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’ 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.

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’ 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.

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.

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.

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.