Luxury Lodges · Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa

Cheetah Plains Karula Villa

Greater Kruger, South Africa Part of Cheetah Plains 10 experiences

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Overview

‘Karula’ is a tribute to the most majestic of female leopards that ever roamed the northern quadrant of the Sabi Sands Reserve.

Set along a drainage line that Karula would have favoured in her prime, the natural bush setting reflects her key qualities: tenacity and nurturing. Her hunting prowess saw her flourish, growing into a devoted mother. She secured her bloodline by rearing ten cubs in her lifetime - no mean feat in the African wilderness. She would lavish attention on them, patiently teaching the critical skills they would need to thrive in the bush, selflessly protecting them.

When the time came for each of her cubs to establish their own territories, Karula would prepare them, enabling each to embrace their individual destiny as a solitary, territorial wild leopard of the Sabi Sand. One day, instinctively, with an uncompromising flick of her tail she would get up and simply vanish into the bush, leaving them to their own devices. Each time we knew that she may never see them again. Indeed, we hoped not, as a territorial clash could prove fatal to either party.

Windows of impressive, full-length stature frame the natural bush setting without while allowing the sounds of nature to flow seamlessly within. ‘Karula’ Villa comprises a shared space: a private sanctuary surrounded by nature housing the formal lounge, living room, expansive deck, lap pool, wine gallery and dining area. Find repose in one of four adjacent Private Suites (two of which are interleading). Your delectable meals are made to order and these, like the rejuvenating wellness treatments, can be taken in your suite for those seeking to enjoy ultimate privacy.

Your spacious, designer Private Suite enjoys uninterrupted views and deep connection with the natural bushveld surrounds. Soak in the tranquility on the patio with its expansive daybed or opt for the sanctuary of the lounge. The suite is equipped with a separate WC, dressing room and full bathroom, replete with double rain shower, plus a deluxe freestanding bath set against floor to ceiling doors, opening directly on to its pristine bushveld setting. This, complemented by uplifting Africology amenities invites an immersive, invigorating bathing ritual.

The deck is a wonderful space to enjoy an al fresco meal. On balmier nights opt for the inviting
temperature controlled wine gallery. On chillier nights, you cannot beat a hearty meal around the magnificent dinner table. Afterward, relax in either the formal lounge or the living room. The latter is replete with state of the art audiovisual equipment as well as cable television and board games.
Tales of Karula’s bravery, dedication as a mother and prowess as a huntress have sparked the imagination of many a storyteller. Your private boma alongside the dining area is the perfect setting to explore these legendary stories. At the fireside, you are warmed by impressions of the memorable force of nature that is ‘Karula’.

Details

Good to know

Languages spoken

English

Ideal for

Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Wildlife, Wine

Property facilities

Accept Credit Cards, Air conditioner, Baby Sitting, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room, Vegetarian

Accommodation & amenities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internal Stereo, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), LCD DVD/TV, Lounge Area, Microwave, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Table, Tea / Coffee, Television, Vanity Cabinet, Verandah, Wardrobe, Wheelchair Friendly

Services

24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Baby Sitting, Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Room service 24 hours, Room Service

On-site activities

Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, Gourmet Picnic, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)

Nearby activities

Art Galleries, Big 5, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided), Wine Tasting

Location

Where you'll be

Coordinates 24.7389° S · 31.5757° E

AddressGreater Kruger, South Africa

DestinationSabi Sand Nature Reserve

CountrySouth Africa

Video

See the stay

The Cheetah Plains Experience (Long edit)

Home of the exclusive-use luxury safari experience in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sand. Cheetah Plains is the epitome of a sophisticated, innovative eco-luxury safari experience for the modern age, indulging you in a refined, personalised and private sustainable safari experience of a lifetime.

Silent Vehicles

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Our twice-daily game drives are led by expert safari guide and tracker teams and taken in our innovative Land Cruiser Electric Safari Vehicles. This bold advance toward zero-emission game viewing is what drives our sustainable safari experience at Cheetah Plains.

Cheetah Experience

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A sophisticated, innovative eco-luxury safari experience for the modern age

Cheetah Plains

Watch the video

Introducing a new age of carbon negative luxury

Activities

What you can do

Art at Cheetah Plains

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

Cheetah Plains Childrens Club

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.

Diamond Safari

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.

Gym

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.

Safaris

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.

Sharis Boutique

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.

Tastings and Pairings

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.

Wellness

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.