Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Cheetah Plains from Johannesburg?

It’s almost 500km, about a six to seven hour drive.

Is there a risk of malaria in the Sabi Sand?

Visitors should take prophylaxis all year round but the risk of malaria is higher in spring/summer from September to March, when it rains. The lodge provides mosquito repellent and there are mosquito nets over the beds.

What is included/excluded in the rates?

Included are accommodation, game drives and walks, all meals, tea and coffee. Drinks and spa treatments are extra. Tips for staff are not included.

Are children allowed at the lodge?

Children of all ages are welcome but it is not recommended for children under four years.

What is the climate at Sabi Sand?

Winter is the dry season, when days are warm but nights and early mornings are chilly. In winter the days generally warm up considerably. Summer is the rainy season. In all the game vehicles there are waterproof fleece ponchos.

What are the roads like?

You do not need a four-wheel drive. There is some gravel road just before the Sabi Sand gate and, while it is not in the best condition, it is perfectly manageable for a two-wheel drive vehicle. From the Sabi Sand gate to the lodge the gravel road is in excellent condition.

Are there cheetah at Sabi Sand?

Cheetah are endangered, shy creatures difficult to spot, and while there are cheetah in the reserve, sightings are limited. The lodge is so named after the days when cheetah were plentiful in the area, and could always be spotted on a stretch of flat land near the lodge.

Are there snakes at the lodge?

Yes, in summer the snakes wake up from their winter hibernation and set out in search of food, but they stick to the open bush. The staff is always on the lookout for the odd stray creature, and there is snakebite venom at the lodge should the rare need for it arise.

Is the water safe to drink?

Water at the lodge is potable but there is always a jug of spring water in your room. Bottled sparkling and still water is available.

How do visitors at the lodge get around?

There are two very comfortable 10-seater landrovers. Each guest is given a warm, waterproof poncho, and there is plenty of space for camera bags and binoculars – and the large cool-boxes of snacks and drinks.

Is the lodge safe?

Yes. There is an electric fence around the perimeter and a watchman on duty all night, every night. Rangers will always walk with you to and from your chalet to the lounge/dining area after dark.

Will I see the Big Five?

It would be rare if you didn’t, even in summer when the lush growth makes game harder to spot. Sabi Sand is renowned as an area of prolific game, and most visitors see the Big Five more than once in a matter of days.

Is there electricity at the lodge?

Yes the power is on 24-hours a day.

Are there special offers?

We run special offers throughout the year. Click here to find out more about our current deals.

I’m a keen birder and would like to now what birdlife there is around the lodge.

The Sabi Sand is a bird paradise, particularly in summer during the rain. To date 500 bird species have been recorded in the reserve.

Where is the nearest airport?

The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit – three hours from the lodge. Self-drive cars can be arranged if you fly in, or we can arrange a transfer to the lodge.

Are our game drives limited to the Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sand?

No, there is an agreement between most landowners in the Sabi Sand to allow traversing rights, and the rangers cover large areas of the reserve on game drives. This is strictly monitored so that no more than two vehicles are ever in one area at the same time.