Cheetah Plains Game Lodge • Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Photo of a safari with Cheetah Plains Photo of a guest room

Cheetah Plains Game Lodge

our emphasis is on providing a traditional safari experience

Address: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

Children: Children 13 years & over are accepted & and pay the adult rate.
Bed capacity: 20

Location

Cheetah Plains Private Reserve is next to the Kruger National Park in the northwest corner of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve - the Kruger National Park being on one boundary and Mala Mala on the other boundary of Cheetah Plains. Whether you fly to Cheetah Plains on a daily scheduled flight from Johannesburg or Nelspruit, or from Madikwe to Sabi Sand, or do a self-drive - Cheetah Plains is to reach by both road or air.

The setting

At Cheetah Plains will impress you by the rich wildlife and rare game viewing. The famous 65 000ha Sabi Sand reserve is world famed for the Big 5 - leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, cape buffalo, and lion - but at Cheetah Plains you will see so much more.

Cheetah Plains is one of the oldest bush camps in Sabi Sand. Our priority is on offering guests a traditional safari experience - comfortable accommodation, with wonderful food prepared around the campfire.

The main lodge

The main lodge is where you are welcome to relax; enjoy a cocktail or a cup of coffee while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bushveld. From the central lounge you can look towards the waterhole where animals and birds come to drink.

The swimming pool is a few footsteps away - take a dip, cool off, gaze across the dam.

  • Swimming pool
  • Bar and lounge
  • Viewing deck
  • Boma
  • Massage sala which is open when the therapist is on site
  • Limited internet access
  • Curio shop

Accommodation

Our thatched chalets & bush cottage at Cheetah Plains melt into indigenous gardens surrounded by the African bushveld.

Our style creates a peaceful combination between modern comforts and the bush.

Accommodation is provided in:

  • 2 x luxury chalets with queen beds
  • 2 x standard chalets with double beds
  • 4 x standard chalets with twin beds
  • 1 x luxury bush cottage with 2 bedrooms

Luxury chalets have air conditioning, overhead fans, mosquito nets and an en-suite bathroom with a bath and an outside shower.

Standard chalets have air conditioning, overhead fans, mosquito nets and en-suite bathroom with only a shower.

The luxury bush cottage has two bedrooms (1 bedroom with a king-size bed & 1 with 2 twin beds), inside shower & bath, lounge, air conditioning, overhead fan, mosquito nets.

A digital safe for your valuables.

We have limited internet available in the privacy of your room.

All rooms have air conditioners and overhead fans for your comfort.

Laundry basket and laundry list - we offer the laundry at an extra charge

Dining

Freshly baked bread, an open fire, the night sky dotted with bright stars. Hospitality in the heart of the bushveld. Meals prepared from fresh produce and served in the natural splendour of Africa.

Apart from your safari experiences, food will be another memory to take home with you. Our commitment to freshness means that our chefs use only fresh produce. They prepare delicious, hearty authentic South African fare.

The dining experience embraces the relaxed atmosphere of the lodge, and makes the most of delicious local ingredients, giving you a taste of our local cuisine.

Our boma invites you to sit around the fire and ponder on the exciting day while wondering what the next day has to show you.

Game viewing

Shortly after your arrival at Cheetah Plains, after snacks and drinks, our game rangers will take you on the first of your exhilarating twice-daily game drives.

An early morning wake-up call is followed by a journey through the magic of the African sunrise. Mornings are an ideal time to watch Africa's magnificent animals in their natural habitat: birds and mammals are out at this time of day to gather food and drink water. Predators laze in the shade after a night's hunting.

    Photographic safaris in the Sabi Sand Reserve

    Renowned wildlife photographers offer professional tuition and wildlife photographic tips on our specialised daily photographic safaris. These safaris cater for photographers of various skill levels.

    Photographic safaris are done on specific scheduled dates. Please note that at least 4 photographers are required before we can confirm the safari. Ask your our booking agency for information on dates, camera specifications and more.

    * Specialised birding safaris

    Learn from professional and passionate birding-specialist guides to distinguish birds by sound, sight and habitat. You will soon listen to every chirp and song you hear, ready to find and name the source of the sound. For information on dates, equipment and more - ask your booking agency.

    * There must be at least 4 confirmed birders for the birding safari to begin.

    Bush walks

    We will offer bush walks at Cheetah Plains as soon as our rifle licenses are processed.

Rates

Please contact us for our latest rates and availability.

Lodges offer varied rates which change from time to time. Rates depend on service levels, the type of lodge or hotel, number and age of guests, the time of year, location and any specials which may apply at time of enquiry.

Only children 13 years & over are accepted at Cheetah Plains & pay the applicable adult rate.

Included

  • accommodation
  • dinner
  • brunch
  • a morning game drive
  • an afternoon game drive

Excluded

  • the Sabi Sand Reserve entrance fee and conservation fee - payable at Gowrie Gate
  • airstrip tax
  • all drinks
  • all sun-downers
  • mineral water
  • bottled water
  • lunch on day of arrival -and must be pre-arranged
  • gratuities
  • curio shop purchases
  • massage treatments
  • telephone
  • laundry

Weddings

Your wedding ceremony will be a blend of magic, love and celebration. The ceremony can take place in the lodge, at a peaceful waterhole, under a canopy of trees in the middle of the African bushveld. We take care of the details.

Defined by our personal attention to detail, service and co-ordination, we aim to make your wedding aspirations a reality.

Useful information

Electricity and water

  • We are on 240volt
  • Water supply is via borehole and is clean and can be consumed, but, we recommend you drink bottled water
  • Arrival & departure times

    Check in time: From 14:00 (lunch on day of arrival must be pre-arranged - at an added cost)

  • Check-out: 11h00
  • Weather

    Winters are dry and evening temperatures may drop to 0°C,

    Summers are wet with daily highs of up to 38°C.

    Important for self-drive guests

    It is not possible to enter the Sabi Sand Reserve from the Kruger National Park. You must exit the Kruger Park and enter Sabi Sand at Gowrie Gate.

    Cheetah Plains is only accessible via the Gowrie Gate. Do not travel via Newington or Shaws Gate, as you will have to exit and drive back to Gowrie Gate.

    Gowrie Gate is more or less 1½ hours drive from Acornhoek. Travel time depends on road conditions, which could be poor. We recommend that you try to reach the lodge before sunset. Afternoon game drives leave between 15:00 - 16:h00.

    Malaria

    The Sabi Sand Game Reserve lies in a malaria region. Please consult your medical practitioner or a travel doctor for advice on precautionary medication.

    Personal safety

    Cheetah Plains is in a natural wildlife game reserve. Do not walk outside the perimeters of the camp unassisted. Please be aware at all times.

    Insurance

    We recommend that guests have travel & medical insurance cover for unexpected incidents & to cover cancellation fees.

    Photo of bush dinner
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