Private villa · Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
Karula House
Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve, South Africa Part of Cheetah Plains
- Bedrooms
- 4
- Bathrooms
- 4
- Guests
- 8
Your private base
About this villa
‘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’.
Before you arrive
Villa details
Main Area Features
- Two lounges (a formal lounge & an entertainment lounge)
- Dining area
- Outdoor boma for fire-side dining
- Temperature controlled wine cellar
- Swimming pool
- Day-bed & private deck area
- Indigenous gardens & spectacular views into the surrounding natural bushveld
- Private game viewing vehicle as well as designated professional field guide & tracker
- Private chef & butler for the duration of your stay
- Accommodates a minimum of 4 & a maximum of 8 guests.
Four Private Suite Features
- King / Twin bedded bedroom
- Private mini-bar & coffee station
- Lounge
- Private deck with day-bed
- Dressing room
- Double rain shower
- Bath overlooking the bushveld
- Accommodates a maximum of 2 guests per suite
- Especially for families with young children, 2 of the suites interlink so parents are close by, but not in the same bedroom
The Location
Cheetah Plains Private Reserve comprises an exclusive traverse area set aside for our Cheetah Plains guests. We do, however, explore the greater area which extends many thousands of hectares beyond our location in the pristine north-west corner of the vast Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Our particular area is revered for its prime game viewing, most especially the iconic species known as the ‘Big Five’.
We share our fenceless border to the east with the vast, world famous Kruger National Park and our southern border with the esteemed Mala Mala Game Reserve. Cheetah Plains’ prime location within the inimitable Sabi Sands delivers a prolific, sustainable safari experience facilitated by the natural movement of wildlife over this vast land, fiercely protected under conservation.
The Sabi Private Game Reserve was formed in 1934, and was the forerunner of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, which was established in 1948. It is the oldest private game reserve in South Africa and the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern Africa.
A formal association of landowners, many operating commercial safaris, Sabi Sand Game Reserve’s goal is to promote and conserve the fauna and flora in the area and preserve the area as a wildlife sanctuary.
All lodges in the greater Sabi Sand area are involved in environmental management such as alien plant control, combating erosion, monitoring wildlife, anti-poaching and fire control.
Two rivers cross Sabi Sand: the Sabi River on its boundary in the south and the Sand River that flows from northwest to southeast. This has resulted in an abundance of leopard, lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, hyena and a wide variety of antelope and other species. To date 330 trees, 45 fish, 30 amphibia, 110 reptiles, 500 bird and 145 mammal species have been noted in Sabi Sand.
A number of endangered species have also made the reserve their home, and visitors to the area are often given a rare glimpse of Honey Badgers, Ground Hornbills and Wild Dogs.
Sustainable Safari
Cheetah Plains is a pioneer in its class and the undisputed home of the definitive upscale eco-safari in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Our expert team of safari guides and trackers will guide your personal discovery of this prolific, significant conservancy. Owner Japie van Niekerk’s singular approach to sustainability within our footprint on the Sabi Sands delivers an eco-safari of unrivalled quality.
We have partnered with some of the world’s pre-eminent minds in the renewable energy field to provide clean energy solutions that drive both our hospitality and safari experiences here at Cheetah Plains. Guest accommodation is entirely ‘off the grid’, harnessing the power of solar to provide us with a reliable, renewable energy source at Cheetah Plains. Use of grey-water recycling systems ensures our water consumption on the property remains as frugal as possible.
Further carbon footprint-reducing innovations include the use of single-glazed, clear, low-E glazing throughout the Plains Houses. This energy-saving glass reduces heat transfer through windows, keeping interiors cooler in summer and effectively retains heat in winter.
Creating local employment and supporting the local early childhood development centre in our neighbouring community of Utah are additional tangible ways in which our holistic approach towards sustainability is being lived out. Additionally, all suitable food wastage accumulated at Cheetah Plains is collected and transported to Utah 2-3 times a week, for use as pig fodder.
What to Pack
- Hat Sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera, spare battery & charger
- Long trousers
- Short trousers
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Sweatshirt/jersey
- Rain jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Scarf
- Gloves (winter)
- Closed shoes
- Personal medication Allergy/headache/flu medication. There is no medication available in the reserve or nearby, so come prepared!
