Thokozani Phakathi and his partner submitted their footage and account of the incident to Latest Sightings. They witnessed the exciting interaction close to Transport Dam, in the Kruger National Park.
Final morning drive
Phakathi said they left camp at 04h30 to make the most of their last morning in the park. Initially, they had few sightings but were enjoying the sights, sounds and scents of the bush.
That all changed when they came across a male leopard patrolling its territory. From time to time, the leopard marked its territory while veering on and off the road.
Approaching convoy
Then, from the opposite direction, they saw several cars slowly approaching. Engrossed with the leopard, they didn’t give them too much thought.
That is until the leopard suddenly took a keen interest in something up ahead. But what?
From a casual saunter, the leopard’s body language changed in an instant to stalk mode.
First clue
The first inkling Thokozani had of what lay ahead was when he heard the ‘chirruping’ of a cheetah up ahead. Meanwhile, the leopard remained ‘locked on’…
Well habituated to vehicles, the leopard used Phakathi’s pickup as a shield while manoeuvring to intercept the cheetah.
Cheetah unaware
Seemingly distressed and possibly searching for a companion, the cheetah got closer. So much so, that the leopard made do with the cover of a small tree while still remaining undetected.
Aaaand “Action!”
The tension grew as the cheetah continued to approach unawares. Then, just as it passed the prone predator, the leopard leapt into action.
Fortunately for the cheetah, it quickly saw the spotted missile heading its way, and bolted in the opposite direction.
Lightning fast acceleration
Along with being the fastest land mammal, cheetahs are also capable of incredible acceleration. They have been measured to reach 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
Whether or not this cheetah got anywhere near that speed is debatable. What is not is that its instant reaction and superior speed saved its life.
Outpaced
Despite its best efforts and a sustained chase, the leopard was soon left in the cheetah’s dust.
Shaken
Thokozani says that when they relocated the cheetah a while later, “(it) was so shaken and was trembling like a leaf. He was even jumping in fear whenever tree branches were coming to contact with his legs or tail.”
They followed the cheetah for a while longer and gradually, it seemed to recover from the encounter.
As for Thokozani, he said, “This is an unforgettable encounter that I will cherish for as long as my mind, heart, body, and soul are together.”
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He said that to begin with, while concerned for the safety of the cheetah, he found peace knowing that Nature should run its course.
Ultimately, though, “I was happy that both cats survived to live another day in order to continue beautifying the African savanna.”
Had it turned out differently…
You may wonder what would have happened if the cheetah had not escaped. Unfortunately, its chances of survival would have been minimal.
In fact, cheetahs are more frequently killed by other apex predators than any other. They have sacrificed bulk and strength for speed.
As their struggle to survive in a changing world continues, this factor could ultimately determine their fate in the worst way possible.