Kruger National Park, South AfricaSabi Sand
Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve
Afro-minimalist safari villas
Sabi Sand Kruger National Park, South Africa
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
Afro-minimalist safari villas
Three solar-powered villas trade traditional safari style for modern architecture, operating as fully private takeovers with silent electric game drives.
“The lodge’s accommodations consist of three villas that are exclusive use; each villa gets its own dedicated guides and vehicles.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
ARRCC sculpted three exclusive villas from raw concrete, Corten steel, and mica stone.
Remarkable
A dedicated brigade of private chefs, butlers, and trackers serves each exclusive-use villa.
Notable
South African contemporary artworks and open-air boma braais connect guests to the bushveld.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
an extremely luxurious and extraordinarily low-impact safari lodge designed in an unusually modern style.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
In the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve bordering Kruger National Park, surrounded by open bushveld.
The rooms
Push-button mosquito nets drop around the beds, and soaking tubs sit behind glass walls that slide open to the bush.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Each villa deck has its own heated lap pool, set alongside cushioned daybeds facing the bushveld.
The spa
Dedicated therapists bring Africology botanical treatments directly to your suite or onto decks overlooking the reserve.
The gym
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls surround the fitness pavilion, fitted with Technogym equipment looking out across the tamboti groves.
At the table
Bespoke menus are served around handcrafted leadwood tables beneath blown-glass chandeliers, opening directly to the pool deck.
How it began
Owner Japie van Niekerk bought the property sight unseen in 2008, later replacing the old camp with an off-grid estate.
Kruger National Park
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.