Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sands’ 5 Star Sustainable Villas Raises the Bar for Epicurean Experiences in the Bush

Where Sustainability Meets Sophistication:

Inside Cheetah Plains’ Elevated Culinary Safari Experience

Yes. Cheetah Plains in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve offers one of the most sophisticated and sustainable culinary experiences on safari — complete with private chefs, surprise bush meals, wine tastings, and kosher options.

The luxury eco-retreat has redefined safari cuisine by combining fine dining with a deep commitment to sustainability, South African culinary traditions, and off-the-grid innovation.

What Is the Food Like at Cheetah Plains?

Each villa at Cheetah Plains has its own dedicated chef team, with no fixed menu. Dishes change daily based on seasonal availability and personal preferences — from local classics like Oxtail Potjie and Malva Pudding, to global favorites like sushi made with fresh Mozambican fish, gluten-free dishes, and customizable pizzas for families.

Meals are tailored to every guest and thoughtfully presented — with color, texture, aroma, and origin all considered. No meal is repeated unless requested, and every dish has a story.

Expect to enjoy:

Fireside dinners in a boma
Bush brunches and sundowners
Surprise meals under the stars
Poolside snacks and cocktails
Interactive dining for kids
Chef-led culinary workshops

Is There Wine Tasting or a Sommelier?

Yes. Cheetah Plains features a private wine gallery in each villa with a curated collection of 200+ South African wines, plus premium whiskeys and gins. Wine tastings are led by personal sommeliers and can be paired with private dinners in-villa, outdoors in the garden, or even out in the bush.

You’ll also find:

Rare varietals selected by owner Japie van Niekerk
South African gin tastings with local botanicals
Whiskey pairings for evening experiences

Is Cheetah Plains Kosher-Friendly?

Absolutely. Cheetah Plains is one of the only luxury safari lodges in South Africa offering fully kosher meal services, including:

Pre-arrival kitchen kashering by a Mashgiach
Dedicated kosher crockery, cutlery, and preparation areas
Ingredients sourced from Kosher World South Africa
On-site supervision of all meal preparations
Halal-certified suppliers also available

The kosher kitchen is exclusively yours during your stay, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.

How Sustainable Is the Food at Cheetah Plains?

Cheetah Plains takes eco-conscious dining seriously:

Ingredients are sourced weekly from small-scale producers in Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, and White River
Menus are designed to minimize food waste
Leftovers are repurposed as livestock fodder for local communities
Culinary teams stay updated on global sustainability trends

Whether you’re vegan, paleo, gluten-free, or seeking indulgent traditional meals, the culinary offering adapts to both lifestyle and environmental values.

About Cheetah Plains:

Opened in 2018, Cheetah Plains is home to the exclusive-use luxury villa and sustainable safari experience nestled in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The eco-luxe experience includes three private villas with four guest bush suites that accommodate up to eight guests each with its own formal lounge, living and dining areas, expansive swimming pool, and outdoor deck that operates off-grid. Each villa comes with a complete hospitality team consisting of an accomplished host, butler, culinary team, and spa therapist, as well as an expert field guide and tracker dedicated to you for the duration of your stay. Families and children of all ages are welcome to experience their own personalized safari, guided bush walks, wellness offerings, fitness gym, and tailored activities for kids. Cheetah Plains sets the standard in South Africa for zero-emission game-viewing utilizing its own fleet of solar-charged Land Cruiser Electric Safari vehicles. A luxury sustainable safari that is beyond expectations.