The rise of the luxury eco-safari
Modern Mapogo Villa, set on a waterhole in South Africa’s private Sabi Sand Game Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park, combines art, architecture and design with a luxurious safari experience.
Each of the three exclusive-use villas was initially named by Cheetah Plains guide Andrew Khosa, who sought to honour the revered felines of the Sabi Sand — a private wilderness concession within the Greater Kruger, a collection of private reserves bordering Kruger National Park. The final names were ultimately decided by Japie, the owner. ‘Mapogo’ was a highly respected coalition of lions whose presence near the lodge, over a period of four years, earned the greatest respect from this passionate wildlife team.
It’s not often that the Perfect Hideaways’ architectural style of choice for an eco-safari is as clean-lined as this, but Cape Town-based architectural firm ARRCC envisaged a luxurious, forward-thinking lodge that was to reflect ‘an audacious new Afro-minimalism’, while setting the bar high as the first carbon-negative lodge in the Sabi Sand. They succeeded.
‘Our lifestyles are modern; nature is raw and primal. It is in that honest contrast that a beautiful tension exists,’ explains lead architect Stefan Antoni. ‘The architecture at Cheetah Plains exists to enhance the experience of the outdoors.’
At first glance, it’s the cantilevered pool pavilion crafted in a sculptural raw-steel and inspired by the canopy of the indigenous Tamboti tree – that makes an impact. Effectively shading the pool area without interrupting the view, it’s a signature design that softens the overall effect of off-shutter concrete and rough stone walls throughout the immaculate villa interiors.
To complement the striking architectural design, equally impressive custom-designed furnishings and a bespoke collection of art, sculpture and ceramics complete the Mapogo experience. Historically significant work by leading artists or rising talent from the African continent and its diaspora was hung by South Africa’s Goodman Gallery across the walls all three villas, providing a culturally rich experience for a visitor.
Global interest in African art also lead to the launch of a satellite gallery at the lodge in 2024, in addition to existing galleries in Johannesburg, London and New York, adding a significant cultural layer to the luxury game lodge experience. ‘Our space recognises the important role that art plays in bringing into our consciousness the immense effect we have on many social and environmental issues and how these are connected,’ says gallery owner and director Liza Essers.
Upon special request, we can arrange a bespoke diamond experience, while our exclusive Signature Collection is available in the boutique on-site. Travel writer, Richard Holmes, puts his finger on it: ‘In a world ever more focused on experiential indulgence, it is access – not excess – that offers the true definition of considered luxury. And at a handful of forward-thinking wilderness destinations, the opportunity to delve into a wild world of fine art has become the latest pathway to creating a more nuanced experience in the world of luxury safaris.
Yet there is no doubt that it’s the ‘people magic’ is so memorable here because Mapogo’s guests get to know their dedicated team from word go. Each villa has its own host, butler, culinary team, spa therapist, field guide and tracker who curate your entire safari experience, ensuring there’s no crossover, especially with other guests at the gym, hairdresser, art gallery or boutique. Equally, every meal is set in a different location every day, accompanied by the sommelier’s choice of wine, all from the owner’s superb collection. An in-depth, individually tailored private tasting is a must for discerning connoisseurs and collectors here, with access to some of South Africa’s rarest vintages and lesser-known vineyards in Mapogo’s cellar.
Equally, the wildlife experience is sustained with storytelling for all ages, with the wisdom of an experienced guide and tracker team who not only share fascinating insights at Big Five sightings but also identify the diversity of little creatures and birdlife that collectively makes up the ecosystem of this wilderness area.
First carbon-neutral lodge in the Sabi Sand
From the very beginning, a commitment to sustainability throughout the lodge has been a game-changer. Two of the most tangible investments for guests, include the energy efficient solar plant and the introduction of super-quiet electric game vehicles for zero-emission game viewing. Together with their recycling initiatives, these efforts translate to a reduction of 640 tons of carbon emissions a year, equivalent to the impact of planting over 20 000 trees.
Not surprisingly, Cheetah Plains is an award-winning safari destination. It was recently recognised as one of the ‘Top 10 Hotels in Africa’ in the 2025 Fodor’s Travel Awards and listed in Fodor’s prestigious ‘100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World’ for 2025.
What we love!
- Each private safari villa is placed far apart from the other, ensuring complete privacy. In addition, host teams coordinate to make sure that in the few communal spaces (hair salon, gym, boutique and art gallery), guests will never see a guest that isn’t from their group (unless they want to).
- Interested in buying works by artists or sculptors you see exhibited in your villa? Safari guests can pre-book an in-person consultation at the lodge or time online with a Goodman Gallery expert.
- Attention to detail: thoughtful touches and only the best quality here. Everyone loves the Dyson hairdryers, but hairdressing and spa treatments are all inclusive.
- The safari apps and your host’s contact details are preloaded for your convenience on in-room iPhones
- Japanese technology in the indulgent bathrooms!
- That the superbly curated Shari’s boutique, supports a wide range of artisanal design and, wherever possible, local communities.
- Family safaris are well thought out here with plenty of activities. Children are welcome and there are inter-leading suites in all the private villas.
- Award-winning architecture: the seamless flow and design of the safari villa is both striking and generous (640sqm) and each suite is 130sqm.
- The silence of electric game vehicles makes big cat game viewing even more special and, ultimately, more respectful of wild animals. Night drives are also more captivating as a result.
What you need to know…
- Mapogo Villa isn’t available on your dates, ask us about Karula and Mvula villas, or browse our curated collection of luxury safari lodges or private bush villas in Mpumalanga near the Kruger National Park.
- Mapogo Villa sleeps up to 8 guests in four suites. There are never more than 24 guests in total at Cheetah Plains and interleading suites are available for families with kids.
- Children and tweens are kept busy by a wonderful team who organise educational scavenger hunts and footprint tracking activities, or baking and creative crafts, giving parents time-out to enjoy spa treatments or wine tastings.
- Getting there: it’s best to fly into the Arathusa airstrip, a mere 20 minute game drive from the lodge. Private charters are by arrangement (between 10am and 3pm daily).
- Alternately, scheduled flights are available daily on Federal Air from Joburg to Arathusa. Fly Airlink from Joburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Skukuza (inside the Kruger National Park so your transfer is a game drive in itself!), or to Hoedspruit and then transfer. There are direct flights from Cape Town to all the major airports.
- Cheetah Plains is closest to Gowrie Gate in the northern Sabi Sand, an area known as the Greater Kruger. The private Sabi Sand Game Reserve is 65 000ha, 50km of which borders the Kruger National Park.
- Helicopter transfers are also available, with a landing pad at the lodge.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon