Cheetah Jumps into a Safari Jeep for an Up-Close-And-Personal Adventure

Going on an African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But can you imagine cruising along in a safari jeep, taking in all the sights, when suddenly a large cheetah hops up on the seat beside you? Talk about an up-close-and-personal encounter with nature! For one young man enjoying his Spring Break in Tanzania, this unbelievable moment became the adventure of a lifetime.

Encountering Cheetahs in the Wild

Cheetahs are well-known for being the fastest land animals, but they do more than just run — they are also smart and strategic hunters. They use their excellent eyesight to watch and sneak up on their prey before engaging in a high-speed chase. Their incredible speed uses a lot of energy, so they have to be smart about when and where they run.

Cheetahs typically hunt animals like impalas and gazelles — not humans. In fact, they usually avoid people and run away if approached. However, in some protected areas, cheetahs have become accustomed to seeing humans in safari vehicles. That doesn’t mean that they are friendly; it just means they’re not scared of the jeeps and humans inside. In various parks and reserves, safari jeeps and their human passengers have just become another part of the cheetah’s natural environment. As a result, on rare occasions, cheetahs will utilize vehicles — just like they would a large rock or tree — jumping onto the jeep’s roof to get a better view for spotting prey.

Most cheetahs are shy and timid, but occasionally, they may approach safari jeeps out of curiosity. This seems to have been the case in this YouTube video, as the cheetah appears more interested in the jeep than the people inside it.

Staying Safe Around Cheetahs

Unlike other big cats, cheetahs are generally less aggressive and smaller than tigers and lions. However, they are still wild and dangerous animals; they can outrun almost anything, and they have sharp teeth and lethal claws. In the rare situation where you might encounter a cheetah, stay calm and don’t try to run away. Speak in a firm, clear voice and try to look bigger by raising your arms or a jacket above your head. Maintain eye contact and slowly back away without turning your back on the cheetah.

But what if you’re in a vehicle, like the man in the YouTube video? The best thing to do is exactly what he did: nothing! Stay inside the vehicle, avoid sudden movements, and remain calm. Most likely, the cheetah is just curious or using your vehicle to get a better view of the land. So, just stay still and patient, and eventually, it will continue on its way.