The return of cheetahs to Eswatini after more than 30 years is one of the most exciting conservation stories in recent history. These elegant predators are famous for their speed, but there is so much more to them than simply being fast.
As Royal Jozini welcomes its newest cheetah residents, here are seven fascinating facts you may not know about Africa’s most iconic sprinters.
1. Cheetahs Can’t Roar
Most people assume all big cats roar, but cheetahs are different. Their vocal repertoire includes chirps, purrs, yelps, growls, and hisses.
Mother cheetahs often use chirping sounds to call their cubs, and the sound can travel surprisingly long distances across the bush.
2. They Accelerate Faster Than Most Sports Cars
A cheetah can go from standing still to full speed in just a few seconds. During a chase, they can cover enormous distances in just a few strides.
However, these incredible bursts of speed come at a cost. A chase usually lasts less than a minute before the cheetah must stop and recover.
3. Their Tear Marks Are Built-In Sunglasses
The distinctive black streaks beneath a cheetah’s eyes are more than just attractive markings.
Scientists believe they help reduce glare from the sun and improve focus when tracking prey across open grasslands, much like the eye-black used by professional athletes.
4. No Two Cheetahs Look Exactly Alike
Every cheetah has a unique pattern of spots.
Wildlife researchers often use photographs of individual spot patterns to identify and monitor animals in the wild, much as fingerprints are used to identify people.
5. Their Tails Act Like High-Speed Steering Wheels
Imagine running at over 100 km/hr while trying to catch an animal that is constantly changing direction.
A cheetah’s long muscular tail acts as a counterbalance and rudder, allowing it to make astonishingly sharp turns without losing momentum.
6. They Prefer Breakfast to Dinner
Unlike lions, leopards, and many other predators that become active after dark, cheetahs generally hunt during the day.
This strategy helps them avoid larger predators that may steal their kills or threaten their cubs.
7. Cheetahs Are Back in Eswatini
For over 30 years, cheetahs were absent from Eswatini’s wild landscapes.
Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, these magnificent cats have returned. Royal Jozini is proud to be part of this conservation success story, offering guests a rare opportunity to see and learn about one of Africa’s most remarkable predators.
Experience the Return of the Cheetah
Visitors to Royal Jozini can join our Guided Cheetah Walk Experience, providing an unforgettable opportunity to learn about these incredible animals and their return to Eswatini.
And there’s never been a better time to visit!
