Written by: Sean Messham, Marketing Manager
Sleek, agile, and built for speed, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is one of Africa’s most iconic big cats. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 mph (112 km/h) in short bursts, it holds the title of the fastest land animal on Earth. This incredible speed and agility have made the cheetah one of Africa’s most efficient hunters, with a hunting success rate of over 50% – far higher than lions and leopards.
However, despite their prowess, cheetahs face mounting conservation challenges. It is estimated that only 6,700 to 7,100 wild cheetahs remain on the continent, occupying just 13% of their historic range. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and dwindling genetic diversity have placed them in a vulnerable position, making every sighting in the wild a truly special and significant experience.
Our list below not only helps increase your chances of spotting these magnificent animals in the best reserves but also serves as a guide to a selection of luxury lodges where you can stay while seeking out these incredible speedsters.
Best Safari Destinations to View Wild Cheetah
Interestingly, more than 77% of wild cheetahs roam outside protected areas, often coming into conflict with pastoralists and farmers. Organizations like Cheetah Outreach and Ashia Cheetah Conservation work tirelessly to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, helping to protect these endangered cats. However, for the best chance of seeing cheetahs in the wild, we’ve curated a list of our favorite safari destinations, where you can witness these magnificent predators thriving in their natural habitat while enjoying a world-class safari experience.
1) Phinda Private Game Reserve
South Africa
Located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Phinda Private Game Reserve is a shining example of conservation success. Its name, meaning “The Return”, reflects its transformation from misused farmland back into a thriving wilderness. In 1992, Phinda became the first private reserve in South Africa to reintroduce cheetahs, launching an ambitious conservation project alongside lion reintroductions. Today, 30 years later, Phinda’s cheetah population is thriving, with numbers comparable to those in Kenya’s famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
Phinda is now one of South Africa’s premier destinations for cheetah sightings, alongside the Big Five – including both black and white rhino. With seven distinct ecosystems, it attracts an incredible 430+ bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve also boasts six luxury lodges, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable safari experience.
Top Lodges to Stay at Phinda:
- Phinda Forest | Best For: honeymooners and couples
- Phinda Homestead | Best For: family and groups
- Phinda Mountain | Best For: family, couples and honeymooners
- Phinda Rock | Best For: couples and honeymooners
2) Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
South Africa
Keeping with conservation success stories, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve spans 74,000 acres and has played a pivotal role in land rejuvenation—bringing cheetah back to the Great Fish River Valley for the first time since 1888. A testament to the power of tourism in revitalizing and protecting wilderness areas, Kwandwe is also located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, making it ideal for families with younger explorers.
Their high-yield, low-impact conservation model ensures an exclusive safari experience, perfect for honeymooners or couples seeking seclusion. And yes, you can see the Big Five here! Rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo roam freely, alongside incredible conservation experiences that allow you to actively contribute to this remarkable success story.
Top Lodges to Stay at Kwandwe:
- Great Fish River Lodge | Best For: honeymooners and couples
- Ecca Lodge | Best For: family and couples
- Melton Manor | Best For: family and groups
- Fort House | Best For: family and groups
3) Tswalu Kalahari
South Africa
Co-founder Kyle Green and I were fortunate to spend a few days at the expansive Tswalu Kalahari, a malaria-free private reserve in South Africa. And while watching the habituated meerkats, our guide Barry came to us and told us that they had just found two cheetahs on an oryx kill. Needless to say, we left the “Rockstar” meerkat family and caught a glimpse of these incredible cats!
Tswalu Kalahari is the largest private game reserve in South Africa, covering an impressive 271,815 acres of arid Kalahari landscape. The open spaces allow cheetahs to reach full stride, maximizing their speed and agility, making them incredibly successful hunters in this environment.
Beyond cheetahs, you can also hope to see desert-adapted lions, rhinos, and elusive species like aardvark, pangolin, and the critically endangered wild dogs! What we love about Tswalu is that every guest gets their own private vehicle, guide, and tracker. This means you can truly tailor your safari experience, setting your own pace and focusing on what excites you most—maximizing your chances of finding exactly what you’re looking for!
