Cheetah Plains: Eco-luxury redefined in Sabi Sand’s exclusive safari lodge

Cheetah Plains, set within the legendary Sabi Sand Game Reserve, offers an extraordinary blend of opulent seclusion, pioneering sustainability, and unmatched access to Africa’s Big Five. This exclusive eco-safari lodge, established in 2018, has reimagined the traditional safari with Tesla-powered electric Land Cruisers, sustainable architecture, and personalised luxury that caters to discerning travellers seeking both adventure and exclusivity.

Beyond the wildlife-rich terrain of this 160,000-acre private reserve, Cheetah Plains elevates the safari experience with private villas, custom-tailored service, and immersive encounters with South Africa’s most captivating flora and fauna. A retreat in harmony with nature, it offers travellers a refined, eco-conscious way to experience the African wilderness in its raw and beautiful form.

The lodge offers three exclusive-use villas—Karula, Mvula, and Mapogo—each with four lavish suites, designed to sleep up to eight guests. Built to embrace the surrounding landscape, the villas feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking views of the bush, while interiors offer sophisticated comforts, from remote-controlled mosquito nets and lounges with fireplaces to open-plan bathrooms with soaking tubs and dual rain showers.

Each suite includes custom touches, such as monogrammed pillowcases gifted upon departure and in-room iPhones preloaded with birding and stargazing apps. The shared living spaces within each villa are designed to bring guests together, with indoor and outdoor dining areas, a wine gallery, and private heated pools, ideal for families and friends seeking a secluded escape.

Dining at Cheetah Plains is an experience all its own, with a dedicated culinary team for each villa crafting seasonal, pan-African dishes that celebrate local ingredients. Guests can dine whenever and wherever they please, whether it’s a formal multi-course meal in the villa’s dining room, a fireside braai (barbecue) under the stars, or a breakfast spread served in the bush amidst acacia trees. Each villa’s wine gallery showcases South Africa’s finest selections, reflecting the discerning tastes of lodge owner Japie van Niekerk, with tailored wine pairings or gin tastings available to enhance each meal. During the morning game drives, guests might be surprised with a bush breakfast, complete with warm croissants, smoked salmon, eggs made-to-order, and mimosas, set up in a scenic spot for a truly memorable start to the day.

The lodge’s game drives, held in custom-built electric Land Cruisers, are a quiet, environmentally friendly way to experience the wonders of Sabi Sands. With expert guides and trackers, guests can observe the Big Five and more in this thriving ecosystem, where sightings of leopards, lions, rhinos, and herds of elephants are nearly guaranteed. The silence of the electric vehicles allows for closer encounters without disturbing the wildlife, and each drive is an intimate, sensory experience as guests listen to the sounds of the bush and witness the behaviours of its diverse inhabitants. For those who prefer exploring on foot, the lodge offers guided bush walks, where guests can learn about smaller creatures and plant life often missed by the vehicle, making for a more intimate connection to the environment.

Cheetah Plains’ passion for sustainability is as impressive as its luxurious amenities. The entire lodge is powered by solar energy generated by over 1,000 panels, resulting in an offset of more than 530 tons of carbon emissions each year. The eco-conscious design extends to every aspect of the lodge, from electric fences to ensure guest safety, to the choice of materials in each villa. Owner Japie van Niekerk’s dedication to preserving the natural landscape is evident in the lodge’s infrastructure, which blends into its surroundings and offers guests a sophisticated, sustainable way to experience Africa’s wild beauty.

Additional activities abound at Cheetah Plains, catering to every interest. Relaxation-seekers can indulge in Africology treatments at the spa, while more active guests can enjoy the lodge’s fitness centre or cool off in one of the private pools overlooking a waterhole. Each villa also hosts a curated art collection by celebrated South African artists, adding a cultural dimension to the stay. For those wishing to give back to the community, Cheetah Plains offers guided tours to local villages, where guests can learn about the Shangaan culture, participate in volunteer projects, or support local initiatives in education, healthcare, and conservation.

For further information, visit cheetahplains.com