Enjoy a stunning five-star stay in the middle of the African bush at Cheetah Plains. With just three exclusive-use houses on a private game reserve, which shares its border with Kruger National Park, the modern property offers private chefs, guides and safari vehicles to explore the landscape in style.
Awarded: Silver
Location
Cheetah Plains is on the private Sabi Sands Game Reserve where game viewing is exceptional. It’s named after the Sabi River and Sand River, which run through the reserve and act as a magnet for plenty of wildlife. Known for its Big Five viewing, the reserve shares it’s fenceless border with Kruger National Park so wildlife roams freely between the two.
Rooms
Accommodation at Cheetah Plains is split into three exclusive-use houses named Mvula, Karula and Mapogo, housing between four to eight guests each. Blending seamlessly into the landscape, the houses are open-plan with modern furnishings throughout, raw-stone walls, stone counters and huge windows. Four suites in each low-build house offer king-size beds, dressing rooms, lounge areas and en-suites boasting rain showers and bathtubs with views across the bush. Each house also has a private chef and butler.
Communal Areas
Each house offers a dining room with long wooden tables over which bronze and glass chandeliers hang. Stone floors run throughout with South African art on the walls complementing the modern, clean lines with splashes of colour. In the lounge, low-sitting sofas and beanbags surround a wooden coffee table, and a separate TV room. Outside there is a stone, heated swimming pool surrounded by loungers and the bush beyond with a firepit for evening drinks under the stars. Each of the three houses enjoys it’s own private game drives and guide.
Activities
Private vehicles are available each day from early morning to evening. Stop in the heart of the bush to watch the sunrise or enjoy sundowners and stars in the Sabi Sands Reserve. Take bush walks with knowledgeable guides to discover the smaller species of the landscape or visit Utah Village where many Cheetah Plains staff live, and learn of the Shangan culture. For children, Cub Club offers plenty for young explorers including nature walks and short bush drives.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
