What Makes Cheetahs So Fast? - Safari Ventures

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If you ever had the luck to observe the spectacle of a cheetah running at full speed, you know that it is an impressive example of nature’s perfection. Cheetahs can accelerate from 0 up to 60 miles per hour in as little as 3 seconds. Not for anything, they are the fastest animal on the planet. But what makes them so fast? Keep reading to find out all you need to know about these wonderful animals.

Cheetah’s Physical Traits:

Cheetahs are the greatest runners on the planet. The anatomy of this beautiful, slender, and elegant animal maximizes agility and velocity.

One of these felines’ most prominent characteristics is their light bodyweight, which helps them gaining speed faster. On top of that, they have small heads and long legs for getting the best out of aerodynamics’ law. Also, their flexible spine allows for extreme extension during the run. Being able to flex as much as cheetahs do, help them rotate their hips and scapula in a way that incentivizes speed.

To accelerate, only one foot at the time is in contact with the ground.

If that was not enough, cheetahs’ semi-retractable claws, contrary to big cats, never fully retract, which means they are always ready to provide powerful traction to the ground.

Other adaptations include wide nostrils, a powerful heart, and large lungs to allow more oxygen to the muscles, facilitating the sprinting.

Keep in mind that cheetahs’ anatomy is all set for sprinting. These felines can sustain high speeds for short bursts, but they take up to 30 minutes to fully recover after having chased their prey. Additionally, being built for speed comes with some drawbacks. For example, cheetahs are not as strong and aggressive as other predators in the savannah, such as lions or leopards. For this reason, cheetahs tend to flight instead of fight.

Article: Cheetah Versus Leopard- What’s the Difference?

How Do Cheetahs Capture Their Prey?

Cheetahs are primarily diurnal animals, who tend to hunt in the early morning or the late afternoon. That is because they have a worse nocturnal sight as compared to other big cats hunting at night. Some of the most common prey include zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest.

The fastest cats of the savannah have their approach to hunting. To stay out of sight until the time to attack has come, they use the natural peaks of the area. Also, cheetahs love to hunt in plains covered with high grass, which allows them to hide their arrival. Once a cheetah has picked a prey, it stalks it. As cheetahs are speedy but not resistant, they need to be close to their prey before deciding to make an ambush.

When close enough, the feline uses its enormous speed and chases down the prey, which most likely will end up exhausted. As scavengers (such as hyenas) or bigger cats might be around the corner, if a cheetah successfully subdues the prey, it might start eating it before its death.

The Best Places to See Cheetahs in Eastern and Southern Africa:

Seeing a cheetah in the wild is a unique experience. But to locate them during a safari can be challenging, as their population is less abundant than before. To increase your chances to see cheetahs, you can try visiting the following national parks:

Masai Mara, Kenya – Its plains make the perfect habitat for these felines. The annual wildebeest migration is the best time to go if you want to see cheetahs stalking the many preys getting in the area at that time of the year.
Serengeti, Tanzania– The number of cheetahs in this park has been growing over the years, so the chances of seeing one during a safari are higher than in other reserves. The terrain of the park is ideal for spotting cheetahs, thanks to the scarcity of savanna grass and the presence of vast open plains.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Botswana/South Africa – One of the best places to see cheetah during a safari because of the ideal terrain.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana – This remotely located park is a great place to spot the elusive felines, with its vast plains.
Kruger National Park, South Africa– One of the best places to see all types of wildlife, Kruger is home to about thirty percent of Africa’s population of cheetahs.

