Cheetah Plains Named Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Villa at 2025 World Travel Awards

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, South Africa – Every year, the World Travel Awards recognises excellence across the travel and tourism industry through a rigorous voting process involving professionals and discerning travellers. Cheetah Plains had been shortlisted alongside many illustrious peers and is honoured to have been awarded as Africa’s Leading Safari Lodge for 2025. Following our World Travel Award in 2023 win as Africa’s Leading Green Hotel, this latest nomination reaffirms our standing as one of the premier safari destinations on the continent.

This international accolade recognises the lodge’s commitment to uninterrupted privacy, personalised service, modern design and immersive, unforgettable wilderness experiences. Known for its eco-luxury focus, Cheetah Plains redefines sustainable hospitality in the Sabi Sand, leading the pack in bespoke holidays and tailored offerings with elevated dining options (including kosher and halaal opportunities) and cultured experiences alongside each villa’s very own culinary team and sommelier. Not only can guests get look forward to the likes of wine-paired boma dinners and rejuvenating spa treatments but they can also look forward to a number of curated experiences for families, including invigorating, intellectually-rich nature walks and private on-site tours of the renowned Goodman Gallery showcase on property, all of which further proclaims the authenticity of being crowned Africa’s leading safari lodge.

“We’re deeply honoured to be recognised by the World Travel Awards,” says NJ van derMerwe, General Manager of Cheetah Plains. “This recognition is not something we take lightly and reflects our team’s ongoing dedication and commitment to delivering an experience that’s not only once-in-a-lifetime, but also rooted in our core values of sustainability, privacy and purpose. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that this message and these experiences have resonated with our guests and peers around the globe.”

While Cheetah Plains prides itself on luxury without compromise, it remains a pioneer in sustainability, operating entirely off-grid, utilising solar power, and leading the way with electric game-viewing vehicles; a safari experience that is silent, smooth and carbon-conscious.

Cheetah Plains is conveniently accessible by a 1.5-hour flight from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport on a commercial or private charter with a 20-minute private vehicle transfer from the Arathusa airstrip to your villa. A safari at Cheetah Plains is best paired with Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls. Daily scheduled flights are available on Federal Air from Johannesburg to Arathusa and on Airlink from Johannesburg and Cape Town to KMIA and Skukuza. Charter jets can be arranged by Cheetah Plains to Arathusa, or helicopter transfers directly to its private helipad.