With the weather in the afternoon being slightly cooler now, we left camp earlier than usual as we wanted to make the most of the afternoon with the hopes animals will be moving around a little more than usual. Our initial plan was to head into the southern reaches of Londolozi in search of the Ndzandzeni female. My guests are repeat guests of Londolozi and had not seen this particular female in recent visits. What we didn’t know was that our plan was going to change drastically.
We spotted the cheetah from a distance. It was only when we got closer that we realized there were, in fact, three cheetahs.
It was no longer than 15 minutes after leaving camp, that tracker Shadrack Mkhabela pulled off the most incredible spot of a cheetah sitting on top of a termite mound 300m away. Initially it was only a few spots in the dappled light that caught his attention and gave away the cheetah’s position. Our excitement levels started to rise having spent the entire previous afternoon searching for these elusive cats. As we got closer, we realized it was the female cheetah and her two sub-adult cubs using a termite mound as a vantage point.
Cheetahs are at the bottom of the predator hierarchy, meaning that they have a lot of other predators out to get them. Therefore they are very aware of their surroundings in case they have an unsuspecting visitor. Even when they look extremely relaxed, any slight movement or rustle in the grass will catch their attention. Often using points of elevation as a vantage point to scan for any potential danger as well as prey.
The excitement and relief that we had finally found them were substantial. With the high populations of other predators such as lion, leopard, and hyena, cheetahs are outcompeted. This smaller population of cheetah is often difficult to find. With that being said these three have been extremely successful in avoiding any major threats thus far, what we didn’t know was things were going to take a dramatic turn.
After sitting up and scanning they shortly became relaxed again and settled down using a small protrusion on the mound to rest its head. Everything seemed calm until we saw the Senegal bush male emerge from just a crest from where we spotted the cheetah from. He was likely trailing the scent of the cheetah as he walked straight towards the mound where they were laying up.
Initially seen as a young male in 2016, this leopard only properly established territory on Londolozi in mid-2019
We had been sitting with them for well over an hour when one of the other guides found the Senegal bush male leopard no more than 200m away from where the cheetahs were. Unbeknown to neither the cheetahs nor the leopard they were just about to bump into each other. One can only imagine how our anxiety levels were skyrocketing with bursts of excitement in between. Within seconds, everything erupted. The three cheetahs launched off the termite mound, the male leopard in pursuit of them at full speed. Gentle whispers of encouragement “run cheetah, run” came from my guests who are now on the edge of their seats as the four animals ran circles around each other.
The leopard did not waste any time charging at the cheetah, asserting his dominance, racing after them in short bursts, the cheetahs scattered in all different directions. As they ran the cheetah released sounds that I have personally never heard before. A high-pitched growling, whining type of noise. After gathering themselves, the cheetahs attempted to create some confusion by charging in from different angles at the leopard, knowing that they could probably outrun him.
Everything erupted, the cheetahs were off that termite mound in a matter of split seconds. The Senegal bush male in pursuit of the cheetah scattering them in different directions.
The setting sun cast a low golden light across the scene adding a real sense of drama as the Senegal Bush male was circled by the cheetah at a safe distance.
Although cheetahs are undoubtedly faster than a leopard at top speed, leopards are a close contender over the first 40m-50m due to the fact that they are quick off the mark which can be to cheetah’s demise if not careful. In this case, they were ensuring a safe distance away from the leopard. We could not believe the sequence of events, from a calm docile afternoon to absolute mayhem in such a short space of time. We so often speak about this rivalry between two apex predators and one would only think three cheetahs would hold their own against one leopard but that certainly was not the case.
After watching all the chaos unfold for well over 20 minutes, things slowly started calming down. The cheetah continued to make high-pitched calls while circling the leopard from a distance. By this point, the leopard had lost interest and with his nose glued to the ground, he followed the cheetahs’ scent back up the mound to where they were initially sitting.
