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Travel Guide To Johannesburg

The economic capital of both South and sub-Saharan Africa, Johannesburg began life as a gold-mining town in the 1890s. The gold mines are long exhausted but there is a new way to get rich in Johannesburg: property. An economic boom is transforming what was once South Africa's former crime-ridden city into a vibrant metropolis, with skyscrapers and leafy suburbs. And, as South Africa celebrates the 10th anniversary of its new constitution, the city's northern suburbs are reinventing themselves with hot new bars, air-conditoned shopping malls, restaurants and chic boutiques.

Where to stay in Johannesburg

MELROSE ARCH HOTEL

1 Melrose Place, Melrose Arch (00 27 11 214 6666; fax: 214 6600; www.africanpridehotels.com ). Johannesburg's smart new Melrose Arch Hotel has a gritty, clued-in appeal well-suited to the city's work-hard/play-hard spirit. Do a deal over lunch or dinner, then down a Scotch before heading out, on foot, to one of the nightclubs on the hotel's doorstep. Melrose Arch is Johannesburg's newest, and most happening neighbourhood. Like its location, the Melrose Arch Hotel is uncompromisingly modern, with opaque, underlit glass floors and concrete, steel and leather surfaces throughout the public areas. A clubby soundtrack swirls through the double-volume entrance lobby, day and night. This is where smart, black Johannesburg plays, moving from the lobby to the bar to the lounge in serious suits and Africa-meets-Vogue jewellery. Breakfasts in the restaurant are generally high-visibility meetings, and dinners are taken at a long communal table. £

THE PARKWOOD

72 Worcester Road, Parkwood (00 27 11 880 1748; www.theparkwood.com ). The Parkwood has taken the B&B concept to another level. Sleek, glamorous interiors feature exposed stone and work by local artists, and foldaway glass doors lead onto a patio with Moroccan daybeds and a slimline lap pool. £

THE PEECH HOTEL

61 North Street, Melrose (00 27 11 537 9797; www.thepeech.co.za ). Contemporary, edgy and Afrocentric, The Peece creates its look with Nguni cow-hide rugs and local sculpture and art. Maxwell's @ The Peech has a good bistro menu. ££

36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst (00 27 11 292 6000; fax: 11 292 6001; www.saxon.co.za ). Nestled in the exclusive Sandhurst suburb of Sandton, the city's upmarket business district, this hotel combines elegant African touches with a highly personalised service. The Saxon was once home to Nelson Mandela after his release from prison, and was where he edited his autobiography 'Long walk to Freedom'. There are 24 suites, including the grand Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite. All have large-screen televisions, VCR and DVD players, together with state-of-the-art surround-sound music systems. The restaurant has seasonal cuisine, incorporating African dishes; there is also a spa offering massages, customised facials, spa manicures and pedicures. ££££

Where to eat out in Johannesburg

85 Grayston Drive, Sandton, (00 27 11 783 9989). This is housed in a Ferrari and Maserati showroom.

Mandela Square, Sandton (00 27 11 883 5555). Its north Indian fare has a huge following from Johannesburg's well-heeled Indian community.

Greenfield Road (00 27 11 646 4162). Serves modern Greek food.

Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton (00 27 11 884 9555; www.lekgotla.com ) Try Modern African dishes here: the entrecote with peppered chakalaka (a spicy relish) and maize dumplings spiked with coriander is excellent.

THE GRILL HOUSE

The Firs, Oxford Road, Rosebank (00 27 11 880 3945). There's a decent steakhouse on almost every corner in the city although this is one of the best.

Mandela Square, Sandton (00 27 11 784 8484). Wangthai was described by the Thai ambassador to South Africa as the best Thai food he's eaten outside of Thailand.

26 Gleneagles Rd (00 27 11 486 1645). Run by celebrity chef Dario de Angeli, Yum was voted one of South Africa's top 10 restaurants.

The best nightlife in Johannesburg

FASHION CAFÉ Michelangelo Towers, Maude Street, Sandton (00 27 11 783 1866; www.ftv.co.za ). Africa's first fashion café has opened its doors: kick off your Jimmy Choos and settle down for a spot of people-watching. Q.ba Corner of William Nicol and Bruton Drive, Bryanston (00 27 11 463 4882). This is where young professionals mingle on Wednesdays and Fridays after work, it is a lounge bar/restaurant with a retro-futuristic interior and cocktails to match. TABOO 24 Central, corner of Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive, Sandton (00 27 11 783 2200; www.taboo.co.za ). Three slick bars, VIP sections padded with vinyl and suede, white Bombo chairs, mirrored walls, a super-sized dance floor and matching doormen. Opens as a nightclub Saturdays, and every last Friday of the month.

