Out on an afternoon drive, we were lucky enough to spend some quiet time with two cheetah brothers, a sighting that never gets old, no matter how many years you spend in the bush.
The brothers were resting in the open, stretched out and relaxed, keeping a calm but watchful eye on their surroundings. Male cheetahs often form coalitions like this, usually with brothers from the same litter, and it’s one of the reasons they’re more successful together than on their own.
As we sat and watched, you could see the bond between them. A brief head lift in unison, a shared glance across the plains, one brother standing while the other remained lying down, always working as a team.
These coalitions help males defend territory and improve their chances when it comes to hunting and survival. There’s a quiet confidence about them when they’re together, even when they’re doing absolutely nothing at all.
We sat with them quietly for a while, just watching. No rushing, just two brothers resting, alert, and completely at home in their territory.
Sightings like this are special not because of what happens, but because you’re allowed a glimpse into their world, exactly as it is.
Ranger Carel