Cheetah in Zambia? Where to See Them and Why They’re Rare

Cheetahs are among Africa’s most iconic predators, admired for their speed, grace, and sheer charisma. Yet, despite their popularity, many visitors are surprised to learn that seeing a cheetah on safari in Zambia is far from guaranteed.

Across Africa, cheetahs face increasing challenges from habitat loss and human pressures. These cats require vast, open landscapes to survive and thrive, and as human demand for land grows, their space shrinks. Zambia is no exception.

Where to Find Cheetah in Zambia

Today, only a few national parks in Zambia sustain viable cheetah populations:

1.  Kafue National Park

Kafue is home to the largest population of cheetah in Zambia, with estimates ranging from around 50 to potentially 150 individuals. Studying them is challenging—the park is enormous, and cheetahs are elusive—but sightings do happen. Interestingly, cheetahs are not limited to the open plains; they are adept hunters in mixed woodland environments as well.

For visitors, the best chances of seeing cheetahs are in the Nanzhila Plains and Busanga Plains. At Busanga, the treeline edge near Ntemwa-Busanga Camp offers consistent sightings. Over the 2025 season alone, we recorded nine different individuals, including the resident three-male coalition known as the “Nkala Boys,” who are about as resident as cheetahs can be.

Seasonality: Cheetah sightings tend to increase as the dry season progresses. From July onwards, as the bush dries out and grazers move onto open pastures along receding water or freshly burnt areas after winter fires, cheetahs become easier to spot. This seasonal congregation of prey makes Busanga and other parts of Kafue particularly rewarding for cheetah enthusiasts.

2. Liuwa Plains National Park

Liuwa Plains also offers good opportunities to see cheetahs, especially when accompanied by guided activities. The park’s visibility is excellent, but self-driving visitors should be aware that it is not easy to find cheetahs without local knowledge. Liuwa has gained international fame as the filming location for the BBC’s Dynasties II, which followed a cheetah mother and her cubs over several years (the hyena episode was also filmed there).

Other areas: Occasional cheetah sightings occur in Sioma Ngwezi National Park, though little is known about the population there and tourism infrastructure is virtually non-existent.

Where Cheetah No Longer Roam

Historically, cheetahs were present in the Luangwa Valley, though never in large numbers. Today, they are absent. In recent decades, the Luangwa Valley has seen an increase in protection and a corresponding rise in lion, hyena, and other dominant predators. This increase in competition has made it difficult for cheetahs to survive in the area.

However, there is hope: plans are underway to reintroduce cheetahs to North Luangwa National Park. While details remain sparse, the project aims to release a small number of wild cheetahs into a remote, vast area of the park with fewer competing predators, giving them a chance to establish a new population.

The Takeaway

Cheetahs are a rare and special sight in Zambia. While there is no guarantee of encountering one on safari, parks like Kafue and Liuwa Plains offer your best chances, especially when guided by knowledgeable guides. Seeing these majestic cats in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience, and one that underscores the importance of protecting Zambia’s vast and wild landscapes.