The Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve offers a unique “Big Five” game viewing experience in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa. Lying adjacent to the game-rich Kruger National Park and the Mala Mala Reserve, the wildlife roams freely through the expansive 8500-hectare reserve. Central to the accommodation at the game reserve lies the beautiful lodge, where guests may enjoy refreshments, catch up on their web-based activities, read and relax whilst enjoying the sounds of the African bush.

A pristine outdoor swimming pool awaits for those hot summer days and overlooks the dam, which offers a perfect view of animals coming down for their own refreshment. A curio shop offers the opportunity to stock up on gifts made by local artists, as well as items of bush apparel you may have forgotten. Eight beautifully thatched chalets surround the main lodge at Cheetah Plains and are designed to blend into the surrounding flora.

Each chalet sleeps two and features its own air-conditioning, mosquito net, and private verandah, from which guests can view the roaming bushbuck which comes into the camp. The lodge’s two Luxury Chalets offer full en suite bathrooms and a unique outdoor shower, while the Standard Cottages offer en-suite bathrooms with showers. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot animals, which are exclusive to reserve, depart at these times. Only two commercial safari vehicles are permitted in the shared area of the reserve at any one time and so the chances of seeing leopards and lions coming down for an early evening drink are great.

Professional game rangers point out what the untrained eye may miss and ensure that guests’ experience is comfortable and enjoyable. Sundowners during the evening drive herald the African sunset and prepare visitors for an evening of feasting back at the lodge. Specialized birding safaris, led by local ornithologist, Martin Benadie are also on offer and guests will have the opportunity to try out exclusive models of Swarovski Optik scopes and binoculars. Photographic safaris are another unique offering with specially designed photographic seats and control arms been custom built into the safari vehicle.

Professional photographers are available to provide pre-and post-game drive tips and guidance to ensure you return home with the perfect shot! Back at camp, after the late afternoon/evening game drive, the emphasis at the reserve is on local South African fare and fresh ingredients are collected daily and prepared by the resident chefs. Delectable dishes are enhanced by the superb outdoor setting at the boma, where one is entranced by the flames of the fire and the calls of the African wild, including lion, hyena and wild dog. Should you be having difficulty adjusting to the slower pace of the bush, a local spa with qualified therapists is on hand to provide treatments, including luxurious body massages. Tailored wedding packages are also available, should you wish to host a highly unique African ceremony. Should you wish to venture a little further, also offers you the opportunity to pay a visit to the local rural villages of Utah and Dixie. A qualified guide takes you on a four-hour tour of the area and provides insight into the local way of life.

Directions:

• Johannesburg approximately 6 hours ( 500km )
• Hoedspruit approximately 1 and a half hours ( 160 km )
• Nelspruit approximately 3 hours ( 250km ).

Please note that the drive to the reserve includes gravel road, the condition of which depends on the season and when last it was graded by the local municipality.  All guests are requested to please contact the lodge direct when passing Acornhoek or Hlukuvani to advise of arrival time.

Flight access
Daily flights can be booked on SA Airlink, Federal Air and General Air.  The airports are situated within close driving distance to the lodge, with Arathusa being approximately a 20-minute drive, Hoedspruit a 1.5-hour drive and the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) a 2.5-hour drive.  The road transfers from Hoedspruit Airport or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) to the Cheetah Plains Lodge can be booked.

Standard Chalet features:

• double or single beds
• en-suite bathroom with shower
• air conditioning
• mosquito net
• verandah
• beautiful views.