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Experience the thrill of luxury and adventure combined at this exquisite safari lodge, where the allure of spotting elusive leopards in their natural habitat blends seamlessly with top-tier comfort and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, set amidst the captivating wild.
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Experience the thrill of luxury and adventure combined at this exquisite safari lodge, where the allure of spotting elusive leopards in their natural habitat blends seamlessly with top-tier comfort and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, set amidst the captivating wild.
In the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve lies Cheetah Plains, a paradigm shift in luxury safari experiences. This unique collection of exclusive-use villas, nestled in the dense bushveld, has redefined what it means to escape into the wilderness. Unlike traditional safari lodges that emphasize communal spaces, Cheetah Plains champions unparalleled levels of privacy and personalisation. This acknowledgment is a testament to its groundbreaking vision in high-end safari experiences, blending the allure of the wild with contemporary luxury.
The wine experience at Cheetah Plains is a celebration of South African viticulture. Each villa’s wine cellar is a carefully curated repository of the country's finest wines. From established labels to boutique vineyards, the selection is designed to surprise and delight even the most discerning wine enthusiasts. Sommelier Reggie Pheqe’s presence elevates this experience, offering expert guidance through the diverse range of wines. Guests can indulge in bespoke wine tasting dinners, where each course is paired with a carefully selected wine, creating a symphony of flavors and aromas that pay homage to South Africa's rich winemaking heritage.
Cheetah Plains is set within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, AKA ground zero for leopard sightings in the Lowveld. If you’re into big cats, this is the place to be. Cheetah Plains enjoys traversing rights over a vast swathe of the remote eastern reaches of the reserve and, along with memorable cat sightings, you’re all but guaranteed to spot the Big Five, often at close quarters. Look more closely and you’ll also find the bush alive with bird life, especially in these summer months. Each villa comes with a dedicated guide and tracker, and guests set their own schedule for safari drives and bush walks.
At the forefront of eco-conscious luxury, Cheetah Plains sets a new standard with its fleet of electric safari vehicles. Each villa’s dedicated off-road vehicle is a marvel of modern technology, powered entirely by solar energy. This commitment to sustainability is more than an environmentally friendly gesture; it significantly enhances the safari experience. Guests enjoy the serenity of whisper-quiet game drives, allowing for an unobtrusive exploration of the bushveld. The safari vehicles at Cheetah Plains are not just silent; they are a nod to comfort and luxury with features like seat-warmers for chilly mornings, softened suspension for a smoother ride, and USB chargers at every seat. This innovative approach to game viewing respects the natural environment and its inhabitants, ensuring a minimal footprint and a maximally immersive safari experience.
Cheetah Plains eschews the traditional safari decor for a bolder, more contemporary design language. A collaboration between acclaimed architect Stefan Antoni and design studios ARCC and OKHA has birthed a collection of villas that are as much a work of art as they are architectural marvels. The owner, Japie van Niekerk, an avid art collector, has infused the property with an impressive collection of African artworks, creating a living gallery amidst the wilderness. The villas feature signature pieces in each dining room, and art by renowned artists like JH Pierneef and Angus Taylor. The suites and communal areas are adorned with works by sculptors like Malcolm Solomon and mixed-media artist Bambolwami Sibiya. The presence of art extends to the furniture, with dining tables by Pierre Cronje crafted from single tree trunks and Martin Doller’s chandeliers evoking visions of champagne flutes. This artistic flair permeates every corner of Cheetah Plains, making it not just a lodge but a celebration of African art and design.
The ethos of Cheetah Plains is rooted in exclusivity and privacy. The lodge features three private villas, each surrounded by four luxury suites, forming the perfect hideaway for families or friends looking to reconnect in the bush. The villas — Mapogo, Karula, and Mvula — are named after legendary cats of the Sabi Sand and offer similar levels of opulence and comfort. Guests can enjoy expansive lounge areas, sun-soaked terraces with lap pools, and contemporary outdoor bomas. The seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces ensures a continuous connection with the stunning natural surroundings. Among the villas, Mapogo stands out for its exceptional views over a lively waterhole.
