Karula
Four suites around a heated pool, with sweeping glass walls that open the living areas to the bush.
Three private bush houses, each entirely your own
Cheetah Plains is a different kind of safari lodge. Instead of a shared main area, there are three separate bush houses, Karula, Mapogo and Mvula, and each is booked by one family or group with its own chef, butler, guide and vehicle. You set the timetable: breakfast when you like, drives as long as you like, dinner wherever you choose.
The architecture is boldly contemporary, with glass, steel and stone softened by natural textures and a serious collection of South African art. Each house has four suites, a heated pool, a wine cellar and an open kitchen. The lodge runs largely on solar power, and game drives are in near-silent electric vehicles, which makes for remarkable close encounters with elephants and big cats.
Cheetah Plains is in the western Sabi Sand, an area known for leopard and lion. Photographers are well looked after, with professional camera equipment to borrow on drives.
Best forFamilies, friends and multi-generational groups who want complete privacy and flexibility, and design lovers.
