2 cheetahs (Rain and her cub) chased down and caught an impala in Pilanesberg Game Reserve right in front of a vehicle full of tourists.
Field guide Cole van Rooyen at the Lush Private Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park was able to capture the entire full-speed cheetah hunt.
Cheetah hunts an impala in the road
“We had been waiting at a herd of impala for about 15 to 20 minutes, knowing that a cheetah named Rain was in the area with her two cubs. Suddenly, the impala started running off, and Rain zoomed past our vehicle and into the bush. We thought the action had moved out of our camera shot, but we were wrong.”
2 Cheetahs Chase down an Impala in the Middle of the Road
Impalas have adapted to survive in Africa among the big cats. They have incredible speed and agility, being able to run up to 60 mph. They also have keen senses, being able to detect predators from a distance and communicate danger to their herd with alarm calls.
Rain is a well-known cheetah in Pilanesberg National Park, where she is one of the 9 cheetahs in the park. She is an elder cheetah and has had five litters of cubs in the park. Quite an accomplishment for a cheetah as they normally average 4 litters in their lifetime. Rain has played a crucial role in helping to preserve the critically endangered cheetah population in the park.
2 Cheetahs Chase down an Impala in the Middle of the Road
“Rain changed direction and chased a young Impala right past the right side of our vehicle. Passing us by just a few inches. She pounced on the impala and suffocated it, providing a much-needed meal for herself and her cubs.”
Cheetahs are known for their incredible speed, agility, and hunting abilities. They are able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds. This makes them the fastest land animals in the world. They have slender, muscular bodies which are designed for sprinting and quick turns. Their long tails help them maintain balance while running.
What is a cheetah’s lifespan?
The average lifespan of wild cheetahs is between 8 and 10 years
Rain is a true survivor and has helped the cheetah population greatly in Pilanesberg National Park. Her fifth litter of cubs is a testament to her strength and resilience, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed her in action. If you ever get the chance to visit Pilanesberg National Park, keep an eye out for Rain and her cubs—you never know what kind of incredible moment you might witness.
