One of the most essential elements in African cultures is rain! It has profound meaning and significance as a source of food, replenishment, and survival for both people and the animal kingdom. In the bushveld, we look forward to the summer season because we know it brings with it this essential source of life. The […]
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Blog
Read our latest stories, news and articles below
Whether you're planning your next safari adventure or simply dreaming of the ultimate luxury escape, we hope our blog will inspire and inform you.
Feature Blog
articles
28.11.24
The life of guides – deep experience and knowledge create a memorable experience in the wild.
Even for adults, it’s effortless to see safari guides as bush-based superheroes — before they’ve brought you within a metre of the continent’s most prized mammals. That beautiful “what-to-to-doo” bird call you hear on your morning safari? Oh, that belongs to an orange-breasted bushshrike, known for its striking grey and yellow colours, they’ll likely tell you without missing a beat, often while juggling a conversation on the two-way radio, communicating with an eagle-eyed tracker up front, and navigating the network of gravel Sabi Sand roads.
staff stories
27.11.24
Meet Keletso: The Heart Behind the Hospitality
Keletso is driven by a passion for creating meaningful connections, he finds joy in delivering personalised service and restoring the human touch to a hospitality world that can often feel impersonal.
lodge news
18.11.24
The ‘Modern Master of Blue’ at Cheetah Plains
World renowned contemporary artist Conor Mccreedy has become known on the global stage as one of the most outstanding creatives of his generation. Little wonder then that Cheetah Plains – which houses one of the most eclectic displays of South African contemporary art – is home to a number of his paintings and named one […]
articles
6.11.24
Books on Safari
There are few better ways to relax between game drives, meals, and a massage than with a glass of something cold and a gripping or informative read. Hundreds of fiction and non-fiction works about South Africa, and even safaris, serve as the perfect companion to time in the bush, many of which we’ve located in […]
staff stories
28.10.24
Rooted in Craft and Heritage: Masingita’s Journey
Meet one of our resident maintenance men, Masingita whose story is one of resilience, dedication and compassion. Raised in a small village, just outside of the Sabi Sand, Utah, he grew up where unemployment was and is high and opportunities are scarce. Despite these challenges, he looked up to his mother, who managed to provide for their whole family with the little she had.
articles
9.10.24
The true value of a private personalised safari
Safaris at Cheetah Plains, are a personal and intimate experience. It’s the ideal way to include children, multiple generations and escapes with friends. The privilege of a private wilderness vacation means you can enjoy the spoils at the impeccable level it is or tailor it to your every desire – from the game drives, activities and dining times to when you put your head down at the end of a memorable day.
articles
25.09.24
The cultural roots of Cheetah Plains’ indigenous gardens
There’s a deep connection between nature and African culture. At Cheetah Plains, this relationship unfolds in our indigenous gardens in truly remarkable ways.
seasonal updates
21.09.24
Awakening the Bush: Sipps’ Spring Update
Spring brings the dusty plains alive with movement. From enticing animal tracks to unusual bird behaviours, we’ve noticed the shift in season. As we await the summer rains, our trackers rely on their innate knowledge and deep connection to the land.
articles
9.09.24
Friendmoons – The ideal way to spend quality time with friends on a luxurious safari
As private residences have become essential elements of ultra-luxury holidays, especially in the safari world, friendmoons are seeing something of a resurgence and spin-offs are coming in thick and fast, too. Although their genesis may have been in friends accompanying newlyweds on their honeymoons, friendmoons now don’t only have to involve newlyweds, instead, they can […]
staff stories
28.08.24
Mpho’s empowering path to Cheetah Plains
Much like a young leopard nurturing her cub in the wild, Mpho, a young single mother, was fiercely determined to follow her dreams and craft the life she envisioned as a spa therapist. In a community where cosmetology and somatology were unfamiliar, Mpho had to work hard to pursue her passion and earn her family’s […]
articles
26.08.24
Summer Season with The Southern Foam Nest Frogs
As the hot summer rolls in around October, we start to notice slight changes in the bushveld. You may see small sprouts of greenery from fresh rains coming back and hear the iconic call of the Woodland Kingfisher. As you appreciate the small changes, like the warmth of the sun rising earlier, you will notice […]
articles
26.08.24
Liquid Gold: How, and why, Cheetah Plains takes its water seriously
South Africa is, on balance, a water scare country. If you’ve flown over the country’s vast interior, you may have spotted swathes of the flat, arid, and mostly desolate Karoo. You’ll likely also have heard about the Southern Cape’s ongoing recent wrestle with drought. But fly to Cheetah Plains, especially after a summer of good […]
lodge news
5.08.24
We’re setting the standard for solar generation and taking energy efficiency seriously.