Top Lodges to Stay at in Tswalu:
- The Motse | Best For: couples and honeymooners
- Tarkuni | Best For: family and private groups
- Loapi | Best For: family and private groups)
4) Okavango Delta
Botswana
I have yet to visit the Okavango Delta and not see a cheetah! I know this may be “experience bias,” but the Delta consistently delivers some of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters – cheetah sightings included.
This UNESCO-listed wetland paradise is an ever-changing ecosystem where floodplains, grasslands, and woodlands create prime hunting grounds for these elusive big cats. While the Delta is renowned for its rich diversity of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, lions, and leopards, its open plains provide the perfect setting for cheetahs to thrive. Here, they have the space to roam freely, reducing direct competition with larger predators. For a cat that loses nearly 10% of its kills to stronger carnivores in places like Kruger National Park, this is a welcome relief.
The Delta also hosts a wonderful variety of luxury lodges, each with its own expansive network of safari experiences that complement this remarkable wilderness. It’s tough to highlight just a few, but below are some suggested luxury lodges where cheetah sightings are more frequent.
Top Lodges to Stay at:
- Wilderness Chitabe Camp | Best For: couples and honeymooners
- Wilderness Vumbura | Best For: couples, honeymooners and families
- andBeyond Nxabega Tented Camp | Best For: couples, honeymooners and families
- andBeyond Sandibe Safari Lodge | Best For: couples and honeymooners
5) Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe
A sanctuary for more than 10% of Africa’s elephant population, Zimbabwe’s largest and oldest national park is best known for its incredible elephant viewing. However, with its open, palm-fringed plains and vast grasslands, Hwange also provides an ideal habitat for cheetahs. And yes, Co-founder Kyle and I were fortunate enough to witness a mother and two cubs during our last stay at African Bush Camps’ Somalisa—a truly unforgettable sighting.
But here’s our secret—or rather, an insider’s tip! In the highly productive southeastern corner of Hwange sits Wilderness Linkwasha, positioned on the edge of the famous Ngamo Plains. Affectionately known as “The Serengeti of Hwange,” this vast, open landscape draws immense concentrations of game. During the Green Season (November to March), lush pastures attract plains game, while in winter, the waterholes provide a crucial lifeline for wildlife. Both seasons create prime conditions for a predator built for speed—making this one of Zimbabwe’s best areas to search for cheetah.
Top Lodges to Stay at:
- African Bush Camp Somalisa Acacia | Best For: family and groups
- Wilderness Linkwasha | Best For: couples and honeymooners
- Wilderness Davison’s Camp | Best For: couples and groups
6) Serengeti National Park
Tanzania
The word Serengeti originates from the Maa word siringet, which the Maasai people loosely translate as “a place that runs forever.” So it’s no surprise that the Serengeti is synonymous with sweeping grasslands—and the fastest predator adapted to thrive in this vast landscape, the cheetah.
But let’s cut to the chase. This remarkable Tanzanian ecosystem is best known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, and while cheetahs can be found throughout the region, here’s an insider guiding tip: If you want to off-road and follow cheetahs on the hunt, with fewer vehicles in sight, visit during the calving season (January to March). During this time, the mega-herds settle in the Ndutu region, giving birth to an estimated 8,000 calves a day—a prime hunting opportunity for predators.
With off-roading allowed in Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you can track cheetahs throughout the day and, if a sighting becomes too congested, simply move on and “find your own cheetah.” For those looking for a Serengeti experience without the crowds, Singita Grumeti Reserve – a vital part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem -offers exclusive game viewing in a pristine private concession.
