A rare and unique sighting of the ever elusive cheetah took place this morning for guests at Africa on Foot and nThambo Tree Camp. Cheetahs are a protected species, listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list, and their estimated wild population in Southern Africa is a heartbreakingly low 4190 adult and adolescent individuals. They only occupy 10% of their historic range. Luckily for us, one of these precious big cats enjoyed her morning siesta in an open clearing on our game drive route!
Africa on Foot guests were out on morning walk while Matt was conducting the morning game drive for his guests at nThambo, eyes peeled for those leopards we have been lucky enough to see on numerous occasions this week. As it turned out, a leopard was not the cat to be looking for! A solo female cheetah appeared in her majestic form, almost camouflaged against the dry bush veld. She had a full belly and was looking for a place to lie down and sleep off her morning meal. She picked a shady spot and reclined comfortably and within view of all the guests excitedly getting their cameras into position.
Africa on Foot guests returned to the lodge after an eye-opening walk in the Klaserie, and before they could grab a cup of coffee Greg had brought the game viewer round and announced that there was a cheetah to go and see! A short drive from camp brought them to the clearing where Matt had reported seeing the cheetah, and sure enough, there she was enjoying a but of shut eye. She was breathing heavily after having eaten and the heat of the day was creeping in, but she was incredibly relaxed and happy to be adored by all.
The current drought has brought about some interesting predator behaviour, and we have had numerous sightings of wild dogs, leopards, and now cheetah! Lions are occupying the area less than usual, as they follow the buffaloes to greener pastures, but that opens up the playing field for other predators that would ordinarily lie low in lion territory. What a way to end the week on safari!
Irene Clement