The worlds fastest mammals at full speed on the plains of Tanzania!
The plains of the Serengeti are as famous as Safari is itself, and for good reason. The Cheetah Safari takes you into the heart of the action, with unbelievable cheetah viewing. The Cheetah Safari is timed to coincide with the calving of the wildebeest migration, so the predatory activity is at its highest. Weather you are an avid photographer or a safari enthusiast, this is safari not be missed!
As with all our safaris, this exclusive safari welcomes you into extremely comfortable accommodation, surrounded by the plains themselves; it is not uncommon for the mega-herd to be grazing just outside your camp. Service with a smile and great food accompany one of the best safari experiences you can encounter.
This safari, while primarily focused on the worlds fastest mammal, has a lot more to offer as well. The lions in the area are also very active during this season. The predators of the Southern Serengeti need to make the most of this time of year, so the sightings roll in thick and fast. As well as the big cats, you also have a good chance to see some of the small cats. Caracal and Serval are found regularly, and are highly entertaining. For those who like to add to their bird lists, there are some great species unique to the area which should give you a few more ticks.
The best time of year for this safari is March, (most of the human traffic has left, giving you a lot more freedom in sightings), but the safari can run year-round with the peak season running from the middle of January until the middle of April. If you would like a professional photographer to accompany you on this safari, just let us know – it adds a tremendous amount to your safari, as he will coach you in the sightings, helping you get the best possible shots!
Every Five Zero safari can be fully customized – from group size to dates and duration. For those looking to extend your stay in Tanzania, we have several options to enhance your experience. Contact our safari specialists to help you plan your dream safari!
Here is a little teaser: The Cheetah Safari Video
Contact us for more information.
Gallery
Photos from previous safaris. Click to view at full-size.
Suggested itinerary for The Cheetah Safari in Tanzania
DAY 1: Arrive in Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a lodge representative, and transferred through to Arusha Town. You will spend the first night in Arusha at a quaint, private lodge located just outside the hustle and bustle of Arusha town, only 5 minutes from Arusha Airport.
Day 2: Arrival at Ndutu (Ngorogoro) Conservation Area
After a hearty breakfast, you make our way across to the Arusha Airport in time for your charter flight into the Ndutu (Ngorogoro) Conservation Area. The flight is a quick hop of just under an hour, and flies over some incredibly beautiful scenery. You will arrive in time for lunch, and then set out almost immediately on safari.
The first afternoon is always exciting, as you get a good feel for the lay of the land, and gives you chance to get the cameras warmed up! The safaris usually start searching for cheetah straight away, but with the abundance of wildlife in the area, you could be in anything.
Days 3 - 8: Ndutu (Ngorogoro) Conservation Area
Set on the plains of the southern Serengeti, we are perfectly placed to enjoy the spectacles that take place on a daily basis. Endless plains appear from the woodland savanna and are home to worlds fastest mammal: the cheetah. There can’t be many places in the world with a greater cheetah density, and the viewing is phenomenal. Each day brings with it more cheetah that are out on the hunt, as well as a whole host of other species: lions, leopards, servals, caracal, elephant and thousands of antelope can be seen etching out a living on the plains.
A typical day on safari, sees you waking up just before sunrise for a quick cup of tea or coffee, before heading out on safari. Depending on your preferences, you can either be back at the lodge about four hours later for a delicious breakfast, or if you prefer, you can stay out on the pains, and enjoy your breakfast al fresco style, under the shade of an umbrella thorn acacia! The camp is set in a beautiful acacia woodland with plenty of bird species, which will keep even the non-birders amazed. After a tasty lunch, you head back out on safari to see how the cheetahs and others have fared during the day, and hopefully get to see some action. You will return to camp just after dark, in time to get all your camera’s batteries charged up, enjoy a cool drink, and discuss the day’s events over a fantastic dinner.
Day 9: Departure
Enjoy one final, early morning safari followed by a fortifying breakfast. Your ranger will drive you to the private airstrip to catch your charter flight back to Arusha, from where you will take a transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport where you can connect with your onward flight.
Please note: The above day-by-day itinerary is only a guideline. The daily itinerary is weather-dependent and sightings-dependent, it could vary slightly.
Highlights from The Cheetah Safari in Tanzania
Best time to go:
Available all year. Recommended January - April
Duration:
8 nights / 9 days
Accommodation:
5-star lodge in Ndutu Wildlife Area
Start/End point:
Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania
Wildlife highlights:
Cheetahs, Lions, Leopards, Serval, Caracal, Wildbeest mega-herd
Package includes:
Full board accommodation
All scheduled safari activities in a private vehicle
All internal flights and transfers
All park fees
All guide fees
All concession fees
Drinks (non-premium brand drinks)
Professional photographic host (if required)
A La Carte:
International flights to/from Tanzania
Items of a personal nature
Premium brand drinks
Gratuities
FiveZero Tip:
If you would like to get that perfect shot, why not ask our professional photographer to guide you on this safari, and show you how! Make it a Photographic Safari!