But a moment later, a fully grown hyena bursts onto the outdoor boma of the Karula Villa.

Our braai concludes without additional disruption and with a special bonus.

As a nostalgic dessert sendoff, the culinary team surprises us with s’mores.

View of elephants at Cheetah Plains

Credit:Courtesy of Cheetah Plains

That attention to detail and focus on guest satisfaction perfectly sums up a day at Cheetah Plains.

Each is equipped with an entire staff for every possible need.

The separate villas allow for private experiences; each villa has its own private game-drive vehicle.

Exterior of the main house at Cheetah Plains

Courtesy of Cheetah Plains

Here is my review of Cheetah Plains, South Africas loveliest safari resort experience.

The architecture aspect is powerful and meant to be an unashamedly contemporary take on safari.

It lets art and nature really shine.

Interior of a Mapogo Lounge at Cheetah Plains

These villas are more about beautiful, crisp, clean design that brings nature in.

Its different from your typical safari lodge, says Fricker.

With a boma or patio-like space, theres room to enjoy the outdoors, too.

Interior of a dining room at Cheetah Plains

Mapogo is a stand-out, with the water feature (watering hole) as the star of the show.

Karula, named for the famed female leopard that roamed this section of the Sabi Sand, means peace.

The sense there is more feminine, with peaceful energy there, she explains.

A private guest suite bedroom at Cheetah Plains

Mvula, inspired by a former dominant male leopard in the region, is the yin to Karulas yang.

This approach is such a perk of the private villa model.

My other most memorable dining experience was a wine-pairing dinner in the cellar.

A private guest suite bathroom at Cheetah Plains

I truly loved the talented sommelier, Mariska, who hails from the Cape Winelands region.

And, of course, we enjoyed some chenin blanc, the most planted grape in the country.

The massive wine cellar is stocked with all South African wines, which I also really enjoyed.

Interior of a Mapogo Lounge at Cheetah Plains

Activities and Experiences

The main activity at Cheetah Plains is game drives.

(The guide team consists of all area locals, too.)

Visitors can meet with a gallery expert for an art tour of their villa.

Interior of a dining room at Cheetah Plains

The property has also just opened a standalone gallery, too.

For a sparklier option, theres even adiamond safari, a custom jewelry offering that is truly incredible.

This upscale spot is a prime stop for souvenir shopping, too.

A private guest suite bedroom at Cheetah Plains

But thats not all.

Due to the exclusive use villa model, there is no mandatory age for children.

A daily children’s hamper, delivered each night, includes pillow treats and safari activities.

A private guest suite bathroom at Cheetah Plains

Perhaps most impressive is the complimentary nanny offered during a stay at Cheetah Plains.

Guests can access Cheetah Plains via charter flights from Johannesburg Airport to theArathusa Airfield.

For slight savings, consider seasonality, that is, traveling off-peak season.

The pool deck at Cheetah Plains

Courtesy of Cheetah Plains

It even includes spa treatments.

Outdoor dining at Cheetah Plains

Courtesy of Cheetah Plains

A leopard spotted while on safari at Cheetah Plains

Courtesy of Cheetah Plains