Hiding a substantial art collection away in the remote African bush might be counterintuitive but it makes perfect sense to Japie van Niekerk. After all, his Sabi Sand Private Reserve eco-lodge celebrates the best of South Africa, so why not hang a Pierneef in the lounge and a Kentridge in a guest bathroom?
Japie’s personal collection has taken years to put together but there’s no attempt to create a gallery setting at Cheetah Plains. Each piece finds its niche in the luxury living spaces of the lodge, designed by Stefan Antoni along clean modern architectural lines immersed in its natural setting. Relaxing on a deep sofa after a game drive, you might dive into contemplation of a huge works by Gail Caitlin or Greatjoy Ndlovo. Or be moved to deeper appreciation of the wilderness by Malcolm Solomon’s Banking Eagle sculpture, which soars beside a lap pool with a natural waterhole as its backdrop.
There is no main lodge at Cheetah Plains. Instead, the three Plains Houses, Karula, Mapogo and Mvula, are separate, exclusive-use clusters, each a home-from-home with four double suites alongside a private villa and pool, looked after by their own dedicated staff. From custom-designed furniture by Okha and ARRCC to Pichulik rope key rings, the interiors are curated with attention to the most thoughtful details. Of course, if you fall irrevocably in love say with one of Loyiso Mkhise’s vibrant portraits brightening the cool neutrals of your suite lounge, all the artworks are available to buy, keeping the collection fresh – The Tretchikoff may have recently sold, but an equally fascinating piece takes its place.
The solar farm that powers the lodge you might not even notice, but you’ll appreciate the whisper silence of the custom electric Land Cruisers with their Tesla batteries - an eco-innovation that transforms game drives – birdsong, cicadas, the distant roars of big cats – no sound is lost to engine noise. Oh, and blissful heated seats! Back at the lodge, the big cat viewing, as superb as you’d expect in the Sabi Sand, is reflected in commissioned bronze cheetahs by Arend Elof, and dynamic cheetah and lion paintings in Conor McCreedy’s signature deep blues.
Total immersion in art, nature and eco-luxury with a sensual touch of glamour is the Cheetah Plains experience.
• Private mini-bar, fridge and coffee station
• Formal lounge
• Living room
• Heating
• Fireplace (gas and wood)
• Air-conditioning
• Mosquito nets
• Safe
• State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment
• Alfresco/boma dining
• Expansive deck
• Swimming pool – solar-heated lap pool
• Day beds
• Bushveld views
• Waterhole view (Mapogo House)
• Off-grid guest accommodation
• Grey-water recycling
• Electric game vehicles
• Laundry service
Access to:
• Temperature-controlled wine gallery
• Climate-controlled gym
• Spa: selection of touch therapies and beauty treatments included
• Television room
INCLUDED
• Fully inclusive
• Guided Big Five game drives
• Zero-emission game drive vehicles
• On-board bird book, binoculars and professional level Nikon D850 camera (200-500mm telephoto lens) and memory card are for guests’ enjoyment.
• Garden tours
• Walks (guided)
• High tea
• Game drive snacks and drinks
• Night drives
• Housekeeping
• Laundry service
• Mini bar
• Concierge
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• 24-hour security
For under 12s:
• Cubs Club for under 12s include bush bumbles (age-appropriate game drives) and interpretative walks in the garden.
• Complimentary kids backpack with educational activities.
AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
• Activities and excursions
• Babysitting
• Personal security
• Personal trainer
• Massages
• If you fly into the nearby private airstrip, you’ll stay within the reserve, but for longer stays day trips can be arranged for activities outside the reserve, such as helicopter scenic flights and Shangaan cultural tours to Utah, the nearby village.
• Hot-air ballooning near Blyde River Canyon (weather dependent).
• A visit to the Graskop gorge reached via glass lift and many other beautiful spots on the Panorama Route.
Speak to us if you have time to explore and we’ll help curate your route.
• Check in 14h00
• Check out 11h00
• Maximum 8 guests in each villa (24 in total)
• No pets allowed
• All bookings subject to final approval by owner