Safari visitors were taken by surprise when a young cheetah unexpectedly jumped onto their car and poked its head through an open window.
This astonishing moment unfolded in the northern Serengeti, Tanzania, where the curious animal was exploring its surroundings.
The cheetah, a young male, initially hopped onto the car’s bonnet while searching for prey. After finding nothing of interest, it focused on Lee Whittam, a 39-year-old passenger.
Whittam, who has spent 21 years as a guide, remarked, “In 21 years of guiding, this is the first time it’s happened to me.”
After overcoming the initial shock, he and his fellow passengers appreciated the close-up views of the inquisitive cheetah as it sniffed, licked, and even nibbled on various parts of the vehicle.
Cheetahs in this region have adapted to the presence of numerous game-drive vehicles, often using them as vantage points to survey the savannah for potential prey.
Whittam, a tour operator with Essential Africa Guided Safaris, expressed no fear of attack, noting that cheetahs are generally not aggressive. “It was clear the animal was being curious, not aggressive,” he added.
Whittam pointed out that young animals tend to be inquisitive, but they rarely interact with vehicles physically.
He explained, “What will probably happen in this case is that the young male will outgrow his inquisitive nature and stop jumping onto vehicles. However, he will likely remain relaxed around them.”
This encounter highlights wildlife’s unique and fascinating behavior in their natural habitat, showcasing how cheetahs can coexist with humans in safari environments.
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