How we picked our ultra-luxury safari in South Africa. A Cheetah Plains Review.

Not being able to decide on a safari lodge is a good problem to have but when the safari lodges you’re picking between happen to be in South Africa (known for its ultra-luxury safaris that cater to your every whim) the problem is more magnified than the zoom on your best telephoto safari lens.

There are so many lodges to pick from and in so many different regions. We read a lot of reviews, forums posts and then read some more. We emerged more confused after going down a very deep rabbit hole.

So, how do you pick from the best of the best that South Africa has to offer? You define what “best” means to you and you narrow the list.

We knew we wanted to be close to Kruger National Park but on a private reserve where we’d have the privilege of “off-roading” for more exclusive, up close sightings. We picked Sabi Sands. Next, we decided on which boxes we wanted this lodge to check for us: space for four adults, private game drives, incredible vegetarian food and drink, bonus experiences like walking safaris and stargazing, etc.

There was one lodge that checked all the boxes and then some: Cheetah Plains.

Pro Tip: It’s best to book safari lodges through a travel agent. Each agency negotiates its own rack rates, and the right one can secure better pricing and sometimes special perks. We booked through Anya at Pembury Tours and couldn’t have been happier with the bespoke service she provided throughout our entire Africa trip.

Cheetah Plains: The Epitome of All-Inclusive Luxury

Yes, the price tag is high but the value is unmatched. Cheetah Plains is an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury lodge that redefines indulgence.

• Space: Ridiculously spacious villa with pool, entertainment areas, formal dining, wine cellar. Each of us had a suite of our own and each suite felt like a villa within a villa.
• Private Villa Staff: host, butler, chef, pastry chef, guide, tracker, spa therapist (!)
• Inclusions: Pretty much everything is taken care of during your stay. A thoughtful touch I loved was the complimentary use of binoculars and a Nikon D850 camera.

Our stay at Cheetah Plains was nothing short of extraordinary to say the least and like most people who stay here we did not want to leave at the end of our stay. But this Luxetarian review wouldn’t be complete without a deep dive into the food!

The Food: A Vegetarian’s Dream Come True

Before arrival at the lodge, we provided our standard dietary preferences: no meat, no fish, no eggs; dairy okay, but no cheese with rennet. The Cheetah Plains team acknowledged our restrictions ahead of time, confirmed them again at check-in, and even asked what type of food we enjoyed.

That simple question from the culinary team: “What kind of food do you like?” was the first sign that we were in for something special.

We love experiencing culture through food and so asked for vegetarian versions of local South African specialties (and politely let them know we weren’t fans of fake meat). They listened and delivered.

Every meal was a 10/10. Multi-course feasts, with hand crafted bread, a variety of libations, mouth watering deserts – all from scratch. We ate until our stomachs hurt only to realize another course was on it’s way! The team hit it out of the park with every meal. We were constantly surprised in picturesque settings: a bush breakfast with a spread fit for the gods, a sunset cocktail party with amazing vegetarian finger foods, and a special birthday dinner for our mother complete with a song, dance, and the most delicious eggless cake.

One standout dish that needs a special mention: a vegetarian version of Bunny Chow, an iconic South African curry served in a hollowed-out bread loaf. It was rich, flavorful, and deeply authentic. A masterclass in local adaptation. The culinary team at Cheetah Plains could easily helm a Michelin starred restaurant. Their attention to detail and passion for flavor gave us food memories we’ll never forget.

If you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or follow any specific diet, Cheetah Plains is a no-brainer in Sabi Sands. Your meals will be every bit as unforgettable as your safaris.

A Few Tips & A Note

• All Cheetah Plains villas are stunning, but if you have the option, choose Mapogo Villa. It overlooks a waterhole where we spent hours watching hippos and even caught several Big 5 sightings right from our private pool.

• This review is not sponsored. We share these experiences to help fellow luxury-loving vegetarians and conscious travelers save time (and stress) when planning their dream vacations.

Final Thoughts

Cheetah Plains delivered on every promise and then some. For us, it wasn’t just a luxury safari; it was a masterclass in hospitality, personalization, and the joy of mindful indulgence.

If you’re dreaming of an ultra-luxury South African safari where vegetarian travelers are treated like royalty, stop searching and just go with Cheetah Plains.