Of all the eco-credentials for tourism businesses to claim, energy efficiency may be the easiest to self-award. After all, how many guests detour from their holiday to check if the lightbulbs are energy-saving, if kitchen appliance ratings meet the gold standard or to question how it is that the pool water temperature is always just […]
articles
6.06.24
Goodman Gallery at The 60th International Art Exhibition: La Biennale Di Venezia
The Biennale Arte 2024 is the longest running and most prestigious exhibition in the global art calendar.
staff stories
5.06.24
Life through Art: Introducing Grace O’Malley
Johannesburg is an ever evolving city with a blossoming cultural landscape. It is also the city where Grace O’Malley was born and raised. In telling her journey through the artworld, she speaks to the power and influence of artistic practice in South Africa and the importance of our artists as they continue to push forward in international scenes.
seasonal updates
5.06.24
BOUND TO BE WILD: SIPPS’ WINTER UPDATE
Autumn has been an incredible spectacle, witnessing the seamless transition from summer to the vibrant hues of fall, filled with remarkable sightings, while winter beckons a different rhythm of life in the bush. We’ve once again marvelled at the patterns of the common migrants, from the Wahlberg’s eagle to woodland kingfishers, beaters, European rollers, and […]
staff stories
26.04.24
Woosah Moments with Ollie
Ultimately, it’s the people that define the soul of a destination. Creating an experience as personal as it is peerless is central to providing guests with an immediate sense of belonging, from arrival to departure. The call for personalisation within hospitality resounds louder than ever as travellers are seeking more than just a place to […]
seasonal updates
20.03.24
Dawn to Dusk Sky: Sipps’ Take on Autumn
This past summer season has been magical, with heavy, intermittent rains, soaring temperatures, and abundant sightings.
staff stories
22.02.24
Mbuso’s Magic Touch
To ensure the private and personalised safari we promise, each villa has a staff complement dedicated to guests for the duration of their stay. Central to this approach is the provision of a personal butler, responsible for orchestrating the most seamless and indulgent guest experience. Enter, our senior butler, Mbuso.Mbuso has now been working at […]
staff stories
25.01.24
MEET VICTOR: AN AMBASSADOR FOR NATURE
Although the Sabi Sand hosts countless wildlife experts across the Reserve, very few can call it home. For Victor Mkanse, this is where he, his parents and his grandparents were born, raised and taught a very special way of life that has fundamentally shaped what they know and love to do. Now tracking for nearly […]
seasonal updates
20.12.23
WONDER-FILLED WILD & CONSEQUENTIAL OUTCOMES
Summer is here, brimming with life and the welcome sight of abundant rain. This marks the beginning of a new season, presenting a splendid array of wild wonders. The many species of frogs, toads, snakes and insects are now out and about, restoring the food chain to its full former glory. For biodiversity to be […]
staff stories
8.12.23
THE ONLY ART YOU CAN TASTE…
Meet our sommelier, Mariska! A woman in wine with a passion for bringing people together in the spirit of a celebration of the past, present and future. Born and bred in the heart of the Cape Winelands in Paarl, Mariska Witbooi marries the charm of South Africa’s iconic destinations, bringing the rich heritage of the […]
lodge news
8.12.23
SHARI’S BOUTIQUE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
This December we celebrate the first anniversary of opening the doors of our beautiful boutique in the wild, SHARI’S. In true Cheetah Plains style, SHARI’S is the result of a unique vision and collaborative effort in pursuit of creating a one-of-a-kind safari shopping experience for our guests, driven by the exceptional style of owner Shari […]
staff stories
15.11.23
Sizile’s Story: An Expert in Bringing People Joy
Her son affectionately calls her ‘sunshine,’ and it could not be more fitting. A Host at Cheetah Plains, Sizile possesses a gentle and radiant presence that has come to shape every one of her guests’ stays. Born and raised in Soweto, she has since travelled the world in hospitality on both land and sea. Sizile […]
lodge news
1.11.23
Cutting-edge Art on Safari: A Top-tier Cultural Experience in the Bush
Redefining the ultimate notion of a luxury safari, Cheetah Plains once again is reimagining the guest experience with an art collaboration that celebrates Africa’s rich cultural heritage and allows one to experience the creative talents of such notable and emerging artists. Partnering with Africa’s pre-eminent gallery, Goodman Gallery, Cheetah Plains Safari Villas are now hung […]
staff stories
23.10.23
Meet Renier: Behind the Scenes of Eco-Luxury