Siana Travel has established partnerships with every hotel in our exclusive Portfolio, ensuring a truly luxurious experience for our esteemed guests. By booking your stay with Siana, you will enjoy a range of exclusive member benefits and our unbeatable price guarantee. Contact one of our travel tailors to book your stay.
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'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. Plains House 'Karula' comprises a shared space: a private sanctuary surrounded by nature housing the formal lounge, living room, expansive deck, heated lap pool, loggia, wine gallery, dining area and four adjacent private suites (two of which are inter-leading). Each 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.
Set on the bend of a drainage line culminating in a productive waterhole, 'Mapogo House' occupies a unique vantage point on the Cheetah Plains Private Reserve. The raw masculinity of the structure and its inherent appointments embody the power and purpose that characterised the Mapogo brotherhood: a coalition of lions that reigned supreme in this area for years. Mapogo comprises a shared space: a private sanctuary surrounded by nature housing the formal lounge, living room, expansive deck, lap pool, loggia, wine gallery, dining area, and four private suites, each with uninterrupted views of the bush, a patio with an expansive daybed, lounge, 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 pristine bushveld.
'Mvula' is dedicated to the once dominant majestic male leopard whose home range was central to the Cheetah Plains Private Reserve. Set in a grove of cathedral Tamboti trees, the aura of this residence exudes the force that was Mvula. Explore the formal lounge, living room, expansive deck, heated lap pool, loggia, wine gallery, dining room, and four suites (two of which are inter-leading), each with 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. Each 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.
Your dining expectations and requirements are an important element of your stay. Cheetah Plains has an 'open kitchen' policy; you're always welcome to pop in and see what is cooking! If you like, join in the culinary action or just observe while having a relaxed chat with your chef. Dining al fresco, preferably out in the bush, is always a highlight. Fresh, locally sourced produce is the lodge's preference and supports farm-to-table vision at Cheetah Plains.
Stop for coffee and breakfast treats at a viewing point during your game drives. Your Safari guides will set up a coffee and tea station.
Each Plains House hosts a fine wine gallery comprising a purely South African wine selection curated to reflect Japie's favourite estates and varietals. Only wines of the most discerning quality are stocked in your wine gallery. Your host will readily recommend a wine to pair with your beautiful meal. Explore the wonders of new world wines by embarking on a wine tasting hosted by the lodge's on-property Sommelier (available upon request). Cheetah Plains' accomplished culinary team delivers imaginative, soulful meals that, when paired with characteristic wines, resulting in an elevated dining experience you will savour.
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The best time of day to explore the bush is early morning and late afternoon. Twice-daily game drives are led by best-in-class safari guides and trackers and taken in Cheetah Plains' 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 the sustainability safari experience at Cheetah Plains.
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.
Children of all ages are most welcome at Cheetah Plains. The lodge's bespoke children’s safari program, Cheetah Cub Club, for children under 12 years old is wildly popular with younger guests. Educational, engaging and fun, each child receives a backpack stuffed with exciting activities to enjoy on safari. 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 the garden or simply chatting with the team about their way of life in the bushveld help your child to forge a deep connection with Africa’s wilderness.
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 Cheetah Plains' chosen wellness amenity brand. 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.
Sporting beautiful views out over neat rolling lawns and Tamboti grove beyond, the lodge's climate-controlled gym is fitted with the most modern equipment for your training pleasure.
We welcome you to visit the nearby village of Utah where many of the 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 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.
Arriving in Wengen felt like stepping into a serene winter fairytale. This car-free village in the heart of the Jungfrau region is a peaceful retreat, where the only sounds are the crunch of snow underfoot and the gentle hum of Taxi Imboden or hotel electric vehicles navigating its narrow, postcard-perfect streets. As we stepped off the cogwheel train that winds its way up the valley, the magic of Wengen unfolded before us—snow-capped peaks towering on every side, charming chalets dusted with powder, and an atmosphere of pure Alpine tranquility. The Grand Hotel Belvedere, perched proudly with its historic Belle Époque façade, greeted us like an old friend—its presence a blend of elegance, nostalgia, and fresh promise.
