You know you’re having a lucky day when the cheetahs on Kilimanjaro Safaris share themselves, this close and this still, with you.
I was doing some research before this morning to figure out what to say about this photograph. I had trouble narrowing down what I found, so here are my top 5 cheetah facts that make me want to hang her on my wall:
- Balance. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds. But what’s often overlooked is how they do it with such poise. Their long limbs, light frame, and aerodynamic build are a testament to nature’s perfect design—a reminder that form and purpose can exist in perfect harmony.
- Stillness. Before a cheetah runs, she is completely still—measuring, calculating, focused. A moment of calm determination that speaks to the power of patience and timing. She knows it’s not just about being fast—it’s about knowing when to run.
- Solitude and connection. Unlike other big cats, cheetahs don’t roar—they purr. They’re diurnal hunters, meaning they’re active during the day rather than the night like most cats, relying on sight rather than smell. This makes them feel more solitary, more alert, and more connected to their surroundings. It gives them a quiet, wise presence—a blend of fierceness and serenity.
- Tear marks. The black "tear lines" that run from their eyes down to their mouths help reflect sunlight and reduce glare. The markings also give them an expressive, almost contemplative look—always scanning the horizon, always seeking, always ready. They remind me of the Japanese art of kintsugi…meaning “to mend with gold”. When they mend broken pottery with gold lines that embrace a piece’s “flaws” as a part of its beauty and story and meaning. The cheetah's black tear lines feel the same way. Hiding them would take away from who they are. What they've been through
- Vanishing. Cheetahs are vulnerable in the wild, with shrinking habitats and dwindling populations. We are lucky to see them.