Bob and Rosa Swart, retired nature enthusiasts, had an unforgettable experience during their recent visit to Kruger National Park, which they shared exclusively with The Animal World.
Witnessing an extraordinary chase, the couple saw three cheetahs, two crocodiles, and a waterbuck in a dramatic encounter that left them in awe of the savannah’s natural wonders.
Venturing out on their regular wildlife drive, the Swarts spotted three cheetahs in the dry Shingwedzi river bed, just outside the camp gate. Despite the scorching heat, the cheetahs were alert and focused on something in the riverbed. Intrigued, the Swarts patiently waited for over an hour, anticipating an eventful sighting.
Cheetahs are renowned for their incredible speed and agility, enabling them to be highly successful hunters. With the ability to sprint up to 75 miles per hour in short bursts, cheetahs use their exceptional eyesight to spot prey from a distance and then utilize their acceleration to ambush them effectively.
Suddenly, one of the cheetahs stealthily slinked into the bushes, while the remaining two sprang into action, chasing a group of approaching waterbucks. Success was on the horizon as one of the cheetahs managed to catch a waterbuck, with the rest of the cheetahs swiftly joining in the feast.
The commotion, however, piqued the interest of a group of crocodiles, lazily basking in the sun along the edges of the remaining water pools. Intrigued by the frenzy, the crocodiles gradually began approaching the scene. The cheetahs, determined to protect their hard-earned meal, hissed and attempted to stand their ground.
Unfortunately, the crocodiles proved to be a formidable threat. Their size and menacing presence eventually intimidated the cheetahs, forcing them to sprint away from their kill. As the cheetahs retreated, a total of 2 crocodiles closed in on the waterbuck carcass, aiming to claim their share of the spoils. However, in the end, only the largest crocodile remained at the carcass, encircled by vultures and other scavenging birds.