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Posted on Stacy Hopkins Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible!! We went on a two-week safari in Kenya & Tanzania. It was unforgettable & life-changing! We saw so many animals & lots of babies too. Highly recommend Safari Adventures! Posted on Mahesh Seshadri Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Safari ventures helped us with a wonderful trip to Rwanda to see the Gorillas. Rwanda is very beautiful, clean and welcoming country. Robin did a great job in helping arrange a wonderful tour company for the trip. We landed in Kigali and drove to the Volcanoes National park and stayed two days at the Mountain Gorilla view lodge . The lodge was very cozy, the food was very fresh (farm to table vegetables) but We were most touched by the service and the hospitality of the people. We did the golden monkey and the Gorilla treks. Both were amazing, the Gorilla trek is a must do for any wildlife lovers. They were incredible and so human like. It is a very personable experience that will be remembered for a long time. The tours are very well organised with attention details, to ensure Gorilla's and the tourists are safe and having positive experience. I would strongly recommend these tours from Safari Ventures. Posted on Reena Patel Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Safari Ventures exceeded all our expectations. Robin made planning effortless—she listened carefully, customized every detail, and was always available to answer questions. Once we arrived, Leo was outstanding. His deep knowledge, patience, and passion for the wildlife and culture made every game drive unforgettable. The lodges, transfers, and daily experiences were seamless, and we felt cared for every step of the way. Thanks to Robin and Leo, our trip was not only perfectly organized but also filled with memories we’ll carry for a lifetime. Posted on Cherie K Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family of 11 took "THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME" in May and June 2025. Everything went perfectly, thanks to our wonderful tour operator, Robin, with Safari Ventures. I have traveled to more than 60 countries and usually make all the arrangements myself. But Africa is not a do-it-yourself destination! I'm so happy that I left the planning in the hands of the Safari Ventures team We flew into Cape Town, SA, on Emirates, and were picked up at the airport by our wonderful tour guide. He stayed with us the 3 days we were in the area and was a great help. Safari Ventures selected The Victoria and Albert Hotel, which is located on the V & A waterfront with many restaurants and shops within a short walking distance. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the Gold Restaurant, where we learned African drumming and were entertained by local dancers. The guided day tours in Cape Town allowed us to see all of the highlights of the area. We then flew to Hoedspruit to begin our safari at Tanda Tula Safari Camp. To say we were impressed would be an understatement! The grounds and facilities were fabulous. The staff and our safari guides were very helpful and friendly and the food was superb. The guides even surprised us with a birthday cake and special drinks at a bonfire while on the evening game drive to celebrate the birthdays of my grandson and daughter-in-law. Another day we were served a bush breakfast fit for a king while on the morning drive. We enjoyed the private plunge pool in each suite. We then drove to our next lodge, Lion Sands, and it was equally as special with extraordinary game viewing. We visited Victoria Falls and enjoyed the Palm River Hotel with gorgeous views and ended our journey in Chobe National Park in Botswana. The staff of Chobe Game Lodge arranged a special farewell dinner for us under the stars. Every detail was planned so perfectly that I didn't have to worry about anything! Flights and ground transportation were right on time, no mix-ups, no last-minute hassles, lovely accommodations and food, a very memorable family trip! Posted on Christine Gienski Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Robin meticulously crafted our trip to meet our desires. No detail was overlooked. The accommodations were excellent, the safari vehicles well maintained, and the guides extremely knowledgeable. All of the transfers between hotels, airports, and other locations were seamless. We saw every animal that we dreamed of seeing and more. Robin also helped us go beyond Kenya and Tanzania to see Victoria Falls, where we had a wonderful tour of the falls, and an incredible sunset cruise on the Zambezi River that we did not expect to be only for us. We felt like royalty! At Robin's suggestion, we also went to Chobe National Park in Botswana and stayed in our first tented lodge - a pretty cool experience. Robin also helped us add Cape Town, South Africa, to the trip and arranged winery tours, a tripe to the Cape of Good Hope, and a shark cage dive. I cannot adequately describe the emotions that came over me when I saw things with my own eyes that I had previously seen only in textbooks or movies/television. What a fantastic month-long trip! Posted on Christina Higgins Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exceptional Experience! Safari Ventures came highly recommended from a friend who used them last year for their safari, and I was told how great it was to work with Robin Neal as the travel planner. We had interviewed several friends who had traveled to Africa, but none of the other recommendations were as glowing as Safari Ventures. We contacted Robin and discussed our destinations and experiences on our wish list, and gave her the general travel dates we needed. She arranged all the details and was always easily accessible and willing to listen to questions. She worked with me on adding a couple of dates and other interests that were not necessarily part of a typical plan package. I loved being able to customize our trip to meet our needs, and Robin had great suggestions for some other things to do while in these areas since she has been to each of these locations herself many times and knows exactly what the traveler is experiencing. In the months and weeks prior to our departure, all details were in place and there was great communication about expectations. Once we landed at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, every aspect was handled to perfection. The local safari company that took care of us was superb. We planned to arrive a day early to be able to decompress after the long flights before our actual safari started, and we arranged for transportation to visit a few local areas of interest based on Robin’s recommendations. Our friends who traveled last year also raved about their guide, Jackson, and we requested and received the same guide. Jackson was very knowledgeable about all the animals, and was on the hunt with us to give us the best possible experience and viewing of animal encounters. He was