Flanking the south western section of the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a 65,000 hectare reserve, pioneered by local landowners in the 1950s and today, a legacy continued by the third and fourth generations of those families. Located within it, the Cheetah Plains Game Lodge.

Widely considered to be the ultimate South African safari destination, the Cheetah Plains Game Lodge is emblematic of a growing trend of adventure experiences or adventure tourism that are increasingly chosen over your run-of-the-mill luxury tours.

Adventure Tourism: Cheetah Plains Game Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

For those familiar with the exclusive safari adventure, Cheetah Plains Game Lodge has come a long way since its launch. The South African Game Lodge has “upgraded” from the traditional safari tent camp, opting instead for a trio of Afro-minimalist sanctuaries, while still remaining a beacon of eco-luxe safari experiences steeped in collaborative expression of the region’s rich heritage.

Cheetah Plains is a pioneer in this genre of adventure tourism and while definitively upscale, the eco-safari in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve takes nothing away from an authentic African big game experience thanks to their expert team of safari trackers, guiding your personal discovery of this significant conservancy.

Entirely ‘off the grid’ courtesy of Owner Japie van Niekerk’s singular approach to sustainability, Cheetah Plains Game Lodge partnered with some of the world’s best minds in the field of renewable energy to provide clean energy solutions, making the South African Game Lodge one of the most eco-friendly, self-sustaining Safari resorts anywhere on the planet. Use of grey-water recycling systems ensures that the Sabi Sands Game eco-resort has optimal  water consumption, an important feature given the growing water crisis in South Africa (over 5 million people with no access to clean water), and climate change exacerbating the issue.

Imaginative, Afro-themed honest architecture is complemented by restful interiors that invite the outside in. These luxurious, private Plains Houses are comprised of two parts: the shared space and the accommodation. The central building includes an expansive formal lounge, living room, sun deck, lap pool, loggia, fine wine gallery and dining room. While the accommodation area comprises four graciously appointed free-standing Private Suites; all enjoying a muted palette of the interior design imbued with warm, natural elements is enhanced with handpicked decor pieces by notable African artisans.

Featuring outdoor bathrooms, the individual bedroom suites are organised around the main structure, each with interiors which open out to a sun terrace and heated swimming pool surrounded by epic views of the African bush. Each of the Cheetah Plains Houses comes with its own hospitality teams comprising your own chef, wellness therapist, and Game Rangers, complete Game drives are taken on electric Land Cruiser safari vehicles, ensure guests get to minimise their eco-footprints while maximising their luxury and adventure needs.

An exemplar of eco-stewardship, the Cheetah Plains Game Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve also creates local employment and supporting the local early childhood development center in the neighbouring community of Utah.