Sabi Sands Game Reserve is home to an exclusive-use luxury villa and sustainable safari experience nestled in South Africa’s most-celebrated wildlife area.

© Cheetah Plains

A sophisticated, innovative eco-luxe safari experience, the villas are run entirely on solar power, and Cheetah Plains, opened in 2018, provides guests with a personalized and flexible experience, giving visitors the opportunity to plan safaris on their own terms. Perfect for an exclusive family vacation or a luxurious safari with friends, Cheetah Plains’ three private villas each accommodate a maximum of eight guests and offer award-winning architectural designs and interiors.

The villas, Mapogo, Karula and Mvula, are named after famous wild cats that have been a significant part of the history of the area. These three villas blend into the surrounding environment through their modern design and use of natural materials. Each villa offers four private guest suites and a shared living space housing lounge, living and dining room areas; an expansive swimming pool with deck; an outdoor boma for fireside dining; fine wine; and a fully equipped chef’s kitchen.

© Cheetah Plains

From prime wildlife sightings from incredibly quiet Land Cruiser electric game-viewing vehicles to the comfort of a designer villa and gastronomical dining under the African skies, Cheetah Plains provides a hospitality staff, including an experienced host, culinary team, lodge sommelier, spa therapist, a dedicated guide and tracker and childcare for the duration of the stay.

Brunch in the bush after a morning game drive includes fresh, locally sourced produce. Wine tastings come from the 300-bottle wine cellar in each villa, and dinners are prepared and offered fireside under the stars.

Cheetah Plains is conveniently accessible by a 1.5-hour flight from Johannesburg International Airport on a commercial or private charter, with a 20-minute private vehicle transfer from the Arathusa airstrip to your villa. A safari at Cheetah Plains can also be paired with Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls. Daily scheduled flights or helicopter transfers can be arranged.

© Cheetah Plains

Rates begin at $2,000 per person per day and are all-inclusive, based on four adults with a two-night minimum and $1,550 per additional guest; $770 per child 3–12 years of age; $150 for those under 3 years of age.

Rates include value added tax at 15 percent; accommodations in an exclusive-use villa with four adjoining private guest suites; selection of South African fine wines, beers and spirits; all meals daily for the duration of the stay; twice-daily game drives in private game-viewing vehicle for up to eight guests; private guide and tracker team; guided bush walks; wellness treatments by an in-suite spa therapist; on-site gym; laundry service, excluding dry cleaning; WiFi; childcare; use of Nikon D500 series camera and lenses; and transfers between Arathusa Airstrip and Cheetah Plains when flying with FedAir, Airlink or private charter.