Cheetah Plains Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments with NJ & Mettie van der Merwe as Managing Director & General Manager respectively

Why Book With Us

Transparent Pricing: Receive the most competitive rates without any additional commissions.
Accommodation: Exclusive-use of a luxurious villa with four private guest suites.
Transfers: Complimentary transfers between Arathusa Airstrip and Cheetah Plains when flying with Federal Air or private charter.
Culinary Delights: All meals, food and beverages daily – complemented by a full selection of South African fine wines, beers, and spirits.
Private Safari Experiences: Twice-daily game drives in a fully electric, silent and private game-viewing vehicle led by an expert field guide and tracker team.
Wellness Treatments: Select treatments provided by a dedicated in-suite spa therapist.
Guided Bush Walks: Explore the wilderness on foot with knowledgeable guides.
Fitness Facilities: Access to the on-site fitness pavilion.
Child Minding: Services available to ensure a comfortable stay for families.
Outdoor Dining: Unique dining experiences in various settings.
Laundry Service: Daily laundry service, excluding dry cleaning.
Connectivity: Complimentary wireless internet service.
Photography Equipment: Use of a Nikon D500 series camera and lenses to capture memorable moments.

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa – Cheetah Plains, South Africa’s premier eco‑luxury safari lodge nestled within the celebrated Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, is thrilled to announce the appointment of NJ van der Merwe as its new Managing Director, supported by his wife Mettie in the expanded role of General Manager. This leadership decision marks an exciting new chapter for the brand as it continues to elevate its world‑class safari offerings and reinforce its commitment to sustainable tourism, personalised hospitality and luxurious, exclusive‑use experiences.

NJ brings with him a visionary leadership style grounded in both operational excellence and an unwavering passion for responsible tourism. In his new role as Managing Director, he will guide Cheetah Plains through the next phase of growth, continuing to champion the brand’s ethos of sustainability, exclusivity, and unforgettable safari moments.

Coinciding with this change in leadership, Mettie van der Merwe, will step into her expanded role as General Manager of the lodge. Mettie will play a pivotal part in shaping the day‑to‑day guest experience and ensuring operational excellence across all facets of the lodge, from immersive safari journeys and culinary excellence to refined service standards and team development.

Both NJ & Mettie have been a part of Cheetah Plains for the past seven years, overseeing the lodge’s day-to-day operations whilst simultaneously playing a pivotal role in shaping and positioning the lodge as a luxury brand. Now, with NJ at the helm and Mettie championing the guest experience, Cheetah Plains is poised for strategic evolution as a brand. Having been together since 1994 and involved in the world of luxury travel and hospitality since 1995, this pair is well-versed in the many highs and lows of the industry and are primed to step into the roles that await them. Their combined expertise and passion for hospitality will shape the brand’s future, expanding its reach while remaining true to the core tenets of personalisation, sustainability, and luxury.

Of the appointment, NJ stated, “Together with our incredible team, Mettie and I look forward to welcoming guests to experience the beauty, luxury, and unforgettable moments that Cheetah Plains offers in this extraordinary part of South Africa.”

About Cheetah Plains

Opened in 2018, Cheetah Plains is a signature luxury safari lodge located in the private Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, adjacent to the world‑renowned Kruger National Park. Celebrated for its exclusive‑use villa model, unmatched wildlife encounters, and pioneering sustainability practices, Cheetah Plains offers discerning travellers an exceptional safari experience tailored entirely to their preferences. Each villa accommodates up to eight guests and is supported by a full complement of hospitality professionals, including hosts, butlers, expert guides and trackers, culinary teams, and wellness specialists. From silent electric game drives to refined bush dining, every detail at Cheetah Plains is designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of the African wilderness.

For any enquiries or bookings, reach us at reservations@cheetahplains.com or call +27 79 694 8430.

For media enquiries, please reach out to michelle@cheetahplains.com