Cheetah Plains Mapogo Villa

In January 2024, Cheetah Plains, South Africa’s leading carbon-negative luxury lodge in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in partnership with Goodman Gallery, will debut a private gallery space, and a new collection of nearly 100 highly collectible works curated for the three exclusive villas. Redefining the ultimate notion of a sustainable luxury safari, Cheetah Plains once again is reimagining the guest experience with an art program that celebrates Africa’s rich cultural heritage and allows one to experience the creative talents of such notable and emerging artists. The Cheetah Plains Gallery and Art Collection will be the most contemporary display of African art housed in the bush and available for purchase with white glove delivery service. Leading the curation and installation is Goodman Gallery, an international contemporary art gallery with locations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, London, and New York.

Bush Walks

For the ultimate in a connected, immersive experience embark on a guided interpretive bush walk on the plains that gave birth to its namesake, Cheetah Plains. There is no more tangible way than this to surround yourself with nature; senses are sharpened and a profound appreciation of one's place within the ecosystem is deeply felt. Terms & conditions apply

Our bespoke children's safari program, Cheetah Plains' Cub Club, for children under 12 years old is wildly popular with our younger guests. Educational, engaging and fun, each child receives a backpack stuffed with exciting activities to enjoy on safari, with our compliments. Our relatable field guides and trackers are eager to share their bush lore with young, inquisitive minds. Bush bumbles (game drives of age appropriate duration), interpretive walks in our garden or simply chatting with our team about their way of life in the bushveld help your child to forge a deep connection with Africa's wilderness. Awakening them to nature's splendour is our privilege.

Cheetah Plains has created a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with access to top-quality ethical diamonds, as well as their very own Cheetah Plains Signature Diamond Collection. Starting with champagne service, guests of Cheetah Plains will have a one-on-one consultation with South African gemologist and jewelry maker, Kate Shearer, a qualified New York GIA gemologist and jewelry designer. The Cheetah Plains Diamonds are part of a special collection of uniquely cut and GIA-certified loose stones, which are designed into custom pieces for international delivery. Guests are provided with CAD renderings of their one-of-a-kind piece with a 3-6 week delivery, with a percentage of proceeds of the diamond sales donated to the local Lezagwa Utah Community Crèche.

Sporting beautiful views out over our neat rolling lawns and Tamboti grove beyond, our climate-controlled gym is fitted with the most modern equipment for your training pleasure.

The best time of day to explore the bush is early morning and late afternoon. Our twice-daily game drives are taken in our prototype Land Cruiser Electric safari vehicles, a game-changing innovation pioneered by Japie van Niekerk, owner of Cheetah Plains. This bold advance toward zero-emission game drives is what drives our sustainability safari experience at Cheetah Plains. An onboard bird book, binoculars and a professional level Nikon D850 camera fitted with a 200-500mm telephoto lens plus memory card are provided for guests' enjoyment. The almost silent, smooth gait of our zero-emission Land Cruiser Electric vehicles deliver the highest quality wildlife sightings. Their unobtrusive nature facilitates the most silent approach by vehicle, resulting in an unparalleled safari experience.

Embracing and supporting the local collectible design category in South Africa, Shari's offer the finest quality sourced and curated selection of fine gifts, jewellery, lodge wear, apparel, accessories and art produced by contemporary design makers and artists. Customised items can be shipped to a preferred destination, or hand delivered to Johannesburg or Cape Town before departure.

Each villa boasts a custom-designed wine gallery comprising a purely South African wine selection. Only wines, whiskeys and spirits of the most discerning quality are stocked in your private, temperature-controlled wine gallery. Hosted by our knowledgeable lodge Sommelier, we offer guests the opportunity to enjoy private wine, whiskey or gin tastings and pairings in the comfort of your villa wine cellar, outside in our indigenous gardens, at the formal dining room bar counter or out in the bushveld.

Village Visits

We welcome you to visit the nearby village of Utah where many of our staff live with their families. Experience the many ways in which Cheetah Plains is a powerful catalyst for transformation in this area. Meet the people on your guided visit and observe local traditions of our local Shangaan culture. Come away with a deeper understanding of South Africa as a nation and those who live out the Cheetah Plains dream on a day to day basis.

The restorative quality of your safari is enhanced by personal pampering. We invite you to enjoy a selection of touch therapies or beauty treatments, all included in your stay. Africology is our chosen wellness amenity brand. The healing properties of select African botanicals within our Africology treatments offer an immersive, invigorating wellness experience. Consult your in-room menu which offers an array of uplifting treatments including manicures, pedicures and facials. Alternatively, tailor your personal wellness journey with the help of your highly qualified in-house therapist. Enjoy your pampering in the privacy of your Private Suite, allowing the restorative experience to completely envelope you.