The Struggle of The Cheetah: Africa’s Vanishing Sprinter
on Nov 25, 2025There’s a stillness that fills the air before a hunt. The cheetah crouches low, eyes locked on a distant impala, tail flicking in perfect rhythm with its breathing. For a moment, time slows – and then, in an explosion of speed, Africa’s fastest predator becomes a blur across the open plains. Watching this unfold at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is a sight that leaves even the most seasoned ranger in awe.
Yet behind that grace and speed lies a story of struggle and survival - one that reminds us how fragile the future of the cheetah truly is.
A Species on The Edge
Cheetahs are now among Africa’s most endangered big cats, with an estimated less than 7,000 individuals remaining in the wild across the whole continent. Their numbers continue to decline due to a combination of habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and competition with stronger predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas.
At Sabi Sabi, we are fortunate to see cheetahs occasionally moving through the reserve. But their presence is fleeting – they are wanderers by nature, searching for safe spaces where they can hunt, raise cubs, and avoid conflict. In a landscape shared with dominant predators, survival is a daily challenge.
The Challenges They Face
Cheetahs are built for speed, not for fighting; their lightweight frames and long legs are perfect for chasing down prey, but not for defending kills or young cubs. Lions and hyenas often steal their hard-earned meals, and even leopards pose a serious threat to cheetahs and their cubs.
Habitat fragmentation is another serious issue. As human development expands, open spaces – essential for cheetahs to use their incredible speed – become smaller and more isolated. This not only limits their hunting grounds but also reduces genetic diversity as populations become cut off from one another.
To make matters worse, cheetahs require vast territories, and their need for space often brings them into conflict with humans and livestock outside protected areas.
Sabi Sabi’s Role in Their Conservation
Within the Greater Kruger ecosystem, Sabi Sabi plays a vital role as part of a much larger conservation landscape. The open system allows for the natural movement of animals, which is crucial for species like cheetahs. Every sighting we record contributes valuable data to broader conservation networks that monitor population trends and territory use.
By maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem and reducing human pressure, Sabi Sabi creates safe spaces for predators to thrive. But conservation is not only about land - it’s also about awareness. Each time guests witness a cheetah on safari, we can share its story and highlight the challenges the magnificent cats face.
Hope For The Future
While the cheetah’s future is uncertain, there is hope. Across Southern Africa, collaborative projects are working to restore corridors between reserves, protect open landscapes, and reintroduce cheetahs into safe areas where they can breed naturally.
Every sighting here at Sabi Sabi is more than just a highlight of a game drive – it’s a symbol of resilience. The cheetahs' struggle mirrors our responsibility as conservationists, guides, and guests to protect what cannot protect itself.
Blog by Ruan Mey (Earth Lodge Ranger)