At Cheetah Plains, we host a safari experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind, defined by sustainability, innovation and extreme personalisation. Ultimately, what brings this vision to life is the incredible people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the level of luxury and carbon efficiency we promise. One such luminary is Renier, our esteemed technical manager. […]
lodge news
18.10.23
Cheetah Plains at the 2023 Venice Biennale
SAOTA, ARRCC & Poliform’s exhibition LIGHT SPACE LIFE, part of the sixth edition of the architecture biennale exhibition titled Time Space Existence, organised and hosted by the European Cultural Centre in Venice, presents Cheetah Plains! The Venice Biennale provides a global platform for artists, architects and designers to showcase their innovative work to a wide […]
Awards
18.10.23
World Travel Awards: Africa’s Leading Green Hotel 2023
We are extremely proud to share that Cheetah Plains has been awarded Africa’s Leading Green Hotel at the prestigious 30th annual World Travel Awards. Cheetah Plains envelops and embraces sustainability on every level, from our unique and award-winning architecture to our all-electric fleet of solar-powered 4×4 vehicles for a 100% off-grid game drive experience. Pioneering […]
staff stories
18.09.23
Where Roots Run Deep
The promise of spring brings new life and energy, and just as the bushveld adapts to the season’s shifting climates, so do our gardens to reflect the time of year and tell a new story. Roots run deep across our magnificent grounds, where you’ll find a spectrum of indigenous trees, plants and flowers, that not […]
seasonal updates
15.09.23
A Closer Look at the Wild: Sipps’ Springtime Update
The Sabi Sand Nature Reserve offers amazing wildlife experiences throughout the year, and it’s still by far the best Big Five reserve in the world. Everything has evolved to adapt to the ecosystem and complete the food chain, naturally inspired by climatic changes. These past few months, animal concentration and movement have increased, allowing for […]
staff stories
24.08.23
Celebrating the Women of Cheetah Plains
Our vision for safari is one defined by exclusivity, personalisation and unrivalled luxury. The people at Cheetah Plains are what bring this vision to life. Making up the majority of our staff complement, the women on our team shape and refine our offering, and at the helm of operations is Anrique Jansen van Vuuren. While still […]
lodge news
12.07.23
Conscious Living in the Wild: Eco-Luxury Redefined
In redefining luxury with an inherent commitment to eco-consciousness, our holistic approach to sustainable practice is what drives our carbon-negative safari. Part of our ongoing journey of preservation and conservation is the reduction of single-use plastic and waste, while seeking suitable alternatives that do not compromise our refined offering. Our ethos is echoed throughout our guests’ experience as they are greeted with their personalised, reusable water bottles, […]
lodge news
27.06.23
Boutique in the wild
Recently opened at Cheetah Plains, SHARI’s Boutique portrays the level of luxury and sophistication that Cheetah Plains has come to be synonymous with, bringing together elements that exemplify luxury in the bush through the finest designers and artists, while supporting the local collectible design category in South Africa. Inspired by our pristine location in the […]
lodge news
27.06.23
Diamonds on Safari
Debuting the ultimate Diamond Experience in the bush in our exquisitely curated boutique, SHARI’S. As one of the world’s most remote private showrooms for diamonds, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with access to top-quality diamonds, as well as our very own Cheetah Plains Signature Diamond Collection. Starting with champagne service, guests will have a […]
seasonal updates
27.06.23
Winter Wilderness
Shifting light and changing seasons each leave their unique mark on the wild, allowing nature’s ever-changing wonders to unfold and adapt to the demands of the climate.
Awards
2.06.23
Cheetah Plains awarded for architecture 2023
Cheetah Plains architectural approach is ultra contemporary afro-minimalism.
staff stories
26.05.23
Embedded in the fabric of Cheetah Plains
Meet Theodorah Ngobeni, fondly known as Dudu, who has been part of Cheetah Plains for nearly twelve years. Dudu has a calming, inquisitive and enduring charm about her. Always striving to give, learn and be more, Dudu started her career in hospitality as part of the scullery team and now boasts the role of Head […]
staff stories
4.04.23
Breaking Gastronomic Boundaries and Pushing Culinary Creativity
Led by Head Chef Charlaine-Lee Fouche, our Culinary Team is united in their unwavering passion for food and commitment to delivering sensational dining experiences.
seasonal updates
20.03.23
Rain Gods favour the brave!
We have seen new records set this year in the lowveld. Heavy rains in February surpassed the annual flood markers for the rainy season, which is both a blessing and a curse.
staff stories
17.03.23
Meet Andrew Khosa – Affinity for the wilderness!
