About the Author

Paul Danckwerts

Alumni Ranger

Zambian-born, Paul grew up a fisherman, a birder and a lover of all things outdoors. Following his passion for wildlife he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Rhodes University before heading for the lowveld. Paul boasts a number of years guiding ...

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14 Comments

on A Once-in-a-Lifetime Cheetah Sighting

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Marinda Drake
Master Tracker

Incredible sighting.

Vin Beni
Guest contributor

On our very first visit we were fortunate to follow a cheetah stealthily stalking an impala herd after hiding its 2 young cubs. Our guide, Trevor, had made a mad dash to get to the site–one of the craziest rides of all time. He informed us that what we might see was very unusual and unique–a first for him. We watched patiently when it became clear that the cheetah had identified its victim. The initial burst of speed was incredible to see. Even more incredible was the cheetah chasing the impala directly at our vehicle. I can still hear the sounds of the chase, including the squealing of the impala which was taken down less than 20 yards from our vehicle. (I dropped my camera because I could not keep up with the speed.) The cheetah then alerted its 2 cubs who arrived to learn how to finish the kill. While feasting on the impala, each of the 3 appeared to take turns as lookout while the other 2 ate.

Darlene Knott
Master Tracker

Wonderful sighting! There is nothing like seeing a cheetah hunt and make a kill! They are lightning fast! Thanks for sharing this, Paul!

Andrew and Daniel Bolnick
Digital Tracker

Paul, thanks for taking the time to focus in on the cheetahs who don’t seem to get a whole lot of attention. They are amazing creatures and I appreciate your focus in on the highlights of this awesome animal

Ian Hall
Master Tracker

A superb sighting, I must admit to a fondness for the very small antelope, such as the dik-dik

Chelsea Allard
Master Tracker

Will they share the meal and feed at the same time like lions, or do they take turns like leopards?

Mary Beth Wheeler
Guest contributor

Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Nice images!

Joan Schmiidt
Master Tracker

Paul, are the 2 cheetahs siblings? Or mother & son/daughter? Wonderful photos!

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

Wow, what an amazing encounter! So wish I’d been there to see these two beauties, although your narrative gave me the armchair experience.

Callum Evans
Guest contributor

Such an incredible sighting!!!

Bob and Lucie Fjeldstad
Guest contributor

Great to have cheetah in the Londolozi reserve again

Suzanne Gibson
Guest contributor

What an amazing sighting, Paul. Isn’t it unusual for a female to be hunting with a male? – presumably they would be siblings. Roughly how old do you think they are?

Leonie De Young
Master Tracker

A really nice blog Paul and thank you for sharing with us. Right place at the right time. Nice for the guests to see these beautiful cats.

Joanne Wadsworth Kelley
Master Tracker

What an incredible siting! Everyone must have been so excited. Lucky you!

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