★★★★★

Cheetah Plains Lodge

Discover the Diverse Wildlife of Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Overview

Home of the exclusive-use luxury safari experience in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sand. Cheetah Plains is the epitome of a sophisticated, innovative eco-luxury safari experience for the modern age, indulging you in a refined, personalised and private sustainable safari experience of a lifetime.

Each exquisitely appointed villa accommodates up to eight guests and boasts a formal lounge, living and dining room areas, expansive swimming pool deck, entertainment lounge, wine gallery, curated art collection, chef’s kitchen and four sumptuous private guest bush suites.

A complete hospitality team consisting of an accomplished host, culinary team, spa therapist as well as expert field guide and tracker team are dedicated to your villa for the duration of your stay. Together, this talented group of professionals deliver a luxury safari experience of the highest standard, tailored to your individual preferences.

Room Amenities

  • Air Conditioning
  • Internet Access
  • En-Suite
  • Minibar
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

What to Expect

Home of the exclusive-use luxury safari experience in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sand, Cheetah Plains is the epitome of a sophisticated, innovative eco-luxury safari experience for the modern age. Perfect for an exclusive family vacation or a luxurious sojourn with friends, your safari hideaway is complimented with a dedicated hospitality team for the duration of your stay, indulging you in a refined, personalised and private sustainable safari experience of a lifetime.

Highlights

Luxury Suite

Perfect for an exclusive family vacation or a luxurious safari sojourn with friends, the private villas each accommodate a maximum of eight guests. The location and unique appointment of each, is a respectful homage to their secluded, tranquil environment. Here, your exclusive safari hideaway provides you and your party a private bushveld retreat unlike any other.

 

Karula House

‘Karula’ is a tribute to the most majestic of female leopards that ever roamed the northern quadrant of the Sabi Sands Reserve. Set along a drainage line that Karula would have favoured in her prime, the natural bush setting reflects her key qualities: tenacity and nurturing. Her hunting prowess saw her flourish, growing into a devoted mother. She secured her bloodline by rearing ten cubs in her lifetime – no mean feat in the African wilderness. She would lavish attention on them, patiently teaching the critical skills they would need to thrive in the bush, selflessly protecting them.

Windows of impressive, full-length stature frame the natural bush setting without while allowing the sounds of nature to flow seamlessly within. Plains House ‘Karula’ comprises a shared space: a private sanctuary surrounded by nature housing the formal lounge, living room, expansive deck, heated lap pool, loggia, wine gallery and dining area. Find repose in one of four adjacent Private Suites (two of which are interleading). Your delectable meals are made to order and these, like the rejuvenating wellness treatments, can be taken in your suite for those seeking to enjoy ultimate privacy.

Mapogo House

Set on the bend of a drainage line culminating in a productive waterhole, ‘Mapogo’ occupies a unique vantage point on the Cheetah Plains Private Reserve. The raw masculinity of the structure and its inherent appointments embody the power and purpose that characterised the Mapogo brotherhood: a coalition of lions that reigned supreme in this area for years. Together, they exacted dominion in a fierce, uncompromising way. They displayed an unwavering mutual loyalty and their affection for one another was at once powerful and wonderful to behold.

Each spacious, designer suite enjoys uninterrupted views of the bush, a patio with an expansive daybed, lounge, separate WC, dressing room and full bathroom, replete with double rain shower, plus a deluxe freestanding bath set against floor-to-ceiling doors opening directly on to pristine bushveld. This, complemented by uplifting Africology amenities, invites an immersive, invigorating bathing ritual.

Mvula House

‘Mvula’ is dedicated to the once dominant majestic male leopard whose home range was (central to) the Cheetah Plains Private Reserve. Set in a grove of cathedral Tamboti trees, the aura of this residence exudes the force that was Mvula. Known for his hunting prowess and regal stature, Mvula’s matchless potency and adaptive nature saw him siring many cubs, securing his noble bloodline. In this distinctive, setting that is Cheetah Plains, his revered spirit lives on.

