Recently, we have had two incredible cheetah sightings while out on game drive at Umkumbe Safari Lodge. Cheetah are mainly diurnal species, which means they are active during the day. However, although principally diurnal cats, cheetahs do their hunting when it gets cooler and not during the heat of the midday sun. The hotter it is, the more energy they expend while chasing prey at speeds of up to 70km. Hunting during the day means they eliminate their main competition (lions and leopards) who hunt primarily at night.
We have a series of photos from two different cheetah sightings, one of which was led by ranger Marius and the other Lezel, also a ranger. With the clarity of daylight it set the scene for a picture perfect setting.
Cheetahs can be solitary wanderers but are often seen in pairs and small, nuclear family units. Males are not territorial and often roam through vast territories. They enjoy a carefree bachelor lifestyle of wandering alone or with other males. Females differ slightly in that they are more territorial and mark their area. This is in an effort to chase away other females, but they are not averse the males wandering through their domain.
The first cheetah sighting was when guests spotted a lone cheetah wandering through the grasses of the pristine Sabi Sand Wildtuin. He was seen crossing over in Sabi Sabi but wandered back into the Umkumbe traverse. Like most cats (wild and domesticated)he marked a few trees along the way. The second sighting was of a cheetah resting on a termite mound.
They often place themselves raised off the ground to enjoy a better vantage point. From here they can survey the land for potential prey and suss out potential threats. After the guests and rangers stayed with him for a while, he got up and disappeared into the long grass.
Interested in big cat and cheetah sightings? Then come spend a few days with us at Umkumbe Safari Lodge. We’re located in the heart of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, a pristine a reserve located in the Greater Kruger.
for a safari booking contact us on reservations@sundestinations.co.za
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