Where to shop in Johannesburg

44 STANLEY AVENUE

(00 27 11 482 1082; www.44stanley.co.za ). Stanley Avenue, in Milpark, south of Auckland Park, is an old industrial complex that now houses a film studio and restaurants, plus shops including Lucky Fish (00 27 11 726 8386), where you'll find local and Asian furniture and accessories, and trend forecaster Neville Trickett's concept store Saint Verde (00 27 11 482 4808), which sells art and antiques.

PARKHURST'S FOURTH AVENUE

For antiques, collectibles and homeware head here.

SANDTON CITY

(00 27 11 883 2011; www.sandton-city.co.za ). For a one-stop shop, Sandton City, and its adjacent open-air Mandela Square - is one of the largest shopping centres in the southern hemisphere.

THE ROSEBANK ROOFTOP MARKET

For African craftwork, hit the African Crafts Market adjacent to the Mall of Rosebank (00 27 11 880 2906). The Rosebank Rooftop Market (Sundays and public holidays at the Mall of Rosebank, (00 27 11 442 4488) is a great place to source South African and pan-African craftwork, food, clothing, souvenirs and gifts, followed by a well-priced snack at one of the kiosks.

What to see in Johannesburg

The highlights of the city are the new Nelson Mandela bridge, the revamped Constitution Hill and the districts of Newtown and Braamfontein, home to museums, theatres, jazz clubs and restaurants.

APARTHEID MUSEUM

One of Johannesburg's must-sees is the Apartheid Museum. It's a dramatic experience, visitors are randomly given a white or non-white token and proceed to two separate entrances, with unnerving effect.

CONSTITUTION HILL

Constitution Hill is a multimillion-pound development which opened in 2004. It's the site of the new Constitutional Court, as well as Johannesburg's notorious Old Fort prison complex where thousands of people were brutally treated before democracy in 1994, and is now open to the public. Wander up the hill and into the striking court building, and see Nelson Mandela's letters and diaries from his incarceration on Robben Island, detailing everything from films he watched to his state of health. Most moving of all is the prison complex with its three institutions: the Fort, or 'isolation cell' (where Mahatma Gandhi and Mandela were both held), Section Four and Five (the black men's jail), and the Women's Jail. Inside, discover the gruesome conditions, with filmed and written testaments from survivors.

North-east of Johannesburg is the quaint mining town of Cullinan, home of one of the biggest working diamond mines in the world. It was here that the largest diamond ever found was mined, measuring 11x6cm. Named the 3106 Cullinan, it was given to King Edward VII and is embedded in the Crown Jewels. The town is pretty, with colourful, corrugated iron bungalows.

MARKET THEATRE

Market Theatre was a vital player in the struggle against apartheid - with three theatres, a bar, art gallery and Moyo restaurant. Although the famous Kippie's Jazz Club nearby is currently closed, Bassline and Horror café host an impressive line-up of local and international artists.

MELROSE ARCH

(See Where to Stay ). Across town to the north, the new Melrose Arch complex brims with hip bars, restaurants and shops.

At the heart of the huge downtown renewal project lies Newtown, a previously stagnating area that's being reborn as the city's cultural hub thanks to development agency funding. New houses are being built and old buildings transformed into trendy loft apartments.

For real insight into post-apartheid South Africa - a visit to the township of Soweto, home to an estimated 3.5 million people - you need to hire a guide. Besides providing a glimpse into how millions of black South Africans live today, Soweto is historically fascinating. Nobel Peace Prize-winners Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both lived on tree-lined Vilakazi Street and Mandela's former home is open to visitors. Left as it once was, Winnie's military boots stand next to a bed with a jackal-skin throw, and old photos line the walls. Just down the road, the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum, named after the 13-year-old whose murder by police sparked an uprising in 1976, is another hard-hitting reminder of the horrors of apartheid. For a different view of Soweto, choose a night tour.

How to get to Johannesburg

Johannesburg International Airport is 20km (12½ miles) east of the city.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

BA (0870 850 9850; www.britishairways.co.uk ); flies from London's Heathrow. South African Airways (0870 747 11 11; ww2.flysaa.com ) flies daily from Heathrow.

Tourist information for Johannesburg

Visit www.southafrica.net

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A local's guide to South Africa

On a mission to change the vision and perception of contemporary Africa, Johannesburg-based photographer Trevor Stuurman is inspired by the people he meets on his travels—particularly around his home country of South Africa . Seeing the world through his camera lens, he's always looking for subjects brimming with colour and creativity, whether people or places in his homeland.

This interview is part of The World Made Local , a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveller in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.

You're all about changing perceptions of Africa. Where in SA would you take a visitor to best show this?

Arrive in Johannesburg, then drive to Cape Town using the Garden Route, or ride the Blue Train.

Where is the most incredible place in SA you've photographed that travellers should visit?

Dr. Esther Mahlangu's home in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

Where to eat? Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner and drinks?

