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Cheetah
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Cheetah

Cheetahs in Tanzania

The fastest mammal in the world, the cheetah is one of Tanzania’s iconic big cats, and increasingly threatened by habitat loss. Seeing one on safari is a memorable experience.


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Quick facts about Cheetah

Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus Habitat: Grassland & woodland
IUCN status: Vulnerable Adult weight: 50–70kg

Of the four subspecies of cheetah, the southeast African cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus jubatus, is found in Tanzania. This cat ranges across Tanzania, however their numbers are low and in practice they are only likely to be seen in specific parts the country. Cheetahs are phenomenal hunters and the open plains of the Serengeti are an ideal habitat.

A number of research projects have been set up to monitor and conserve the species. The Serengeti Cheetah Project, run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, maps the cheetah’s range and monitors local populations, helping to generate conservation strategies for the long-term survival of these beautiful cats in Tanzania.

200-300m

AV. CHASE DISTANCE

65–80 cm

TAIL LENGTH

3 seconds

ACCELERATION, 0-100km/h

90 days

GESTATION PERIOD

Tanzania's top camps for seeing cheetahs

Based on 139 reports since May 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing cheetahs. Simply follow the key below.


Best chances to see

Good chances to see

Some sightings

No sightings yet

Top 10 camps for cheetah

% of travellers who saw cheetah

Top 10 camps for cheetah

% of travellers who saw cheetah

Where to see cheetahs in Tanzania

While cheetahs are found in several parts of Tanzania, the region where you are most likely to see them is northern Tanzania, especially in the Serengeti and Tarangire national parks.


Top tips for viewing cheetahs in Tanzania

Cheetahs are distributed thinly across Tanzania, and they are more prevalent in some areas than others. The Serengeti is the best location for cheetah sightings (7 out of 10 Expert Africa travellers see them here) and they can often be seen hunting on the open plains.

Namiri Plains Camp in the eastern Serengeti is particularly rewarding: this district was previously used for big cat research and there are several breeding females in the area.

Likewise, Tarangire is relatively good for cheetahs, and sightings here are quite frequent. A fairly small population of cheetahs is also found in Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania, however the chance of seeing them here is slim.

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Holiday ideas to see cheetahs in Tanzania

These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing cheetahs in Tanzania


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Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari

13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.

US$16,050 - US$23,210 per person

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Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

US$12,590 - US$18,010 per person

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Lovebird Fly-in Safari

5 days • 2 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Visit two consistently impressive wildlife destinations during this excellent-value safari in northern Tanzania. Enjoy a range of walks and cultural visits from sister camps at the Ngorongoro Crater and in the heart of the Serengeti.

US$3,820 - US$5,960 per person

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Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.

US$7,440 - US$10,740 per person

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Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This great-value safari, in a private 4WD with your own driver-guide, journeys through the stunning landscapes of northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, focusing on its three top national parks.

US$4,470 - US$5,650 per person

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Gorillas and Migration Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.

US$17,070 - US$23,410 per person

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Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding areas, relatively remote locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.

US$8,400 - US$12,520 per person

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Flufftail Guided Safari

10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.

US$11,410 - US$16,860 per person

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Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and a wide range of activities.

US$10,340 - US$15,100 per person

View all holidays to Tanzania

Our top destinations for cheetahs

Read tips for spotting cheetahs in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings


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