International Cheetah Day 2025: 10 epic destinations to see cheetahs roaming free in the wild!

There’s an undeniable rush that comes from watching a cheetah in the wild—its muscles coiled, its stride effortless, its speed unmatched. For safari lovers, witnessing this sleek, powerful predator in its natural habitat isn’t just a dream; it’s the ultimate bucket-list moment. As the world marks International Cheetah Day today, December 4, it’s the perfect time to celebrate this extraordinary animal. Built for breathtaking bursts of up to 70 miles per hour, the cheetah remains the fastest land animal on Earth—an icon of grace, agility, and survival. From Africa’s sunlit savannahs to India’s newly revived grassland reserves, these magnificent cats still roam a handful of precious landscapes. Here’s your guide to the 10 best places on the planet to see cheetahs in the wild.

1. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha is Namibia’s crown jewel for cheetah sightings, spanning over 22,000 km² of salt pans, grasslands, and semi-arid shrublands. Its open plains provide perfect hunting grounds, while waterholes attract prey, increasing chances of spotting cheetahs. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are ideal to catch these agile predators sprinting across the landscape, often alongside springboks and oryx.

2. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a unique wildlife haven where wetlands meet dry savannahs, creating diverse habitats for cheetahs and other predators. Visitors can combine land safaris with boat tours through waterways, offering a rare opportunity to see cheetahs navigating between islands or chasing prey across floodplains. Birdlife is abundant here, making it a paradise for photographers.

3. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is a wildlife photographer’s dream, with sprawling grasslands teeming with prey like wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Cheetahs here are often seen sprinting in pursuit of their next meal, especially during the Great Migration when predator activity peaks. Guided safaris provide close encounters while supporting local Maasai communities.

4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti’s iconic plains are home to some of Africa’s most famous cheetah populations. Visitors can witness hunting, territorial patrols, and playful cubs amidst endless savannahs. The park’s open landscapes and organized safari routes make spotting cheetahs easier, offering a cinematic wildlife experience reminiscent of classic nature documentaries.

5. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park combines rich biodiversity with excellent tourist infrastructure. Its vast predator populations, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, make it one of South Africa’s best wildlife destinations. Game drives provide multiple opportunities to observe cheetahs in their natural hunting grounds, often interacting with prey like impalas or warthogs.

6. Kuno National Park, India
Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh is India’s first cheetah safari destination. The park features open grasslands and managed prey populations, making it ideal for reintroduced cheetahs. Visitors can witness cheetahs hunting, roaming, and patrolling their territory, all while supporting India’s historic wildlife conservation efforts. Early morning and late afternoon safaris offer the best sightings.

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, with expansive savannahs and minimal human interference. Its remote landscapes provide safe hunting grounds for cheetahs, and guided tours allow visitors to experience intimate wildlife encounters. The park is also home to large elephant herds, lions, and a variety of antelope species, enriching every safari experience.

8. Zakouma National Park, Chad
Zakouma is an off-the-beaten-path gem in central Africa. With few tourists, the park offers intimate encounters with cheetahs in their natural habitat. Visitors can watch predator-prey interactions unfold across open savannahs while exploring wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands, making it a unique and untouched safari destination.

9. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris and mixture of woodlands, grasslands, and riverine habitats. Cheetahs here are often spotted hunting or resting in shaded areas. The park’s diversity of species, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous antelope species, ensures a rich wildlife experience for adventurous safari-goers.

10. Gambella National Park, Ethiopia
Gambella is Ethiopia’s remote wildlife sanctuary, offering a rare chance to see cheetahs away from tourist crowds. Protected areas, minimal human interference, and diverse ecosystems make it ideal for adventurous travelers. While sightings are less predictable, spotting cheetahs here is a rewarding experience for those seeking untouched landscapes and authentic African wilderness.
Why These Destinations Are Unmissable