CHEETAH WILD

Greg Mc Call Peat – August 2025 A Moment That Changed Everything We’d been keeping a close eye on Sanyati for a while. Her belly was heavy with cubs, and on some days, if she lay just right, we could actually see them moving inside her. A sight like that stays with you, it’s the kind of quiet miracle that tells you something special is on its way. Discovery in the Swamps A couple of weeks passed, and then one crisp morning Trev noticed something he’d never seen before: steam rising from a patch of long grass in the swamps. It was subtle but unmistakable, and in that moment, he just knew she had denned. That little patch of earth, breathing mist into the cold morning air, suddenly became sacred ground. Winters here often det into the minus’s and our cheetahs have adapted to the cold winters by growing a winter coat for extra warmth and heat retention. This means that the little ones will more than cope with the frosty mornings and cold winter nights snuggled up with mom. Steam rising from a patch of long grass in the swamps Mutual understanding and respect We would always go and check the “steam patch” in the hope of seeing her. One morning, the steam was gone. My heart sank slightly, wondering if she’d moved the cubs. Then, out of the silence, I saw her. Sanyati sitting just a few meters from me. Calm. Present. I stepped quietly out of the car, letting her see it was just me. We sat together for about twenty minutes in complete stillness. No rush. No noise. Just a deep, mutual understanding. Then, as if something had clicked, she stood and headed off. I followed from a respectful 50 meters back as she moved toward the bush line. She paused. I slowly made my way up to her. She got up and walked again, this time into the denser cover. I followed until she lay down and gave a soft, almost whisper-like call. And then…calls came back. Young cheetah cub hiding in tall grass Trust & Acceptance The den site was like nothing I’d ever seen. Tall bunches of long grass had folded over naturally, creating a network of hidden tunnels. I dropped to my belly and peered down one. And there they were. Three tiny cheetah cubs, huddled in the tunnel, eyes locked on mine. I only saw flashes, little heads, a paw here and there, but I was completely overwhelmed. I spent about 30 minutes with them, not needing more than that. What mattered most was how calm Sanyati was with me there. That trust, her acceptance of my presence around her cubs meant everything. That’s how the bond starts. It’s how we’re allowed into their world. Adorable cheetah cub resting A Raw Privilege I left the sighting buzzing with emotion. This kind of access, this kind of raw privilege, is rare. Very few people will ever experience that kind of intimacy with wild cheetah cubs in their first weeks of life. An Unforgettable Encounter Later that morning, Trev joined me on drive and, unbelievably, we found Sanyati again. This time she was heading back to the den. I hung back and let Trev follow her while I observed from a distance. Then Luena, Sanyati’s sister, appeared and started following as well. So I decided to follow her. As we got closer, Luena paused. She clearly heard Sanyati calling her cubs and just stood still, watching. Then, from the bushes, one of the cubs came bursting out to greet Mom, right in front of Trev. It was one of those frozen-in-time moments that’ll stay with him forever.Sanyati moved just into the grass line and lay down. Luena turned and left in the opposite direction. I decided to slowly go and join Trev, and the two of us sat quietly with Sanyati and the cubs. Two magical moments in one morning. That was enough. We didn’t want to push our luck. When nature gives you a gift like that, the best thing you can do is honor it and step away. Two young cheetah cubs sitting together in tall grass The Ground was Littered with Tracks These experiences only come from time spent. Hours and hours in the field. Respect earns trust, and trust opens doors to moments like these.Two weeks later I was due for leave. It was torture. I knew Sanyati would soon start bringing the cubs out, and the thought of missing that moment sat heavy in my chest. Still, I went. Took a bit of time. But the minute I returned, I was itching to find her again.First morning back, I left just after sunrise. I found Luena on a kill near the swamp, a promising sign. Sanyati often links up with her sister at kills, so I scanned the swamp area with binoculars. Nothing.I sat for half an hour on a big termite mound before deciding to head back to Luena. As I stood up, I saw it … just for a second, the silhouette of a cheetah disappearing into the grass. I had to check. Into the swamp I walked. As I got closer, I noticed the ground was littered with tracks. Then I saw her. Two cheetah cubs standing beside a mound in golden grasslands Curious Little Stares Sanyati emerged cautiously from the grass, approaching me with careful steps. I immediately sat down and started talking gently, reassuring her it was just me. Then, in an instant, the cubs came flying past her and straight toward me. Pure, uninhibited joy. My arms had goosebumps. Sanyati walked up, calm as ever. I gently reassured her again that it was ok and just me and she lay down next to me. I spent over an hour with them. The cubs explored the world, always returning to mom, but circling around me with curious little stares. It was their first real interaction with a human. To be that human

