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After a fantastic brunch (and lion at the dam) we made our way back down south, and found our family again. This time at the intersection of the S33 and the S36. They made their way down the S33 (including a shortcut through the bush) and crossed the S36.







And, just to top it off- about 5 km's down the road- Sable!

Just watched the most fascinating programme this afternoon on the Satellite channel called "Cheetahs, the Deadly Race"
It was filmed in the Kgalagadi in 2002 and showed amazing footage of a family of Cheetahs' life of survival, hardships and triumphs in the harsh conditions of the semi desert.
Fantstic footage of Gemsboks, Springboks and others and of course of the terrain.
Just makes me want to go to this wonderful reserve more and more.

Location:

Thanks Matthew. Just to point out - this is not a pregnant female but a male who looks like he has a whole wildebeest in there! He was so full he could hardly move and would stop frequently just to lie down and catch his breath. He must have just fininshed eating when we saw him.

Check this stomach:

Bwana
I think I might know the feeling.
What a great shot.
I got my wish to see cheetah this last trip.
I saw seven cheetah on the road between Numbi and Skukuza.
It was a mother with six sub adults. I spoke to a ranger a couple of days later and he said that they were well known. Everyone was very excited at the birth and even happier when every cub survived.
All I can say is that getting close up to the mother, what a magnificent animal.
I saw my second sighting near Afsaal the next day. Apparently one of the three brothers.

Saw these guys on 14/6/06 on the S29 walking towards the H10

Are there any latest facts and figures or estimates as to the current number or frequency of sightings of the mystic KING cheetah in the KNP?
I have only seen one in captivity…

Hi Wildman,,

The last record I know of a King Cheetah was on the Kingfisherspruit section around where the current Talamati camp is now..... probably the one that used to cruise around neighbouring Manyanleti South of Orpen??? Never seen him or any King Cheetah Ever.... let me know if you do.

I think wild about cats was refering to the king cheetah loams .

As for them being extinct , the king cheetah is meerly due to a recesive gene found in cheetas , and the right combo of parents brings it out , thats all it is , a different spot pattern , not a seperate species at all .
They actually breed them at de widlt , by matching the correct parents up .

I guess my question's not if the King cheetah is a different species to the cheetah; definitely not; they are the same (like a white lion is a lion) My curiosity is, has anyone seen this variant in the KNP?

Not more than 6, no.
BUT we did see a mother and her 6 cubs. This was in February 2006 on the S65 near the N'waswitshaka waterhole. Francoisd also saw them.

Here's some of the pics I took.



[edit]I took out the other pics due to some complaints about pictures on the forum. Visit my website if anybody's interested in more pics.[/edit]

Two of our sightings
One near duke in June 2006 and the other just outside crocodile gate in December 2006.

Great pics Ngwenya
i have spotted cheetah twice, on the Tshokwane road pass Nkumbe towards Skukuza & the H10
both sightings around mid-day...
like everyone says, "just the right place @ the right time" & abit of luck

Hi Freda
Do you think we have seen the same one.
I have been lucky there twice and a morning trip driver said there is a male around this area ( that was March 06)
Look at him marking this road sign.

Richardt, would be great if it was the same one

Also found it in the burnt veld opposite the road sign about 6 months later
Will try and find him again in 3 weeks time