patient with all our questions and with allowing plenty of time while seeing the animals. We saw all of the Big 5, and so much more. I definitely recommend adding on the hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, with champagne toast and breakfast to follow. We had enough down time during the week to relax along the way as well. After we left Tanzania, we visited Victoria Falls for 2 days. Our hotel was so close we could see the mist of the falls from our balcony. I suggest adding on the Boma Dinner show while you’re there. The second night we enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. From there we then spent 3 days at Chobe National Park in Botswana. At that location you select whether you’d like to do a morning or afternoon game drive, or a river safari with a group or on a private boat tour. We were not always with the same people for each game drive as we had been in Tanzania, and we had opportunities to meet lots of other travelers from all over the world. There was great hospitality from each hotel and lodge location throughout our journey, and all of the food was delicious and plentiful. We were very impressed by Safari Ventures and have already recommended the company to several friends who are planning a safari. We particularly loved our time in Tanzania, and we will definitely be contacting Safari Ventures ourselves to go back again in a few years. It makes a huge difference when we know we can trust that we will have an excellent experience again, because we have seen the attention to detail and high level of service provided by Safari Ventures and their partners on location in Africa. Posted on Sam Patel Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Review of trip in February/March 2025 Le t me start from the moment I first decided to go on safari to Tanzania. Dates were set and I gave broad indications of where to visit (this was 11 months prior to the holiday). Very swiftly I was presented with suggested itinerary options outlining parks to visit and lodges for accommodation. Approximately 6 weeks before going final confirmations were made by SV along with helpful notes on what to pack and links to visa page for Tanzania. Our first night was 20 minutes from the airport, it was late, and we were grateful it was near. Arumeru Lodge was quintessentially African, a grand main lodge which kept the restaurant open for us to have a meal on arrival at 11pm which was most welcome. Quiet individual chalets, air conditioned and comfortable. We could hear the monkeys at night which signalled the start of an adventure. After breakfast we met our safari consultant and went through the planned itinerary. Leo took us on our first safari to Lake Manyara, and off to a great start. He had a keen eye and gave great commentary on the animals, their habitat and local history, we were most impressed with the depth of his knowledge. Plenty of game on show and a relaxed meander around the lake to take in the tranquil landscape. We saw elephants, various antelope, baboons, monkeys including the Blue Monkey. Lunch was at Gibbs Farm, ingredients grown on the property were served and a private table with gorgeous views made it difficult to not over-indulge, this was something we would struggle with for the whole trip. We then made our way to Ngorongoro, stopping at a viewpoint before entering to tantalise us. I would say breathtaking but the word doesn’t come near to describe what we saw. The next two nights were at Lions Paw. Generously spaced cabins with unobstructed views of the crater banks and the sea of green Acacia trees. Very large cabin with balcony, excellent bathroom and facilities to make it feel luxurious. Catering was very good an being situated in the park meant that animals could roam free so keep your eyes open during the day, when it’s dark there is an escort to and from the room to the main lodge. Our first day in the crater did not disappoint, no sooner than we were down a small pride of lions walked besides us after what looked like a good meal in the night. The crater is large enough to have different ecosystems, which means that it appeals to different game. Plenty of elephants, zebra, wildebeest, lion, hippo and our favourite, rhino. We managed to see four (no one knows how many there are as they are well protected by the rangers), one particular rhino was at very close range which is rare. Leo’s highlight was a small fox stalking a bird, I captured it on video, an unsuccessful attempt for the fox but fascinating to watch such a primal act. Stopping at the viewpoint once more and reuniting with our luggage, we made our way to Lake Masek/Lake Ndutu, just outside the Serengeti these grasslands are the maternity ward for wildebeest and zebra. The tented camp was one the banks of Lake Masek, huge tent with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including an outside shower room. Food and service was excellent, and we got to see after dinner a mother hippo and calf feeding mere feet from the swimming pool. A lion roaring in the night sounded very close, but it was just passing through. From start to finish we were well informed and extremely well cared for, a heartfelt thank you to Safari Ventures for everything you have done to make this a trip of a lifetime. These memories are not only in our thoughts but emblazoned on our soul. Posted on Alaina Torrey Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Calling this adventure a "trip of a lifetime" is not an over-sell! Robin with Safari Ventures helped us craft a wonderful Africa trip, seeing the sights we desired in the time we had available and within our stated budget. Communication leading up to the trip and while on the trip was wonderful. At each turn of this adventure we were met with professional curtesy and kindness, the people who helped us being as delightful a part of our trip as the landscape and animals of Africa. I would highly recommend Safari Ventures and hope to travel with them again! Posted on John L Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Safari Ventures (Robin) did a phenomenal job arranging our first ever safari to Kenya! We had a blast and were able to see all the big 5 in Kenya and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and courteous and super friendly. We enjoyed our stay a lot and the food was phenomenal. We felt super safe throughout the trip! Kenya is beautiful and everyone should do the safari at least once in their lifetime! Thank you Robin, you have been very helpful and very knowledgeable! Posted on Steve Schwersky Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Safari Ventures for creating an exceptional safari experience. Robin worked with me to plan a trip that met my needs and expectations. It was nothing short of phenomenal. On a side note, the airlines lost my luggage. Although it was no fault of Safari Ventures, Robin stepped up, going above and beyond, working diligently to help me recover my bag. I would highly recommend Safari Ventures for your safari planning and booking!