For the last few months, we have had the privilege to photograph and view the female cheetah and her youngster, now aged around 13 months old. We have watched him grow and learn to stalk and hunt. We have watched them encounter larger predators, like hyenas, lions and leopards, while also being chased off their kills and manage to make it through it all unscathed. Although these two cheetahs have made up the majority of our cheetah viewing there have been a number of other cheetahs on the property adding to the already incredible viewing.
Life experience is certainly not lacking for this young Cheetah and his Mother, who I can honestly say is an animal on Londolozi I respect the most. We often speak of the trials and tribulations, the hardships of life out here, the competition and the rise and fall of many animals, and in particular the large predators. Leading us to discuss the hierarchy amongst these large predators, who fits in where and how they all belong here, each playing a vital role in sustaining this amazing wilderness.
Gaining the high ground. This cheetah struck an absolutely stunning pose as he climbed this fallen Marula to scan the open grassland ahead.
However, this majestic big cat, the cheetah, is one that is sometimes overlooked. One that is put at the bottom of this hierarchy, below lion, hyena, leopard and even wild dog. In terms of strength, power and brute force, it is definitely lacking but many other critical features of this cat have kept help it to thrive in a very predator-rich environment.
A Cheetah with cubs of this age has to be extremely aware and conscious of any other predators. The success of her cubs will depend heavily on her staying undetected.
As a young cheetah growing up out here in the Greater Kruger area, life is not easy. Their beauty, speed and determination has been spoken of, written about and photographed by many. We truly cherish the presence of cheetahs here at Londolozi. If you ask any ranger or tracker what is one of the most exciting animals to find out on safari I’ll bet the cheetah is high up on their list. Whether it’s tracking them down, bumping into one by complete luck or responding to one that’s already been found, we all love spending time with cheetahs and they have to be one of the most exciting things to see.
A female cheetah perched on top of a termite mound. Early one morning we found this cheetah moving through the open grasslands with her one-year-old male cub. Every now and then the mother would climb a termite mound to scan her surroundings for any nearby danger. She would then descend the mound and continue marching on.
Recently while searching the southern parts of the reserve for a pack of wild dogs, we bumped into the mother cheetah and her rapidly growing male cub striding across an open clearing. The setting was magnificent. It was early morning, the golden hue of the rising sun was cast across the landscape, mist rolling over the undulating hills and two cheetahs were marching steadily in front of our vehicle. With full, distended bellies, we could see they had both recently eaten and were sure they were on their way to find a drink of water and a safe spot to rest for the day.
A cheetah striding through the mist.
Knowing there was a waterhole not too far ahead we decided our best bet was to go and wait there until they arrived to drink. We watched them move towards our direction with extreme elegance. Just like we had hoped the two of them bent down beside each other at the water’s edge and quenched their thirst for a good five-minute period. To watch one cheetah drink out in the open is pretty amazing however watching the two of them do it side by side was absolutely incredible.
The mother cheetah and her male cub quench their thirst early in the morning. What a scene this was. The photograph doesn’t do the experience much justice. However, it did provide a few awesome photographic opportunities.
Soon after the two cheetahs had finished, we followed them for a little longer where they then settled under a nearby tree. The mother continuously scanned the horizon for any potential threats while the cub took a more relaxed approach. She then settled down too for a short period to gather energy for the upcoming days. What an incredible way to begin our day on safari!!!
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On our second ever game drive at Londo;ozi, our ranger got a radio message. He quickly turned and told us to hang on tight. He proceeded to go off-road at breakneck speed. The ride was exhilirating. He informed us we were headed toward a mother cheetah, who was atalking a herd of impala after lesding her 2 cubs to a safe location. The stealthy cheetah, patiently approached an impala which had separated from the hered. With an incredile burst of speed, the cheetah chased the impala directly toward our vehicle, taking it doen less than 10 meters from us. She then summoned the 2 cubs and “taught” them how to finish the kill and begin their meal. Incredible sequence.
Wow! A lifetime sighting for sure. I bet that was something you’ll never forget.
It was! I can still hear the soumds of their paws (?) hitting the ground as they raced toward the vehicle.
Getting an update on the cheetahs of Londolozi is definitely one of my favorites. Great that the cub has made it into adulthood (or nearly). I admire the cheetah mothers and their achievements.
Beautiful photos and what an incredible sighting.
Dan, What a beautiful story. Cheetah have been scarce over our visits to Londolozi. We’ve always felt lucky if we run into one. Hoping they both find a long-term home with you!
Dan, thanks for sharing the pictures of the cheetahs at Londolozi. They are amazing animals with grace and speed. One of my favorites.
Cheetahs are simply awesome and the more time you are able to spend with them, the more you love them!
Kudos to this Cheetah mother for raising her son to sub adult status. The SabiSand reserve isn’t the easiest of territory’s for the survival of cheetahs given the terrain as well as all the other predators inhabiting the area, competing for the same food. Have there been any sightings of a mature male in the area, so that once her son is independent, she could potentially mate again? Thanks for the update Dan.
To me they are the only large predators that lack any aggressive features. They look agile, elegant, harmonious. They are even (sadly) kept as pets because of their lack of aggressiveness. They would surely be among the top animals on my list
Dan you absolutely right the Cheetah are overlooked, what a shame because they are stunning cats in their own right. Those tiny cubs with their fur are so adorable and cute. Mothers certainly have there work cut out for them to protect the cubs from predators. So beautiful and unique.
An interesting blog Dan. I have to say that the life of a cheetah is frought with danger. They are beautiful cats. Thanks for sharing.
If your guests saw leopard 🐆 and lions 🦁 during their stay , they will have seen all three of Africa’s big cats . That would be truly amazing , to achieve that at one lodge
Dan,
We feel so fortunate that because of your and Freddy’s exceptional tracking, we were able to view this majestic duo when we were there last month! We have some great photos of them. Aaron and I send our best to you and Freddy. We are already planning a trip back for sometime next year!