About the Author

Dan Hirschowitz

Ranger

Dan developed his love for the African bush whilst growing up on a family run farm in the Kwa-Zulu Natal midlands. Growing up in the bushveld he was surrounded by wildlife and finds his passion in what nature has to offer. After completing ...

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13 Comments

on Update on the Mother Cheetah

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Vin Beni
Master Tracker

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.

Chelsea Allard
Master Tracker

Wow! A lifetime sighting for sure. I bet that was something you’ll never forget.

Vin Beni
Master Tracker

It was! I can still hear the soumds of their paws (?) hitting the ground as they raced toward the vehicle.

Christa Blessing
Master Tracker

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.

Michael and Terri Klauber
Master Tracker

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!

William Paynter
Master Tracker

Dan, thanks for sharing the pictures of the cheetahs at Londolozi. They are amazing animals with grace and speed. One of my favorites.

Lisa Antell
Master Tracker

Cheetahs are simply awesome and the more time you are able to spend with them, the more you love them!

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

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.

Francesca Doria
Master Tracker

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

Valmai Vorster
Master Tracker

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.

Leonie De Young
Master Tracker

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.

Ian Hall
Master Tracker

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

Tara Sink
Explorer

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!

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