Some places impress you immediately. Others stay with you long after you’ve left.
Cheetah Plains does both.
Our journey began in Johannesburg, flying out with FedAir from their private terminal separate from the main airport, calm, efficient, and refreshingly personal. No crowds. No rush. It felt like the safari had already begun before we even took off. FedAir understands their audience, and that detail matters.
We touched down at Arathusa Airstrip and were met by the Cheetah Plains team warm, professional, and genuinely present. From that moment on, everything flowed effortlessly. Transfers were seamless, smiles were constant, and there was an immediate sense that nothing would be too much trouble.
Service That Feels Intuitive
What struck me most during our stay was how attentive without being intrusive the service was. Staff seemed to know what we needed before we asked when to offer a drink, when to step back, when to simply let the bush do the talking. That level of intuition doesn’t come from training alone; it comes from a culture of care.
Space, Design & Thoughtful Detail
Our villa was exceptional. Spacious which for me is non-negotiable and beautifully designed with a modern, clean aesthetic that still felt connected to the bush. Every detail had been considered. Customised pillowcases with our initials. Thoughtful gifts waiting on the bed. Nothing loud or overdone just refined, deliberate touches that made the space feel personal rather than staged.
And then there was something I’ve never experienced anywhere else: before leaving, we were asked to write a letter to ourselves about our time at Cheetah Plains. That letter will be posted back to us in a year’s time. It’s such a simple idea, yet incredibly powerful an acknowledgement that this place isn’t just about the moment, but about memory.
Watch a our lodge video here – https://youtu.be/va3LEhUgKzE?si=KtHpdikrJwGRMimD
A Different Way to Experience the Bush
Cheetah Plains operates entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy but what really sets the experience apart is how this philosophy translates into the safari itself.
Game drives are conducted in electric safari vehicles, and the impact is immediate. Moving through the Sabi Sand in near silence changes everything. Without the constant hum of an engine, you become more aware of birds calling, of subtle movements in the grass, of the atmosphere around you.
What struck me most was how wildlife responded. Following animals in almost silence was unique and different. Watching lions at rest or a leopard moving through the landscape in complete stillness felt deeply intimate.
The silence creates space for conversation, reflection, and a far more immersive connection with the bush. Once you’ve experienced a safari like this, it’s difficult to imagine going back to anything else.
Game Viewing in Limited Time
We were only there for two days, and the weather wasn’t ideal yet the game viewing delivered. Our guide, Civilized, was exceptional. Calm, knowledgeable, and deeply in tune with the reserve.
We spent time with a full pride of lions males and females relaxed and confident in their territory. We also encountered a female leopard on two separate occasions, which is never something I take for granted. The Sabi Sand has a way of rewarding patience, and even within a short stay, it reminded us why it remains one of the finest wildlife areas in Africa.
Food & Quiet Moments
Meals were outstanding world-class without trying too hard. Beautifully prepared, thoughtful, and perfectly timed around the rhythm of the day. Whether it was dinner back at the villa or a relaxed moment between drives, everything felt unforced.
Those quiet moments sitting outside, listening to the bush, feeling completely unhurried are what elevate a safari from good to unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Cheetah Plains isn’t just a luxury lodge. It’s a considered experience, designed for travellers who value privacy, space, sustainability, and authenticity as much as comfort and elegance.
For guests looking for something truly refined a safari that feels progressive yet deeply connected to the wild this is a place I confidently recommend.
Two days was enough to be impressed.
It was also enough to know we’ll be back.
Whether you are dreaming of a milestone family celebration, a private luxury escape, or a dedicated photographic expedition to capture the perfect light, the magic of the bush is best experienced with those who know it intimately.
Cheetah Plains offers the canvas, but Francois Furie Safaris provides the expertise to turn a trip into a legacy. Don’t just read about the wonder of the African wild, come and live it for yourself.
Contact us today to begin tailor-making your bespoke safari experience and secure your seat on the vehicle.
Email: francois@francoisfouriesafaris.com
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