A rustling sound from the nearby bush interrupts our final dinner, a traditional South African braai (barbecue). Tables are lit by candlelight and overflowing with fantastic local food – a fitting send-off from a fantastic multi-day safari in the Cheetah Plains.
As the resort is deep within the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, we aren’t too worried about noise from outside – a little animal activity in the bushveld is no surprise – but the next moment a fully grown hyena leapt into Karla Villa’s outdoor boma. Attracted by the tempting scent of a now particularly memorable meal, the hyena managed to evade the electric fence. Frankly, the intruder was more surprised to see us than we were to see the hyena, and quickly scurried away. Attentive and experienced staff followed behind to ensure the hyena did not return.
Our barbecue ended without any disruptions and with an extra bonus: the culinary team surprised us with s’mores as a nostalgic farewell dessert. The attentive game drive staff must have been sharing our earlier sunset conversation as we sipped Amarula (a South African cream liqueur) and discussed how it would be a fun addition to this evening’s farewell meal with s’mores.
Attention to detail and focus on guest satisfaction perfectly describes a day at Cheetah Plains. This property stands out from other luxury safari properties with three private villas that can accommodate up to eight guests. Each villa is fully staffed to cater to your every need, including sommeliers, animal trackers, drivers, masseuses, porters, butlers and a culinary team.
Tamsin Flicker Travel + Leisure The A-List Top Advisor and Director of Travel Artistry Africa adds, “Three elements set Cheetah Plains apart from other great luxury experiences in the region: exclusivity, flexibility and sustainability.” The standalone villas offer a private experience. Each villa has its own game drive vehicle. In terms of flexibility, the private villa experience means you get to choose your own adventure. What sets the resort apart is that everything is bespoke and customised based on the guest’s preferences for ultimate flexibility. In terms of sustainability, “They’ve pioneered being carbon negative in South Africa and silent safaris with electric vehicles. They’ve made it an important part of who they are.”
In short, it is the nicest place I have stayed in the 6+ years I have been writing travelogues full time, and here is my review of Cheetah Plains, South Africa’s nicest safari resort experience.
Cheetah Plains
- They use all-electric vehicles, and as part of a larger sustainability initiative, Cheetah Plains is carbon negative.
- Our hotel is extremely family friendly, offering kid-friendly activities, complimentary babysitting and chef-designed kid-friendly meals.
- All of the artwork on the grounds is by African artists, and the artwork within the villa has been curated by the renowned Goodman Gallery.
- With hippo views from your room, Mapogo Villa is located right along a lively waterhole.
- Design is outstanding: Cheetah Plains boasts surprisingly clean, modern architecture that sets it apart from your typical safari lodge.
room
Cheetah Plains is a departure from the typical lodge look found at many safari properties, offering a very contemporary feel. Designed by Cape Town-based architecture and interior design firm ARRCC, the property has a modernist feel and incorporates natural materials.
“The architectural aspect is strong and is intended to be a bold, contemporary interpretation of safari – where art and nature really shine. These villas have an emphasis on beautiful, clean, uncluttered design that embraces nature – it’s not your typical safari lodge,” Flicker says.
Luxury is no exception, with oversized bathtubs overlooking the Bushveld, monogrammed pillowcases, automated blinds and mosquito nets surrounding the plush beds. With common areas like the kitchen and living room at the center, followed by four private bedroom suites, the layout is perfect for a relaxing, pampering getaway. Each villa also has a large private pool, spacious pool deck and indoor media room, perfect for cozy movie nights. Boma, or patio-like spaces, allow you to enjoy the outdoors too.
Additionally, each of the three villas (Mapogo, Karura, and Mvula) has its own personality. Mapogo stands out, with a water feature taking center stage. “Mapogo has a sense of calm and strength,” Flicker adds. It’s a fitting name for a villa named after a coalition of lions. Karura, named after a famous female leopard that roamed this part of the Sabi Sands, means peace. “There’s a more feminine feel to it, a peaceful energy,” she explains. Mvula, named after a male leopard that once dominated the area, is the yin to Karura’s yang. Flicker explains, “Mvula has a more masculine energy, and the pool is set amongst the trees, almost hugged by their leaves.”
Food & Drink
The food and beverage program is unparalleled, with staff customizing meals to suit each client’s desired schedule and preferences – an approach that is a major benefit of the private villa model. Among the highlights, guests can expect fantastic breakfasts in the bush, a range of snacks and sundowners (happy hour), and South African braai-style al fresco dinners.