The Senegal bush male had now lost interest and the cheetah stopped circling and sat watching every movement the male leopard made. They were still on very high alert even though the male had moved off towards the termite mound they were initially on.
The Senegal Bush male walked up the termite mound with his nose close to the ground sniffing and trying to obtain as much information on these intruders as he could. While up on the mound he let off a loud rasping call to assert his dominance.
These types of interactions are not something we get to see all too often but something that is exhilarating and memorable. We are grateful that this incredible sighting did not have a tragic end for any of the animals and that we were there to witness the whole thing. There is so much excitement and opportunity around every corner, making the bush so unpredictable…we just don’t know what to expect.
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My favourite predators… cheetah and leopard. I’m so relieved they were unscathed! Is there a cheetah mum with cubs?
Shew, what a sighting!!!
That must have been incredible to see
so glad the cheetahs escaped!!! Victoria
Very very glad that the cheetahs were quick to get away from Kunyuma! Love both of these cats but I am always rooting for the cheetahs!
So privileged to have been these guests! What an incredible, heart-stopping experience!
Incredible experience. Surprised to learn that the leopard initially can compete with a cheetah’s burst of speed.
What a remarkable afternoon Guy !! That last photo of the Senegal Bush male says it all. His facial expression certainly reveals his distaste for the cheetahs and what a look of ‘don’t mess with me’ !!!!!!💕. Yet another one of those events I’m sure you will put to the top of your list and remember forever.
Wonderful update on Senegal Bush in an amazing sighting with the 3 Cheetah. It is always a privilege to follow a leopard though his life. Kunyuma/Senegal Bush is very special to a lot of us. Thank you for sharing
Great post and accompanying photos. Loved the sense of speed conveyed in the Senegal bush male on the chase!
Wow!) Did you manage to make a crazy video?
Unfortunately not, we were all so engrossed in what was happening I forgot to film it.
Amazing sighting
What a fantastic sighting for you and your lucky guests! I’m not surprised the cheetahs backed off – back in October ’18 (actually on my 100th Londo game drive!) we saw 3 cheetah relaxing on a termite mound, again 1 female and 2 sub-adult cubs. We sat with them for some time – then 1 started staring into the distance, followed by the other 2. They rapidly shot off in the opposite direction. We followed their line of sight and found Mashaba resting up.
What an exciting afternoon! Seeing the three cheetahs is already an incredible bonus, not to speak of this encounter with a leopard and the chase. I am so glad nothing really bad happened to this little cheetah family.
I couldn’t help but think of a game children play called king of the hill. On that day, the Sengal male claimed his authority of that mound and all the others in his territory as well. Thanks for sharing that interaction.
Guy, leoards🤗
Guy, leopards🤗
What an insane sighting. Glad you were able to get some great photos.
Guy! .. The picture of the two Cheetah’s atop the termite mound is precious! You all had a very “opportune day!”
Wow, that was exciting just to read, so I can imagine how incredible it was to see. Thanks for the report.
Wow what a sighting that must of been. Very glad the Senegal bush male leopard did not harm the Cheetahs at all. I can just imagine you and your guests must of held your breath for that moment the Senegal bush male charged the Cheetahs. How exciting and exilirating those few minutes were.
Guy, You have an amazing knack of finding these amazing encounters! The Adrenalin must have been flowing big time! We love the shot of the Senegal in motion – super cool! Thanks again for another great post!
Dear Guy. That was so exciting to read and must have been nerve wracking to watch! Thanks so much for this glimpse into the lives of all four animals! I would have also been on the edge of my seat! Wendy M
What an incredible scene to witness!… it could have ended in tragedy …..one has to expect the unexpected in Africa that’s for sure!….life can hang in the balance within seconds!….so relieved that the mother cheetah and her cubs are unharmed…..phew!!
Incredible!!!
Great story Guy, wish we were there to see that. Surprised the cheetah stayed around to hassle the leopard!!!
Good to see the mother and sons are still around. We saw them earlier this year.
Are there many other cheetahs in the Londolozi area?