Africa’s Top 10 Fastest Animals!

1. Cheetah

Catch me if you can...

The cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal and can reach speeds of up to 113 km/h (70 mph). That’s around 0-30 mph in as little as 3 seconds (as good as most Ferraris), and it can retain its cruise speed for several hundred meters (+/- 400 m). The long legs have non-retractable claws which enable extra grip on the ground, and the cat uses its tail for proper balance and change of direction.

2. Lion

It reminds me of a "Lion King" scene with Simba, don't you think?!

Over 250 kg of pure and powerful muscle, which can run as fast as 81 km/h (50.3 mph)! Not bad for the “king of the jungle”, huh?

3. Wildebeest

Blue wildebeest are swift runners!

Preyed upon by lions and occasionally cheetah, wildebeest’d better run fast if they want to keep up with their assailants! They may have poor eyesight, but their pace is rather impressive: up to 80 km/h (50 mph)!

4. Ostrich

Male ostrich on the run!

The ostrich is by far the best bird runner out there, and also the fastest two-legged animal in the world. Although it cannot fly, it sure can run: 72 km/h (45 mph)!

5. Thomson’s Gazelle

Not only a good runner, but also a long jump champion (© GFDL)!

In the Serengeti plains, these little guys are a cheetah’s favourite meal! Easy prey you might say, but Thomson’s gazelles have great stamina and legs that propel them to speeds in excess of 65 km/h (40 mph)! Nine times out of ten, they will outrun any predator over longer distances, and can produce sharp turns with ease.

6. African Wild Dog

Wild dogs can maintain a speed of around 45 km/h for almost 5 km!

Also known as “Cape Hunting Dogs”, or “Painted Hunting Dogs”, these wild dogs have the greatest success rate while hunting (85%). Their speed is also somewhat remarkable, with sprints of up to 64 km/h (39.7 mph)!

7. Giraffe

Giraffe crossing!

Giraffes have a unique “slow motion” running style! The cowl does not make the monk, as they can easily reach speeds of 50 km/h (31 mph).

8. Hippo

Looks peaceful from here, but don't you dare approach him from too close!

Yep, you heard me right, the hippo is part of Africa’s top 10 fastest animals! Hard to believe? They can speed up to 48 km/h (30 mph) on land, and can even run as fast as a man can walk while under water. Bring it on Mr. Usain Bolt, you still have a bit of workout to do!

NB: Just to put things into perspective, Usain Bolt (the fastest man alive ’til this day) ONLY runs at 37.57 kph (23 mph). Easy peezy, run this in my sleep! In other words, he wouldn’t even make it in this listing.

9. Rhinoceros

Black rhino in fifth gear!

45 km/h (27.9 mph) for the Black rhino, and about 40 km/h (24.8 mph) for the White rhinoceros over short distances. Not to be disturbed! 

10. African Elephant

Mother and calf enjoying a refreshing swim!

9-12 km/h is usually the norm, while full charge “get out of the way” pace easily reaches speeds upwards of 40 km/h! Rumor has it that a charging elephant can be stopped by throwing a big stone (or log) in front of the animal’s fore feet. Have never tried it, but wouldn’t recommend you taking the risk though…an elephant charge is something you won’t forget!