Karula Villa

‘Karula’ is a tribute to the most majestic of female leopards that ever roamed the northern quadrant of the Sabi Sands Reserve. Set along a drainage line that Karula would have favoured in her prime, the natural bush setting reflects her key qualities: tenacity and nurturing. Her hunting prowess saw her flourish, growing into a devoted mother. She secured her bloodline by rearing ten cubs in her lifetime - no mean feat in the African wilderness. She would lavish attention on them, patiently teaching the critical skills they would need to thrive in the bush, selflessly protecting them.

When the time came for each of her cubs to establish their own territories, Karula would prepare them, enabling each to embrace their individual destiny as a solitary, territorial wild leopard of the Sabi Sand. One day, instinctively, with an uncompromising flick of her tail she would get up and simply vanish into the bush, leaving them to their own devices. Each time we knew that she may never see them again. Indeed, we hoped not, as a territorial clash could prove fatal to either party.

Windows of impressive, full-length stature frame the natural bush setting without while allowing the sounds of nature to flow seamlessly within. ‘Karula’ Villa comprises a shared space: a private sanctuary surrounded by nature housing the formal lounge, living room, expansive deck, lap pool, wine gallery and dining area. Find repose in one of four adjacent Private Suites (two of which are interleading). Your delectable meals are made to order and these, like the rejuvenating wellness treatments, can be taken in your suite for those seeking to enjoy ultimate privacy.

Your spacious, designer Private Suite enjoys uninterrupted views and deep connection with the natural bushveld surrounds. Soak in the tranquility on the patio with its expansive daybed or opt for the sanctuary of the lounge. The suite is equipped with a separate WC, dressing room and full bathroom, replete with double rain shower, plus a deluxe freestanding bath set against floor to ceiling doors, opening directly on to its pristine bushveld setting. This, complemented by uplifting Africology amenities invites an immersive, invigorating bathing ritual.

The deck is a wonderful space to enjoy an al fresco meal. On balmier nights opt for the inviting
temperature controlled wine gallery. On chillier nights, you cannot beat a hearty meal around the magnificent dinner table. Afterward, relax in either the formal lounge or the living room. The latter is replete with state of the art audiovisual equipment as well as cable television and board games.
Tales of Karula’s bravery, dedication as a mother and prowess as a huntress have sparked the imagination of many a storyteller. Your private boma alongside the dining area is the perfect setting to explore these legendary stories. At the fireside, you are warmed by impressions of the memorable force of nature that is ‘Karula’.

Luxury Suites

FOUR PRIVATE SUITES PER VILLA

Each private suite (4 per exclusive-use villa) features:

King-bedded bedroom.
Private mini bar & coffee station.
Lounge.
Private deck with day-bed.
Dressing room.
Double rain shower.
Bath overlooking the bushveld.
Accommodates a maximum of 2 guests per suite.
Especially for families with young children, 2 of the suites interlink so parents are close by, but not in the same bedroom.

Mapogo Villa

Set on the bend of a drainage line culminating in a productive waterhole, ‘Mapogo’ occupies a unique vantage point on the Cheetah Plains Private Reserve. The raw masculinity of the structure and its inherent appointments embody the power and purpose that characterised the Mapogo brotherhood: a coalition of lions that reigned supreme in this area for years. Together, they exacted dominion in a fierce, uncompromising way. They displayed an unwavering mutual loyalty and their affection for one another was at once powerful and wonderful to behold.

Windows of impressive, full-length stature frame the natural bush setting without while allowing the sounds of nature to flow seamlessly within. Mapogo comprises a shared space: a private sanctuary surrounded by nature housing the formal lounge, living room, expansive deck, lap pool, wine gallery and dining area. Find repose in one of four adjacent Private Suites (two of which are interleading).

Each spacious, designer suite enjoys uninterrupted views of the bush, a patio with an expansive daybed, lounge, separate WC, dressing room and full bathroom, replete with double rain shower, plus a deluxe freestanding bath set against floor-to-ceiling doors opening directly on to pristine bushveld. This, complemented by uplifting Africology amenities, invites an immersive, invigorating bathing ritual.

Delectable meals reflecting the fresh, local style of cuisine are made to order that, like your rejuvenating wellness treatments, can be enjoyed in your Private Suite.

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the lap pool before retiring to a day bed drenched in the warm rays of the African sun. Gaze upon the waterhole below, a wellspring of life for many animals including a pod of lively hippo, from beneath the dappled shade of the weathered steel patio – a designer interpretation of the African arboreal icon, the umbrella acacia.

The deck is a wonderful space to enjoy an al fresco meal. On balmier nights opt for the inviting temperature-controlled wine gallery. On chillier nights, you cannot beat a hearty meal around the magnificent dinner table. Afterward, relax in either the formal lounge or the living room. The latter is replete with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment as well as cable television and board games.

Tales of the Mapogo’s bravery, uncompromising ferocity and brotherly affection for one another have sparked the imagination of many a storyteller. Your private boma alongside the dining area is the perfect setting to explore these legendary stories. At the fireside, you are warmed by impressions of the memorable force of nature that is ‘Mapogo’.

Mvula Villa

‘Mvula’ is dedicated to the once dominant majestic male leopard whose home range was (central to) the Cheetah Plains Private Reserve. Set in a grove of cathedral Tamboti trees, the aura of this residence exudes the force that was Mvula. Known for his hunting prowess and regal stature, Mvula’s matchless potency and adaptive nature saw him siring many cubs, securing his noble bloodline. In this distinctive, setting that is Cheetah Plains, his revered spirit lives on.

Windows of impressive, full-length stature frame the natural bush setting without while allowing the sounds of nature to flow seamlessly within. ‘Mvula’ is a private sanctuary, characterised by its forested location. Organic accents reflect the authenticity and raw power of its spotted feline namesake. Explore the formal lounge, living room, expansive deck, lap pool, wine gallery and dining room. Find repose in one of four adjacent Plains Suites (two of which are interleading). Delectable meals are made to order by your private chef and these, just like your rejuvenating wellness treatments, can be taken in your Private Suite should you desire.

Your expansive, designer Private Suite enjoys uninterrupted views and deep connection with the natural bushveld surrounds. Replete with a patio with an expansive daybed, lounge, separate WC, dressing room and full bathroom replete with double rain shower plus a deluxe freestanding bath set against floor to ceiling doors that open directly on to its pristine bushveld setting. This, complemented by uplifting Africology amenities invites an immersive, invigorating bathing ritual.
Your spacious, designer Private Suite enjoys uninterrupted views and deep connection with the natural bushveld surrounds. Soak in the tranquility on the patio with its expansive daybed or opt for the sanctuary of the lounge. The suite is equipped with a separate WC, dressing room and full bathroom, replete with double rain shower, plus a deluxe freestanding bath set against floor-to-ceiling doors, opening directly on to its pristine bushveld setting. This, complemented by uplifting Africology amenities invites an immersive, invigorating bathing ritual

The deck is a wonderful space to enjoy an al fresco meal. On balmier nights opt for the inviting temperature-controlled wine gallery. On chillier nights, you cannot beat a hearty meal around the magnificent dinner table. Tales of Mvula’s hunting prowess and fierce protection of his Cheetah Plains home range have sparked the imagination of many a storyteller. Your private boma is the perfect setting to explore these legendary stories. At the fireside, you are warmed by impressions of the memorable force of nature that is ‘Mvula.