Top Lodges to Stay at:
- Lemala Kuria Hills | Best For: Couples and Honeymooners
- Singita Sabora Tented Camp | Best For: Couples and Honeymooners
- andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas | Best For: Couples and Honeymooners
- Asilia Sayari Camp | Best For: Couples and Multi-Generational Families
7) Masai Mara National Park
Kenya
The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most famous wilderness areas – and for good reason. Not only does it set the stage for one of the most dramatic chapters of the Great Wildebeest Migration, with multiple river crossings from August through October, but its spotted landscape and resident predators have attracted photographers from around the world. Beyond the migration, the Masai Mara is certainly a year-round safari destination, offering spectacular Big Five and cheetah sightings.
That said, popularity comes with a price, and the Mara has earned a reputation for being a bit “busy,” especially during peak season. Here’s an insider tip: If you’re looking for incredible cheetah sightings with fewer vehicles, consider visiting after the migration has moved on. Here’s why:
- The herds leave behind short, cropped grass – perfect for spotting cheetahs on the hunt.
- Many predators experience a baby boom, increasing your chances of witnessing unique interactions.
- Fewer vehicles mean a more intimate and less crowded safari experience.
For those looking to escape the crowds entirely, the Mara Conservancies like Mara North and Naboisho Conservancies offer exclusive off-road game viewing and low-density tourism – allowing you to enjoy the magic of the Mara without the hustle.
Top Lodges to Stay at:
- andBeyond Bateleur | Best For: honeymooners and couples
- andBeyond Kichwa Tembo| Best For: family and couples
- Angama Mara | Best For: family and couples
- Cottar’s 1920s | Best For: honeymooners and couples
- Asilia Naboisho| Best For: family, couples and private groups
- Great Plains – Mara Plains | Best For: family, couples and private groups
8) Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lakipia, Kenya
When you chat with our Travel Specialists about the Lewa Conservancy, three incredible features will almost certainly come up:
- Diverse Safari Activities – Beyond traditional game drives, Lewa offers camel rides, horseback safaris, walking safaris, and even helicopter excursions, making it one of the most adventurous reserves in Kenya.
- Unique Wildlife & Landscapes – Home to rare northern species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, common beisa oryx, gerenuk, and the Somali ostrich, Lewa’s diverse terrain provides a stunning backdrop for safari enthusiasts.
- Rhino Conservation Stronghold – With one of the most successful black and white rhino populations in Africa, Lewa is arguably one of the best places to see both species in the wild.
However, Lewa holds another secret – its cheetah viewing is remarkably consistent! Thanks to the exclusive nature of the conservancy, sightings are intimate, and the luxury yet unpretentious lodges provide a perfect setting to unwind. If you’re looking for one last chance to see cheetah before wrapping up your East Africa safari, Lewa offers an unforgettable experience in a strikingly different habitat.
Top Lodges to Stay at:
- Lewa Wilderness | Best For: family and couples
- Lewa House | Best For: family and couples
How Many Cheetah Are Left in the Wild?
According to the latest IUCN Red List, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is officially classified as Endangered. Depending on the source, estimates suggest that only 6,500 to 7,100 wild cheetahs remain in Africa—occupying just 13% of their historical range.
- 4,300 in Southern Africa
- 2,290 in East Africa
- 450 in Western, Central and Northern Africa
This makes the cheetah Africa’s most threatened big cat, with 77% of the population living outside of protected areas, increasing their vulnerability to human-wildlife conflict. Key threats include:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Conflict with livestock farmers
- Poaching and snares inside and outside reserves
- Competition with larger predators (lions, leopards, hyenas)
- Unregulated tourism & poor game-viewing practices
- Illegal pet trade & fur trade
- Genetic weakening due to fragmented populations
One of the greatest conservation challenges is maintaining strong genetic diversity within cheetah populations. As habitats become increasingly isolated, conservation organizations are working collaboratively to strengthen cheetah meta-populations by carefully relocating individuals between reserves to enhance genetic diversity.
A fantastic example of this was the groundbreaking cheetah translocation project between andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and Ashia Cheetah Conservation, which played a vital role in securing the future of this species. Watch the video below to see this conservation success story in action!
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