Insider’s Guide: A First-Hand Stay at Cheetah Plains

Part of our Insider’s Guide series, this first-hand review of Cheetah Plains luxury safari offers an on-the-ground perspective.

Written by

Ker & Downey® Africa

In May 2025, Ker & Downey® Africa Travel Concierge Kate Nebalzina joined a FAM stay at Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sands, spending two nights experiencing one of South Africa’s most progressive luxury safari properties exactly as our travellers would. The objective was clear: to assess the experience on the ground, from arrival to departure, and determine how confidently it can be recommended to discerning clients.

The verdict was unequivocal.

Arrival & First Impressions

From the moment of arrival, the tone was set. The welcome was warm, intuitive, and deeply personal, without ever feeling staged. While a fam trip naturally differs from a traditional booking journey, all pre-travel logistics, transfers, arrival, and departure were seamlessly coordinated in partnership with the Cheetah Plains team, Ker & Downey® Africa, and transfer partners.

What stood out immediately was how seen guests felt. Names and preferences were remembered effortlessly, and the experience unfolded with a sense of calm confidence that defined the stay.

“From the moment we arrived, your team made us feel incredibly welcome. We were extremely spoiled throughout our stay.”

The Villa Experience

Accommodation was split across various suites, with time spent in Villa Mvula. The villas are expansive, contemporary, and beautifully considered, offering privacy without isolation and comfort without excess.

From a female traveler’s perspective, the attention to detail was especially appreciated. Generous dressing areas, spacious walk-in wardrobes, and Dyson hairdryers elevated the stay beyond expectation. Housekeeping operated quietly in the background, with morning refreshes and evening turndowns completed seamlessly and unobtrusively.

“The villas are absolutely stunning and comfortable. They have everything you need and even more.”

Safari & Wildlife Encounters

Game viewing over the two-day stay was exceptional. Sightings included wild dogs, leopards, and multiple big-cat kills – a remarkable run enhanced by skilled guiding and intimate reserve access.

Ranger Sips and tracker Mpho delivered engaging, high-energy drives tailored to agent interests, with a clear focus on big cats from the outset. A standout sighting was a female leopard with her prey in a tree – a moment that encapsulated the magic of the Sabi Sands.

Cheetah Plains’ electric safari vehicles proved to be a true differentiator. Silent and smooth, they allowed for closer wildlife encounters while offering heated seats, charging points, and premium individual binoculars at every seat.

An especially memorable touch was the photographic support. Guests who preferred not to operate cameras themselves were still able to leave with beautifully captured images of their safari.

“We absolutely loved the photos Sips took during the drives, especially since we preferred not to operate the camera ourselves. He even managed to capture wild dogs running past us incredibly quickly.”

Dining & Culinary Experiences

Dining at Cheetah Plains is immersive, creative, and thoughtfully paced across different settings. In just two days, the group enjoyed a wine-pairing dinner, a surprise bush breakfast, a South African braai, an elegant high tea, and gin-tasting sundowners. Each experience is distinct, beautifully executed, and deeply memorable.

The culinary quality was consistently excellent, with chefs demonstrating both creativity and technical confidence. Dietary preferences were noted and accommodated, and every meal felt intentional rather than routine.

“The creativity and effort that went into the dining experiences was outstanding. Every meal was a highlight! The chefs are doing remarkable work.”

Service, Hospitality & Attention to Detail

Service is where Cheetah Plains truly distinguishes itself. The team delivered a guest journey that felt both polished and deeply personal, anticipating needs without intrusion. Thoughtful welcome gifts, subtle personalisation, and genuine warmth were evident throughout.

What resonated most was the pride and passion of the staff. There is a sense that every team member understands the level they are operating at and cares deeply about maintaining it.

“Every moment felt very personalised. The experience really sets Cheetah Plains apart.”

Final Reflections

This stay reinforced Cheetah Plains’ position as one of South Africa’s most exceptional luxury safari offerings. The combination of private-villa living, innovative sustainability through electric vehicles, exceptional guiding, and heartfelt hospitality creates a safari experience that feels contemporary, confident, and quietly extraordinary.
As Kate concludes: “We now feel even more confident in presenting Cheetah Plains to our clients as one of the most exceptional luxury safari experiences in the Kruger region.”

For travelers seeking refined exclusivity, meaningful wildlife encounters, and an experience where every detail is considered, Cheetah Plains delivers – consistently and convincingly.

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