We arrived on the second day of opening and were the very first agents to experience this newly refurbished gem. While the hotel is still a work in progress, it’s clear from the moment you arrive that it is already on its way to becoming something extraordinary. The welcome was seamless and personal, with staff greeting us warmly and offering refreshing drinks infused with local mountain ingredients—a thoughtful touch that set the tone for our stay. As we were whisked inside, we felt the hotel’s unique charm: the perfect blend of Belle Époque history and modern Scandinavian elegance. Our room on the first floor felt fresh, warm, and refined, with a calming scent of cedarwood filling the air. The Grown Alchemist bath products in the bathroom, the clever window design offering glimpses of the bedroom and snowy vistas beyond, and the thoughtful storage space all demonstrated meticulous attention to detail. The beds were supremely comfortable, split perfectly into singles at our request, and even though we noticed a hint of music from the dining room below, other rooms we visited were blissfully quiet. The management team’s commitment to perfection is already evident, and we know exactly where to place our clients for an uninterrupted experience.
That evening, we settled into the cozy Belvi Salon bar, where we were introduced to Alpanist gin, a beautifully crafted Swiss mountain spirit. The staff—hailing from Switzerland, France, and Italy—were both knowledgeable and engaging, making us feel truly at home. Dinner at Brasserie Belvedere was a highlight of our stay. We began with the Swiss Wagyu Bresaola Carpaccio, paired with wild mushroom tapenade and aged Sbrinz cheese, a perfect balance of rich, earthy flavors. For the main, the BBQ trout from Lake Blausee, served with a dill and parsley salsa verde, was flawlessly cooked—light, fresh, and bursting with flavor—a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to using local, high-quality ingredients. Watching the snow fall gently outside through the sleek wooden tones of the dining room created an atmosphere of cozy luxury, an experience we won’t soon forget.
The next morning, we awoke to a generous breakfast spread that reflected the same attention to detail. Freshly baked breads, artisanal Swiss cheeses, seasonal fruits, and yogurt awaited us, along with small ceramic pots of bacon, sausages, and eggs served to the table. More options were available, but the spread alone was more than enough to fuel a day on the slopes. The hotel team arranged everything for us, from 10% off ski rentals at a local shop—where the service was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional—to helping us navigate the area’s ski runs. Wengen is perfectly positioned for exploring the Jungfrau region, with over 200 kilometers of slopes. We spent the day gliding through the blue and red runs, which were beautifully groomed and easy to navigate, with panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Skiing in this region felt magical, with polite skiers, quiet trails, and picture-perfect moments at every turn. Returning to the hotel after catching the final lift, we relaxed in our room, watched the snow fall from our balcony, and soaked in the calm, wintry atmosphere.
Later that evening, we wandered through Wengen’s charming streets, stopping by cozy boutiques and enjoying the village’s timeless Alpine charm. The next morning, before our departure, we were given a private tour of the under-construction spa and new facilities, which promise to be truly exceptional. With its planned onsen-style pools, spacious treatment rooms, and panoramic relaxation areas, the vision for the spa is breathtaking and will no doubt become a standout feature. While not yet complete, what has already been achieved is exceptional, and the hotel’s management team deserves credit for their dedication and expertise.
The Grand Hotel Belvedere may still be finding its final form, but what we experienced was nothing short of impressive. From the warm, genuine staff to the thoughtful design and extraordinary dining, this is a hotel with all the ingredients for success. Its location in Wengen, with seamless access to world-class skiing, scenic trails, and year-round adventure, only enhances its appeal. Whether for families, couples, or discerning travelers looking for an authentic and luxurious Alpine experience, this hotel is poised to become a true gem in the Swiss Alps. This visit was a privilege, and with a management team this dedicated, we have no doubt the hotel will reach its full potential very soon. We look forward to returning and experiencing it again as it evolves into one of Switzerland’s finest retreats.
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