Cheetah Plains Delivers Sustainable Safari Experience in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Big Five Game Viewing in Electric Safari Vehicles and Five-Star Solar Powered Exclusive-Use Villas.
The Cheetah Plains ‘off the grid’ experience harnesses the power of solar to provide a reliable, renewable energy source made possible by developing a solar plant which includes the installation of 1205 solar PV panels on the rooftops, as well as three Dual-axis PV solar trackers which follow the sun for the optimal input. Cheetah Plains’ prime location within the inimitable Sabi Sand delivers a prolific, sustainable safari experience facilitated by the natural movement of wildlife over this vast land, fiercely protected under conservation,” shares Japie van Niekerk, owner of Cheetah Plains.
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 lodge partners with amenity brands that hold the same standard of practice, such as Africology for its locally sourced and natural wellness products and The Joinery, which uses fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles to produce eco-friendly, sustainable cosmetic bags.
Five-Star Solar Powered
The twice-daily game drives that traverse over 20,200+ acres are taken in innovative Toyota Land Cruiser Electric Safari Vehicles powered by Tesla batteries that are recharged through solar energy. A sophisticated, innovative eco-luxury safari experience for the modern age, Cheetah Plains was designed to offer the best in service to its guests and its environment. All lodges in the greater Sabi Sand area share this commitment to nature, with Cheetah Plains setting the standard for a zero-emission, eco-friendly luxury safari experience.
A bold advance toward zero-emission game viewing is what drives the sustainable safari experience at Cheetah Plains.
We’ve partnered with some of the world’s pre-eminent minds in the renewable energy field to provide clean energy solutions that drive our hospitality and safari experiences here at Cheetah Plains.
Rates at Cheetah Plains begin at $2,000 per person per day, all-inclusive, based on four adults with a 2-night minimum and $1,550 per additional guest or $770 per child 3-12 years of age or $150 under three years of age. To conserve water and reduce plastic use, Cheetah Plains offers guests the option of refilled and sealed glass bottles of water in its villas through its trusted hydration solution partner, Topia. Opened in 2018, Cheetah Plains envelops and embraces sustainability on every level, from the unique and award-winning designed architecture to the operations that ensure the lodge is self-sustainable and leaves no footprint on the surrounding environment.
The lodge uses filtrated natural borehole water through a reverse osmosis system that purifies the water with a tested pH of 9.5. The quiet, smooth gait of the Land Cruiser Electric Vehicles delivers the highest quality wildlife sightings. It includes eight comfortable bucket seats, individually set at the optimal recline of 11 degrees, USB ports, and heated seats. Creating local employment and supporting the local early childhood development centre in its neighbouring Utah community are tangible ways in which Cheetah Plains’ holistic approach toward sustainability is being lived out.
The total solar installation generates an average of 550MWh per annum, which is an offset of approximately ZAR 1 million ($62,500) of electricity from Eskom per annum or 530 Tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum. Onboard, bird books, binoculars, and a professional-level camera fitted with a telephoto lens are provided for guests’ enjoyment while on a game drive. The Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, established in 1948, is the oldest private game reserve in South Africa and the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern Africa. Lodge waste is divided and collected bi-weekly by a local community operative that makes a living in re-using, recycling and upcycling materials.
Their unobtrusive nature facilitates the most silent approach by vehicle, resulting in an unparalleled safari experience. Operating 100% off-grid using solar power and electric land vehicles, this is a first for the Nature Reserve. He continues, “It is our responsibility to ensure that we conserve the bounty the bush has bestowed on us and that is why we have been so involved in the creation of this lodge on every level.”
They have constructed the new Lezagwa Utah Community Crèche and supported the employment of teachers and assistants caring for children between 6 months and five years old. By harnessing the power of eco-tourism, we are working hard to secure a rich legacy of posterity. Biodegradable packaging and paper are used throughout to replace plastic use. Cheetah Plains is also part of a community waste management initiative.
