On arrival at Seronera Airstrip, the largest and busiest airstrip in the Serengeti, the adventure was immediately set in motion. Situated in the very heart of Serengeti National Park. Seronera is where vast plains, winding rivers, and year-round wildlife converge, and it was from here that the journey truly began.
The introduction to the Serengeti National Park
Firstly, an open game vehicle from Namiri Plains was waiting, and I was swiftly collected beneath wide African skies. Meanwhile, the drive away from the airstrip was carried straight into the pulse of the Serengeti, where daytime safari traffic was suddenly encountered.
The traffic jams
However, this lively congestion felt like an exciting adjustment after four quiet days spent in the remote Grumeti, where “traffic” simply does not exist. Suddenly, vehicles were found clustered beneath a single tree, where a leopard cub was being admired by more than twenty cars, all vying for the perfect view.
The drive to the Southern Part of Serengeti
Nevertheless, the chaos quickly lost its charm. Then, a quiet suggestion was made to move on, and agreement was instantly reached. Therefore, the madness was left behind. Instead, the drive was turned south toward Namiri Plains, a lesser-visited corner of the park. Eventually, magical vistas unfolded, dramatic skies stretched endlessly, and a breathtaking landscape was revealed.
Finally, the Serengeti felt wild once more.
A Thrill of a Sighting
I could sense that our ranger was onto something special, even though nothing had yet been said. I usually like to know exactly what is unfolding, asking questions and scanning the horizon with impatience. However, this time I leaned back, trusted the process, and waited to be surprised.
In the distance, only two safari vehicles were visible, and immediately it was clear that the chaos of central Serengeti traffic had been left behind. The stillness felt luxurious, a reward for choosing patience over urgency.
Meanwhile, the vehicle rolled forward slowly, tires whispering over the grass, as anticipation quietly built.
Then, as if revealed on cue, they appeared. My absolute favourite feline species—the cheetah. Suddenly, it became even better, because this was not just one cheetah, but a mother with her two cubs, already settled and feeding.
The sight felt intimate and rare, like stumbling upon a private family moment on a Serengeti safari. The cubs were relaxed, bellies full, and the mother alert yet calm.
At that moment, the thrill of safari wildlife photography took over, and every sense sharpened.
The Kill
Thankfully, the actual kill had already taken place before our arrival. I remain conflicted about witnessing that raw moment, as admiration for nature often collides with emotion. Admittedly, I am the person who closes my eyes during David Attenborough documentaries when hunts unfold a little too vividly. Still, the purpose was clear. The mother cheetah had done what she must—providing food and lessons for her young, continuing the ancient rhythm of survival.
We sat quietly as the cheetahs fed on a small gazelle, the cubs enthusiastically tearing in while mum watched patiently. She allowed them first access, stepping in occasionally to claim her share.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere remained calm, almost serene, as if we had been accepted into their space.
Their comfort with our presence was striking and, strangely, reassuring. No tension, no alarm—just wild animals being exactly what they are. Unexpectedly, one of the cubs stood up, padded over, and settled directly in the shade of our vehicle, mere feet from where I was sitting. Moments like that are what elevate a Serengeti safari into something unforgettable. Naturally, the thrill of composition, light, and proximity took over, and the adrenaline surged faster than my shutter finger.
Later, reality set in. Many images were destined for deletion, casualties of excitement and shaky hands. Nevertheless, a handful stood out—sharp, intimate, powerful—and those alone made the moment worthwhile.
Safari wildlife photography, especially of cheetahs, is never just about the photograph.
Ultimately, it is about the feeling—the pounding heart, the quiet awe, and the privilege of witnessing life unfold on the plains of the Serengeti.
After spending an unhurried hour with these three. Without a doubt, I felt a deep sense of happiness, along with a renewed love for the cheetah. We all discussed it at length as we moved on toward Namiri Plains. Replaying every glance, movement, and moment.
Along the way, our conversation naturally turned to the remarkable lives of cheetahs in the Serengeti—facts that make encounters like this even more extraordinary.
Fascinating Facts About Cheetahs in the Serengeti
Serengeti cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h (68 mph), using explosive acceleration rather than long-distance stamina.
Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar. Instead, they chirp, purr, and trill—trade-offs made for a lighter body built purely for speed.
Thanks to open grasslands and abundant prey, the Serengeti remains one of the best places in the world to see cheetahs in the wild.
In the Serengeti, cheetahs prefer daylight hunts to avoid competition with lions and hyenas, making sightings ideal for safari guests.
Female cheetahs in the Serengeti raise their cubs without male assistance, teaching them to hunt and survive over a period of 18–24 months.
In the Serengeti ecosystem, up to 90% of cheetah cubs may not reach adulthood due to predators like lions and hyenas.
A cheetah’s success depends on stalking close before sprinting. Once the chase begins, it must end quickly—usually within 20–30 seconds.
In the Serengeti, cheetahs often lose their prey to stronger predators, which is why they eat quickly and remain constantly alert.
The hour spent with that mother and her cubs was no longer just a sighting—it became a connection to one of the Serengeti’s most elegant and vulnerable hunters.
CLICK HERE to see more photographs of this memorable sighting.
Hello. My name is Lauren and I am a freelance photographer and blogger, living in Cape Town, South Africa. I love taking beautiful stylish photos, filled with passion.
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