Sabi Sand - Greater Kruger: Accommodation
CHEETAH PLAINS, formally Djuma Bush Lodge, is one of our favourite lodges in the game-rich Sabi Sand Wildlife Reserve. It is small and intimate, and the low vehicle density means that you will enjoy game viewing in authentic bush.
Sharing unfenced boundaries with the Kruger National Park and Mala Mala, Cheetah Plains offers superb game-viewing at a reasonable cost. Wildlife includes the 'Big Five' – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino – and cheetah, hyena, jackal, myriad buck, giraffe, zebra, the smaller cats and the endangered wild dog. Lion and leopard sightings are excellent.
Djuma Game Reserve - white rhino
Cheetah Plains has two key advantages; an enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff team and 7000 hectares of exclusive traversing. Unlike the southern area of Sabi Sand, where several lodges share the same traversing area, you rarely see other vehicles when you are out game viewing. You would be surprised what a difference this makes.
Cheetah Plains has eight thatched A-frame chalets, all with air-conditioning, overhead fans, mosquito nets and private terrace or deck. The rooms are looking great after a major refurbishment in Jan 2009.
A lavish hot and cold breakfast buffet is served after the morning game drive. Lunch is simpler, with a choice of hot and cold dishes. A substantial afternoon tea with fresh-baked cakes is served before the afternoon game drive and a four-course dinner under the stars awaits you on your return from the evening game viewing.
Djuma Game Reserve - cheetah
The main lodge building is constructed around a massive wooden A-frame. It has two viewing decks overlooking the waterhole, a library, lounge, bar and dining area. There is a pleasant swimming pool.
Cheetah Plains is closely involved in the local village and offers daily tours to the nearby communities of Utha and Dixie, about 10 minutes beyond Gowrie Gate. You can visit the local school and learn about the customs and traditions of the local people.
In recognition of its substantial work with the community, Cheetah Plains has been awarded the rare Fair Trade in Tourism accreditation.
Subject to availability, Cheetah Plains can offer a private safari vehicle for honeymoon couples, families, photographers and birders.
Children of all ages are welcome at Cheetah Plains. There is no charge for children 3 and under. Children age 4-12 years pay 50% when sharing with parents - limited to one extra bed per room.
Hyena with pup
The light aircraft shuttle service from Kruger Nelspruit airport takes about 15 minutes and costs from £80. Alternatively, the direct air shuttle from Jo’burg costs from £195 each way. Road transfers are also available.
You can also drive into Cheetah Plains. The journey takes a little over two hours from Hazyview. The last part, on gravel roads through African villages, provides a fascinating glimpse of contemporary South African rural life. The route has been used by thousands of tourists over the years, without incident.
From £260 No single supplement.
Rates are per person per night sharing and include all meals, most drinks snacks, game viewing activities, and a guided bush walk.
Fair's flair, Nick Maes, The Guardian, 23/02/07
Discovering the rainbow, Sarah Foster, The Lady, 19/07/05
Photographs courtesy of Henry Armstrong and Daniel Dickens Rainbow Tours' clients
Djuma Game Reserve - leopard
Prices are subject to currency fluctuation.