Having been at Cheetah Plains since its more humble beginnings, Andrew has played an integral role in the establishment of Cheetah Plains and the lodge it is known to be today, in more ways than one.
lodge news
22.02.23
A pangolin in the wild
If there was ever a sighting to have… it’s this one. This comes just after World Pangolin Day on February 18, dedicated to raising awareness around their poaching and capture. Pangolin’s are the world’s most trafficked mammals, as their scales are falsely believed to have medicinal properties in some cultures, and their meat is considered […]
lodge news
21.02.23
Cheetah Plains lot goes for
R1 Million bid
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our Lot raised an astonishing R1 million at last week’s Cape Wine Auction in Stellenbosch!
staff stories
14.02.23
The smile of things to come
Meet Clementine, one of four of our magnificent and fabulous hostesses at Cheetah Plains.
staff stories
24.01.23
Meet our management couple
This duo is a force to be reckoned with, ensuring the efficiency, level of detail, and personalization that the Cheetah Plains experience has come to be synonymous with.
seasonal updates
21.12.22
Slow down to a summer rush – seasonal update from our head guide
The insect world has cracked the summer dawn and it’s that time of the year again for all major forms of life to surface and reach their greatest heights!
lodge news
16.12.22
Graduation day at Lezagwa Utah Community Creche
As the year comes to a close we are humbled and happy to see the importance and impact of grass roots education on this years little graduates.
staff stories
15.12.22
We have a special staff story this December – it’s one of Simon Chiburre
This fine man has been at Cheetah Plains for one year, and having just celebrated his anniversary with us, he holds his position as Butler in high regard.
lodge news
12.12.22
Always welcome, rare sightings of cheetah cubs
Not one, but two Cheetah cubs were on a sighting today, found by our guiding team Sabelo and Viktor while out on a drive this evening
lodge news
10.12.22
Introducing Shari’s – our beautiful new luxury boutique!
Named after Shari van Niekerk, the store embraces and supports the local collectible design offering in South Africa.
articles
7.12.22
Cheetah Plains features in the most recent issue of Town & Country Magazine as a trip to take in 2023
Thanks to Adam Rathe for the fabulous article and for capturing the essence of the Cheetah Plains experience, where everything feels personalised and specially planned for you.
staff stories
28.09.22
Meet Moses
Moses is like an institution at Cheetah Plains. His traditional roots in Shangaan culture, which we share this month as part of our heritage story, relate back to the very importance of the shared experience—the soul of Africa.
seasonal updates
21.09.22
Everything on one plate this spring – a seasonal update from our head guide
The equinox on the 22nd September, marks the official start of Spring and generally brings us some warmer temperatures with calm winds in the later part of the month.
lodge news
23.08.22
The first ever private nature reserve
The Sabi Sand Wildtuin has changed name to the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The reserve, of which Cheetah Plains is part of, exists to protect, preserve and promote a remarkable part of the Greater Kruger National Park’s open ecosystem. The commitment to the sustainable management of this pristine wilderness area between the Sabi and Sand […]
lodge news
9.08.22
Happy women’s day
Of the 62 people on our team, 30 of them are women – that’s 48% that make up the staff complement at Cheetah Plains. A shout out to the wonderful women on our team that together create, service and treasure the luxury safari experience our guests have come to love, appreciate and indulge in. It […]
articles
29.07.22
The silent safari – National Geographic, Emma Gregg
A brilliant article in the print edition of National Geographic about ESV’s – Electric Safari Vehicles that Cheetah Plains has been included in. Certainly a new era as we drive home our sustainability efforts in the luxury safari travel sector. Cheetah Plains, a sumptuous collection of exclusive-use, solar-powered villas in Sabi Sands Game Reserve in […]
staff stories
25.07.22
Sweet tooth flare
Now anyone who knows a thing or two about the culinary arts, knows the relevance and significance of a pastry chef! She goes by the name Juju and she is the Head Pastry Chef at Cheetah Plains. Ferroudja Menhouk joined our team in 2021 and plays this important role in our culinary brigade. As a […]
lodge news
14.07.22
Plastic free July
Plastic Free July is a global annual initiative that entails the reduction of single-use plastics.
seasonal updates
22.06.22
Wild winter skies – seasonal update from our head guide
The most exciting part in our ecosystem is the noticeable weather shifts that brings about seasonal change in our environment.
lodge news
20.06.22
Conde Nast readers choice award voting
We are delighted to announce that CheetahPlains has been nominated for the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards for 2022!
lodge news
14.06.22
5 Star Premium – Achieving Excellence
Cheetah Plains has this month been awarded, for a second consecutive year, a 5-Star PREMIUM status by The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
staff stories
19.05.22
Meet Civ!
Civilized has recently joined the Cheetah Plains Guiding team this year.
articles
28.04.22
Safaris are embracing a more sustainable, diverse future
A growing number of repeat safari-goers want to get out of the vehicle and dive deeper into more remote landscapes.
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