hunt in daylight to reduce competition with larger nocturnal predators. ### What do cheetahs eat? Cheetahs mainly hunt small to medium-sized antelopes such as Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelles, impalas and young wildebeest. In East Africa, gazelle-rich plains are especially important cheetah habitat. ### Are cheetahs dangerous to safari travellers? Cheetahs are wild predators and should never be approached on foot, but they rarely pose a threat to travellers in a vehicle. Responsible safari viewing means staying quiet, keeping distance and never pressuring an animal during a hunt. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.