Cheetah Plains
Sabi SandsWelcome to Cheetah Plains exclusive Plains Houses, home of the definitive exclusive-use luxury sustainable safari in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Cheetah Plains Private Reserve comprises an exclusive area set aside for Cheetah Plains guests. Exclusively yours, the Plains Houses play host to the private safari experience of a lifetime.
A bold departure from its humble safari lodge beginnings, Cheetah Plains has undergone a complete metamorphosis. Today, it is a beacon to the eco-luxe safari set and a collaborative expression of South Africa’s rich heritage. Proud owner, Japie van Niekerk’s vision for the property is finally realised. By harnessing the power of eco- tourism, we are working hard to secure a rich legacy of posterity.
Prime Location
Cheetah Plains shares a fenceless border to the east with the vast, world famous Kruger National Park and its southern border with the esteemed Mala Mala Game Reserve. Cheetah Plains’ prime location within the inimitable Sabi Sands delivers a prolific, sustainable safari experience facilitated by the natural movement of wildlife over this vast land, fiercely protected under conservation.
The Inception
Here, the adage, ‘patience is a virtue’ certainly applies. It was only many years after South African owner, Japie van Niekerk, acquired Cheetah Plains Private Reserve that his vision for it would come to fruition.
That is, for Cheetah Plains to become the home of the definitive luxury concept safari in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and indeed, the world.
By design, the concept safari property embraces the splendid natural setting in the most original, elegant way.
Every aspect reflects Japie’s personal style and preferences beautifully. Finally, over a decade after acquiring Cheetah Plains, his dream of transforming this private piece of Africa is realised.
The world-class, proudly South African hospitality team are ready and waiting to welcome you. Feel at home at Cheetah Plains, your private African safari escape.
Luxury eco-accommodation
A sophisticated, innovative eco-luxe safari experience for the modern age, the private Plains Houses provide a sensual backdrop to your private safari experience. The imaginative, honest architecture is complemented by restful interiors that invite the outside in. The muted palette of the interior design imbued with warm, natural elements is enhanced with handpicked decor pieces by notable African artisans.
The location and unique appointment of each Plains House is a beautiful rendering of its environment.
Each house essentially takes the same form comprising two parts: the shared space and the accommodation. Your exclusive safari hideaway provides you and your party a private bush retreat unlike any other.
The shared space boasts a formal lounge, living room, dining area, expansive sun deck, heated swimming pool, wine gallery, chef’s kitchen and sumptuous Private Suites.
Each of the three exclusive-use Plains Houses at Cheetah Plains accommodates a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 guests per house, offering you and your safari companions the ultimate private safari experience in the splendid Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
A dedicated hospitality team consists of your host, private chef, field guide and tracker. They are allocated to your Plains House for the duration of your stay. Together, they deliver a safari experience tailored to you and your party’s individual preferences.
Delicious meals and snacks made to exacting standards are prepared by your talented private chef.
Personal wellness is in the hands of your dedicated wellness therapist.
An immersive connection with nature is facilitated by the expert field guide and tracker team at your service.
Wine & Dine
Each Plains House hosts a fine wine gallery comprising a purely South African wine selection curated to reflect Japie’s favourite estates and varietals.
Your host will readily recommend a wine to pair with your beautiful meal. Explore the wonders of new world wines by embarking on a wine tasting hosted by the on-property Sommelier (available upon request).
The accomplished culinary team delivers imaginative, soulful meals that, when paired with characteristic wines, resulting in an elevated dining experience you will savour. Your dining expectations and requirements are an important element of your stay.
Cheetah Plains has an ‘open kitchen’ policy; you’re always welcome to pop in and see what is cooking! If you like, join in the culinary action or just observe while having a relaxed chat with your chef. Dining al fresco, preferably out in the bush, is always a highlight. Fresh, locally sourced produce is the preference and supports the farm-to-table vision at Cheetah Plains.
Sustainable safari
Cheetah Plains is a pioneer in its class and the undisputed home of the definitive upscale eco-safari in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The expert team of safari guides and trackers will guide your personal discovery of this prolific, significant conservancy.
Owner, Japie van Niekerk’s singular approach to sustainability within the footprint of the Sabi Sands delivers an eco-safari of unrivalled quality. They have partnered with some of the world’s pre-eminent minds in the renewable energy field to provide clean energy solutions that drive both the hospitality and safari experiences at Cheetah Plains.