The deck is a wonderful space to enjoy an al fresco meal. On balmier nights opt for the inviting temperature-controlled wine gallery. On chillier nights, you cannot beat a hearty meal around the magnificent dinner table. Tales of Mvula’s hunting prowess and fierce protection of his Cheetah Plains home range have sparked the imagination of many a storyteller. Your private boma is the perfect setting to explore these legendary stories. At the fireside, you are warmed by impressions of the memorable force of nature that is ‘Mvula.

 

Safaris

The best time of day to explore the bush is early morning and late afternoon. Our twice-daily game drives are taken in our prototype Land Cruiser Electric safari vehicles, a game-changing innovation pioneered by Japie van Niekerk, owner of Cheetah Plains. This bold advance toward zero-emission game drives is what drives our sustainability safari experience at Cheetah Plains. An onboard bird book, binoculars and a professional level Nikon D850 camera fitted with a 200-500mm telephoto lens plus memory card are provided for guests’ enjoyment. The almost silent, smooth gait of our zero-emission Land Cruiser Electric vehicles deliver the highest quality wildlife sightings. Their unobtrusive nature facilitates the most silent approach by vehicle, resulting in an unparalleled safari experience.

Bush Walks

For the ultimate in a connected, immersive experience embark on a guided interpretive bush walk on the plains that gave birth to its namesake, Cheetah Plains. There is no more tangible way than this to surround yourself with nature; senses are sharpened and a profound appreciation of one’s place within the ecosystem is deeply felt.

Gym

From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight – for all our guests, with any dietary requirement, including kosher, catered for. Our chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste for Southern Africa. Paired with premium wines from the Cape, dining becomes an experience. Our wine tastings are also a favourite of connoisseurs and dabblers, alike.

Facilities

  • Bar
  • Secure Parking
  • Spa
  • Eco Friendly
  • Pool
  • 24-hour Security
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Starting From
From$13,508

Rates & Pricing


Rates are starting prices per person, per night sharing. With specials, we always use the best promotion available, please contact our experts for more guidance.

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Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds with Our Luxury Camps and Wildlife Tours in South Africa

We also offer a range of activities and excursions, including guided wildlife safaris, walking safaris, and boat cruises. So come and explore the beauty of South Africa with us, and experience the magic of the African wilderness in comfort and style!

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Dedication

During your trip, we’re available 24/7 to provide assistance and support. If any issues arise, we’re here to help, so you can focus on enjoying your trip to the fullest.

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Happy Clients

We understand that planning a trip can be overwhelming, which is why we offer a comprehensive planning service that takes care of everything from start to finish.

Our Client Reviews

  • Tim Taylor
    Mauritius

    It was our 50th wedding anniversary & we took our whole family, our children, their spouses & our grandchildren, 20 strong, on safari at Umkumbe Bush Lodge, Sabi Sands & then for 5 days in the Western Cape. In the Cape we stayed at Lyonesse House in Constantia, a fabulous property for a big group. It was all arranged by Denise of East Cape Tours. Everything went very smoothly & everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thanks Denise!

  • Tony King
    United States

    Stephanie has been the best agent I have worked with in Southern Africa. I bring groups from USA to South Africa and Zimbabwe and she has helped me tremendously.

  • Helen Blair
    United Kingdom

    Cearl Marney was an incredible agent, going above and beyond to arrange our stay at Amakhala Game Reserve. Not only were the arrangements flawless but Cearl also organised a nurse to come to our apartment to conduct PCR tests for the flight home. We would certainly recommend East Cape Tours (and Cearl in particular!) for any holiday bookings! We will be using them again next year Easter for sure!

  • Grace Tillemans
    United States

    For our first safari in Africa we decided to go to Sabi Sands private game reserve which was incredible. The whole process went seamlessly thanks to our amazing agent Valencia Sifo.