In the heart of the African wilderness, few experiences rival the thrill of witnessing nature’s fastest land animal in its natural habitat. The cheetah, with its unmatched speed and grace, offers a breathtaking glimpse into the raw beauty and precision of the wild. At Kishindo, we invite you to step into this rare world. Where silence, respect, and awe come together in a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. A Bond of Trust At Kishindo, we’ve cultivated a deep bond of trust with our cheetahs over decades. Our founder cheetahs were born in captivity and hand-raised, fostering a unique connection that has carried through generations. This trust allows us to approach them on foot, providing a truly intimate encounter. Respecting Boundaries To ensure the safety and well-being of both humans and cheetahs, we adhere to strict guidelines. We always respect their personal space and never initiate physical contact. If a cheetah feels uncomfortable, it will simply move away, demonstrating its independence and dignity. A Wild and Free Life Our cheetahs live in a separate area from our tigers, ensuring their safety and allowing them to thrive in their natural environment. This enables us to disembark from our game viewing vehicles and walk alongside them without fear of interference from other predators. An Unforgettable Adventure A cheetah walking safari at Kishindo is an unforgettable adventure. Witnessing these graceful creatures in their natural habitat, observing their hunting behaviours, and experiencing their gentle nature is a truly humbling experience. Important Safety Consideration While our cheetahs are generally friendly towards adults, it’s crucial to remember that they are still wild animals. Children are never allowed out of game drive vehicles in the cheetah area to protect their safety. Join Us on a Cheetah Walking Safari Looking for a unique wildlife experience? Join us at Kishindo for an encounter with nature’s fastest land animal. Our cheetah walking safari lets you explore the beauty of these incredible creatures and make memories that last a lifetime. Learn more about cheetah conservation efforts at the Cheetah Conservation Fund. BACK TO BLOG

The cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal, has faced a perilous decline in recent decades. With fewer than 7,000 left in the wild, the species is on the brink of extinction. Yet, in the heart of South Africa, a remarkable conservation effort is driving the cheetah’s comeback, offering a renewed sense of hope for its future. A History of Decline Multiple factors have driven the cheetah’s decline, including habitat loss, poaching, the cheetah pet trade, and human-wildlife conflict. Over a century ago, farmers in the Free State of South Africa wiped out the species by expanding agriculture into their natural habitat. Kishindo’s Role Kishindo, a wildlife reserve in the Free State, has played a key role in the cheetah’s resurgence. In 2014, the reserve reintroduced four captive cheetah cubs into the wild. This marked the start of a new chapter for the species in the region. The Cheetah Metapopulation Program Kishindo has partnered with The Metapopulation Initiative and Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) to help increase cheetah populations throughout Africa. By relocating wild cheetah to selected reserves, preventing inbreeding and strengthening the gene pool, the program has been instrumental in bolstering the species’ numbers. Thanks to the efforts of these organizations, the cheetah population in South Africa has experienced a remarkable recovery. From a low of 217 individuals on 41 metapopulation managed reserves in 2011, the number has grown to around 537 on 75 reserves in 2024. This achievement is a testament to the power of human intervention when it’s focused on conservation. There are now approximately 1,700 wild cheetah left in South Africa. The Future of Cheetahs Progress in cheetah conservation is encouraging, but the species is still at risk. Habitat loss, poaching, and climate change remain major threats. Continued and expanded conservation is vital for the cheetah’s survival. The story of the cheetah’s recovery in South Africa is a beacon of hope for wildlife conservation. Thanks to the work of Kishindo, The Metapopulation Initiative, and EWT, the species is slowly clawing its way back from extinction. As we face growing environmental challenges, the cheetah’s comeback reminds us of the power of human action to protect biodiversity. BACK TO BLOG