Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve

Find one of those once in a lifetime Sabi Sands luxury lodge at the extraordinary Cheetah Plains House, dedicated to an exclusive-use five-star safari experience. This innovative and exclusive eco-lodge lies deep in the Sabi Sands Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve. Indulge yourself in a refined and personalised safari experience hosted by this winner of the World Luxury Hotel Awards, this one-of-a-kind lavish destination made for royalty.

Come to Cheetah Plains to see cheetahs in their natural habitat, alongside the iconic Big 5 animals – lions, leopards, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Cheetahs have a special character of their own, their slender cat bodies are agile and fast, their unique rosettes and black marked cheeks making them stand out from their leopard cousins.  

There is so much to see here where the Sabi River crosses with the flow of the Sand River and where wildlife comes to drink and breed. Their place of refuge – look out for the rare African wild dogs, honey badgers and incredible Ground hornbills. 

Welcome to a sophisticated place of modern living in the African bushveld. A place where you can be a prince or princess for a few days.  Bring the children to enjoy a lavish retreat in nature – they can still find high tech audio-visual equipment, a games selection and Netflix for those moments at night or in between all the bush outings and excursions. 

There are only three exclusive use bush chalets with a difference at Cheetah Plains. They are expansive enough to be family-friendly accommodation and they include 2 interleading suites out of the 4 elegant suites. The villas are outrageously opulent, designed to stun and satisfy, for 8 guests each, centred around a plush central area. Honeymoon couples can hire the entire villa to create a romantic refuge away from it all.

So, 4 double suites connect to the main villa which comprises a formal, designer lounge, an entertainment lounge, more living and dining areas in which to spread out, wine gallery, curated art collection, and a chef’s kitchen. Add to this an extended swimming pool with gracious deck, comfy modern sun beds, plenty of designer shaded areas and sweeping views across the wilds towards the two rivers running through it.

Each villa has a wonderful name, the name of a big cat that once roamed the Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve. Mapogo House is named after a strong group of lion brothers, Karula House is in memory of a female leopard, and Mvula House is the realm for a feisty male leopard. 

Each villa is supported by a team of expert staff, from the chef and butlers to the spa therapist, game rangers and trackers. Dedication to the customer, you, the safari enthusiast, in a sustainable setting despite all the glitz and glamour! The game drive vehicles are electric and aimed at zero emission game viewing (no noise, no pollution).   

Embark on an eco-safari with a massively reduced carbon footprint from eco-friendly game drives to guest accommodation that is entirely off grid, despite the grandeur! Solar energy is the way to go using the South African sunshine and also, eco-tourism initiatives that involve the entire local community in a bid to provide much needed employment, and a long-term investment in the wildlife and habitats so crucial to human survival.

Of course, most people discover Cheetah Plains because they are searching for a top-notch safari with a difference. Cheetah plains wins all trophies for something completely different, quintessentially lavish and unique in design, style and service. 

Cheetah Plains is about the Cheetahs and the plains, their natural habitat – get out on an unforgettable bush walk with your friendly game ranger and informative tracker to learn more about the environment and how you can assist the owners to conserve and preserve all life here.  

It’s about more: 6 stars, not 5, award-winning territory in more ways than one – sustainability, accommodation levels and service in a bushveld setting. Getting out in the bush twice a day in these silent, non-polluting vehicles is a treat and the animals don’t move away so off-road safaris are beneficial to guests who want to get really close to the Big 5. 

Meals are best enjoyed outside under the sun or the stars to make the most of the serenity, the beauty and the soulful presence of the animals. Brunch after the morning game drive and a huge grilled meat dinner after the evening game drive – plus your choice of wine from the house collection.

A game drive is tiring so do indulge in a spot of massaging and skin treating while you wait for the next outing, in your own bedroom. For those who like to work out and stay fit, the state-of-the-art gym offers all you need to stay strong and flexible. Try some yoga, weight training or cardio and stretching. 

A wonderful excursion for you and the family is the visit to the Cheetah Plains staff community village where you can see how they live and the fantastic work being done at the crèche too. Understanding other cultures and contributing to ecotourism initiatives such as these are part of the sustainability model for authentic safaris in Africa.

Cheetah Plains is named after the regal felines who traverse this rich wild area near Kruger National Park, within the bounds of the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private location revered for its Big 5 sightings. Cheetahs may not be one of the Big 5, but they are sighted here often and have become an exciting addition to game viewing ventures. 

Stay in Cheetah Plains House, a trio of villas designed to host privileged guests in a haven of decadent luxury. Alone with your family or group. Supported by your private team of staff from top chef and kitchen helpers to game ranger, tracker and butler. Wow, how much can a person relax? Not enough. You even get your own in-house spa therapist! Here, at Cheetah Plains, the villas are mini art galleries, boasting the work of famous artists and sculptors and set into a theme of nature’s palette and textures.

Recently refurbished, this flawless sustainable safari experience is built on lavish intentions and eco ideas. Owner, Japie van Niekerk, designed his villas to host only 8 guests in ultra-comfy refugees of wealth and space, high tech features and utter privacy. Take, for example, the modern lounges, the living rooms and dining areas, the entertainment lounges and the super decks with large swimming pools and chic umbrellas.  

Modern bathrooms, fine wine galleries, a chef’s kitchen and gorgeous scenery wherever you look.   It’s about the guest’s personal wellness and leisure pleasure. It’s about world class services, delicious foods and thrilling wildlife viewing. It’s about being quiet, soaking up the wilderness, and enjoying a high level of luxury at the same time.    

What’s more it’s sustainable! Clean energy solutions drive the way things are run here – high tech grey water recycling systems, solar panels, and electric game drive vehicles decrease the carbon footprint at Cheetah Plains. And local people are employed in the lodge as part of the sustainable tourism ethic.