I found myself in the Mountain Zebra National Park outside Cradock on a crisp autumn morning. The previous afternoon, I spent some time with Lisa Kerr of Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor, and when she heard I had never done cheetah tracking in the park, she was on the phone in a jiffy making arrangements.
I joined a group made up of both South African and international visitors on the back of the game cruiser and off we went in search of cheetah. After a while, the ranger got his television aerial out and looked like he was searching for the best signal to watch Etv before getting back behind the wheel and driving on. After another two or three stops, there was a sound on his little handheld device. Turned out he picked up one of the cheetahs and not an Etv signal.
A quick drive later and it was time for us to disembark and head out on foot. Cameras and binoculars clasped tightly, we followed the ranger like baby ducks behind their mother.
“There she is!” Damn, this guy has eyes like a hawk. But yes, there she was. What a sighting. Following his lead, we got a little closer for an unforgettable sighting. Cameras clicking away. whispered oohs and aahs, followed by just taking in the moment.
Seeing a wild cheetah like this in her natural environment was definitely a privilege.
The outing departs from the reception area at 07:30, so if you’re staying in town, make sure you leave for the park early. Advance bookings are essential and the tour takes about 3 to 4 hours.