During our visit, we noticed that the team had our coffee order ready every morning before our 5am game drive. It’s the little touches like this that make true luxury. Another dining experience that left the biggest impression on me was the wine pairing dinner in the wine cellar. We really loved Mariska, the talented sommelier from the Cape Winelands. She gave us a great introduction to the South African wine world and creatively selected wines for our chef-designed multi-course dinner. And of course, we enjoyed Chenin Blanc, the most widely grown grape in the country. The huge wine cellar was stocked with South African wines, which we really enjoyed.
Activities and Experiences
The main activity at Cheetah Plains is the game drive. Because of the private villa model, each group is provided with a private electric vehicle with a guide and driver (the guide team is also all locals). Game drives are usually conducted in the early morning and afternoon, but the team can organize the itinerary based on the guests’ preferences. Another great safari-centric activity is the bush walk or walking safari, a way to see things from closer to the ground and enjoy new perspectives.
In terms of bush art experiences, Cheetah Plains has partnered with Goodman Gallery to display works by established and emerging African artists in each villa. Visitors can meet with the gallery’s experts on an art tour of the villa, and the property has just opened an independent gallery as well. For a more glittering option, there’s also Diamond Safari, a truly fabulous selection of custom jewelry. In case you forgot to consult our ultimate safari packing guide, stop by Shari’s, the property’s boutique expertly curated by (and named after) Shari van Niekerk. The shop stocks custom items and local contemporary pieces, from scarves to bespoke jewelry that are the perfect accents to any safari look. This upscale spot is also great for souvenir shopping. (I managed to pick up two cute animal-themed books and two super cute bush baby stuffed toys for my young son.)
spa
There are masseuses in the rooms, and a table that will be brought right to your suite. Facials are popular, too. But they don’t stop there: “We had guests asking for body scrubs, which is something we don’t normally offer, but they made it happen,” Flicker says. Plus, Cheetah Plains uses products from Africology, a local, eco-friendly, natural botanical company.
Family Friendly Services
Cheetah Plains is a very family-friendly resort. The suites are connected, so family members can stay close to each other but still have their own room. Because of the dedicated villa model, there are no age restrictions for children. Plus, each custom tour is designed with the guest in mind, allowing staff to put together a custom program based on the ages of the children on the trip.
Kids have countless options, from cooking and baking in the kitchen with our chef, to going on a walking safari with an animal tracker, going fishing, or enjoying movie nights in the media room. A kids’ hamper delivered daily includes treats on a pillow and safari activities. Perhaps most impressive is the free babysitting provided during your stay at Cheetah Plains.
Accessibility and sustainability
While the rooms are not ADA compliant, Cheetah Plains makes every effort to welcome and accommodate those with mobility limitations or special needs, including those traveling in wheelchairs. “The villas are essentially one story, making them easy to navigate, and the doors are wide enough for a wheelchair to fit through,” Flicker explains.
position
Known as South Africa’s crown jewel, Cheetah Plains is set on a vast 160,000 acre site in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park. Travel Artistry Africa’s Flicker adds, “The resort is tucked away in the northeast corner of the Sabi Sands, which is world-renowned for its leopard, large predator movements and other Big Five species. It’s a real gem in terms of wildlife viewing, and we’re there to see as many animals as we can.” Guests can reach Cheetah Plains via charter flight from Johannesburg airport to Arathusa Airfield.
How to make the most of your stay
As an all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious property, Cheetah Plains doesn’t offer much in the way of cost savings for a safari trip. However, the nightly rate for up to eight guests in a villa is significantly lower than for six. If you want to save some money, consider seasonality, such as traveling in off-peak season.
“The best value periods are March 1 to May 31, September 1 to December 10 and January 11 to February 28,” says Flicker. “Cheetah Plains has one of the most all-inclusive rates you’ll come across in the bush, with a comprehensive and extensive wine menu and spa treatments included.”
There’s a slight price difference between top-of-the-line Mapogo Villa and the slightly cheaper Karula and Amvula, with rates starting from $2,200 per person per day for six adults with a minimum three-night stay, plus $1,550 for each additional guest or $770 for each child aged 12 and under.
Overall, Flicker says, “Cheetah Plains wants to shine a spotlight on the great things coming out of Africa, as there is so much amazing creativity happening there.” From its innovative, exclusively African art gallery to its team of locally-sourced guides and focus on South African wine, Cheetah Plains is the perfect destination for a luxury safari where you can truly immerse yourself in the place.