Weather
Winters:
- Generally dry & sunny
- Daily Temperatures range from 18 – 30 degrees Celsius
- Night Time temperatures may drop to 0 degrees Celsius
Summers:
- Generally sunny with Thunderstorms resulting in wet & humid weather
- Daily Temperatures range from 25 up to 40 degrees Celsius
- Night Time Temperatures from 15 up to 20 degrees Celsius
Water & Electricity
Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve is on 220 volts with a backup generator. Water supply is via a borehole, is clean & can be consumed, however, we do have filtered water for drinking available in the main lodge areas and your room.
Arrival & Departure Times
- Check in from 15:00pm
- Check out until 10:00am
At your pace
Experiences included in the stay
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.
Cheetah Plains Cub Club
We love families! Children of all ages are most welcome at Cheetah Plains.
Our bespoke children’s safari program, Cheetah 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 highly qualified, 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.
Our Plains Houses have great child-friendly features such as a set of inter-leading Private Suites, a living room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a games selection and Netflix.
Imaginative kiddies’ meals are the order of the day as are interactive cooking sessions with your Plains House chef. Babysitting by our qualified, caring nannies is complimentary and always on offer.
Our Cheetah Cub Club is our bespoke children’s program, chock full of safari fun.
Our individualistic approach to family safaris is what sets us apart in the Sabi Sand. It starts with a conversation and ends with safari memories of a lifetime.
Gym
Sporting beautiful views out over our rolling lawns and Tamboti grove beyond, our climate-controlled gym is fitted with modern equipment for your training pleasure.
Land Cruiser Electric Game Viewers
The best time of day to explore the bush is early morning and late afternoon. Our twice-daily game drives are led by our best-in-class safari guides and trackers and 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.
ach Land Cruiser Electric vehicle that ranges our vast, prolific traverse has a maximum of 8 comfortable bucket seats, individually set at the optimal recline level of 11 degrees, tried and tested by owner, Japie van Niekerk. Working closely with the prototype agents, Japie has personally ensured the vehicles’ specialist design and powerful torque rival that of its fossil-fueled counterparts, delivering an elevated safari experience bar none.
Our 4×4 game viewers do not require cumbersome gear changes, thus ensuring a smooth, quiet driving experience, getting you closer to sightings in the most unobtrusive way. Top speed (up to 65 km/hour), agility and torque have all been rigorously stress-tested, leaving nothing to chance. The advanced 600mm water-resistant engine sports low range and differential lock features, leaving passé diesel models in the dust.
Cheetah Plains sets the standard in South Africa for the safest zero-emission, sustainable 4×4 luxury safari experience led by our highly skilled safari guides and trackers.
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.
The setting
Location and arrival
- Location
- Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve, South Africa
- Destination
- Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
Whether you fly directly to Cheetah Plains on one of the daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg or Nelspruit, or via Madikwe, Cheetah Plains is easily accessible by air.
Gate fees are payable upon arrival. Airstrip passenger taxes apply to passengers on all flights.
Daily flights are available on SA Airlink and Federal Air. (If flying with Federal Air, storage facilities for extra or large luggage is available, should you require this service at their O R Tambo departure lounge).
Weekly flights Sabi Sand – Madikwe every Monday, Wednesday & Friday (Based on a minimum of 4 Guests)
Airports are located within easy driving distance to Cheetah Plains: Arathusa Airstrip is approximately a 20-minute drive within the reserve (usually provided in an open game viewing vehicle), whereas Hoedspruit Airport takes about 1.5 hours and allow 3 hours to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Road transfers from Hoedspruit Airport or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport can be booked directly through Cheetah Plains.
Please note that it is advisable to carry a small duffel bag or soft case (20 kg limit) in your main suitcase for your time at the lodge. The airlines do not accept rigid cases but will store them while you are at Cheetah Plains, so you will have to pack your soft bag with your clothing and other equipment for your safari, and then leave the hard suitcase at the airline offices, where they will take care of it.
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