For breakfast, Arbour Cafe ; it's a little cute restaurant with a courtyard, beautifully tucked away in the Melrose area of Johannesburg. Lunch at Kolonaki in Parkhurst, pre-dinner drinks at Saint in Sandton, and dinner at Les Creatif by Wandile Mabaso.

Where should we shop?

Shop at Amatuli in Krammerville for gifts and the MaXhosa flagship store at Mall of Africa.

Trevor Stuurmann

Where should we stay?

I'd recommend Dorp Hotel and The Silo Hotel in Cape Town. Also La Residence and Leeu Manor House in Franschoek. In Joburg, Winston Hotel , The Saxon , and Farmhouse 58 .

Where do you go to relax in Joburg?

Nirox Sculptor Park; it's a little drive outside of Johannesburg. It is an historic area that is recognised as the Cradle of Humankind. Also the Blue Train experience, from Pretoria to Cape Town, is incredible.

Any art hot spots to visit in Joburg?

Head to Botho Project Space for the most amazing contemporary art. Also, visit BKhz , a Black-owned gallery that features young South African talent. If you're into exploring local music, then give Zoë Modiga , MuNeyi , Yanga Yaya , Que, and Major League a listen.

What's a happening neighborhood to check out?

If you are in Joburg, Maboneng, Parkhurst, and Melville for good vibes. Krammerville for home and decor. If you're in Cape Town, then the Silo District for art and decor.

And what are your all-time favourite spots that you return to again and again?

I love art, so for me it would be Esther Mahlangu's home, Kwa Ndebele, and Zeitz Mocaa-a fantastic contemporary-art gallery. In Cape Town, the Norval Foundation , a charming independent museum.

Follow Trevor Stuurman on Instagram @trevor_stuurman

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These South African Resorts Have Just Been Announced As The Best In The World!!!

It’s been said that South Africa has some of the most incredible resorts in the world, and according to the latest Condé Nast Traveler readers choice awards, it’s not just all talk!

South Africa (05 October 2021) – For their 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, hundreds and thousands of registered Condé Nast Traveler voters weighed in on their favourite resorts in the world… and 5 of them are right here in South Africa!

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

“For our 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, registered voters weighed in on their favourite resorts around the globe. As the world has begun to reopen and readjust, the results reflect the kinds of properties you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could. More than 800,000 of you filled out our survey, and while we’re always curious about where you’ve been and where you’re going, we’re especially excited to learn about the truly memorable places that sparked your imagination and stayed with you when travel seemed out of reach.”

Here are the South African resorts that global trotters most loved most this year.

Number 44 – Cheetah Plains – Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Eschewing traditional safari motifs, this trio of private villas in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Game Reserve is all about clean lines and ultra-modern design: Think raw concrete, rusted steel, statement blown-glass chandeliers, and colourful works of art, including portraits by Loyiso Mkize. A similarly forward-thinking approach to sustainability means the property is equipped with solar panels, a greywater recycling system, and a fleet of electric Land Cruiser safari vehicles. Prowling the surrounding landscape as stealthily as leopards, the cruisers allow guests to get surprisingly close to the Big Five, which are easier to encounter here than almost anywhere else across Africa.

Number 11 – Morukuru Family – Madikwe Game Reserve (Owner’s House, River House and Farm House)

The Big Five is the big draw across the continent, but at this family-friendly lodge on South Africa’s fifth largest game reserve, you’ll spot the Magnificent Seven—adding cheetah and African wild dog (an insider favourite for their strategic hunting abilities) as well hippo, rhino, prides of lions and the rest. It’s a fittingly spectacular viewing lined up alongside the camp’s equally spectacular accommodations: three free-standing luxury villas, each uniquely designed. (Think lots of raw blond woods in the Farm House; stone fireplaces and sink-into-’em couches over at the River House; and a staff of eight, plus an infinity pool and African artwork at the Owner’s Home). And unlike many of the lodges across the region, Wi-Fi here is fast and available everywhere, meaning your 13-year-old won’t have to wait until she’s back in Johannesburg airport to upload her shot of leopard cubs to Instagram.

Number 9 – Royal Malewane – Greater Kruger National Park

It can be hard to make the Greater Kruger National Park—a popular destination for safaris that cover an area the size of Wales—feel exclusive, private, and intimate. But Royal Malewane, in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, manages to achieve that (and then some) with just six Luxury suites, two Royal suites, and the palatial six-bedroom, private chef-included Africa House. Twice daily game drives are led by expert rangers far from Kruger’s crowds, which means you’re almost guaranteed to be able to check off the Big Five before you leave.

Number 7 – Singita Sabi Sand (Ebony Lodge, Boulders Lodge, and Castleton Lodge) — Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Singita Sabi Sand includes three well-appointed options that provide an elegant base from which to bask in the natural beauty of one of South Africa’s most renowned game reserves. Singita’s founding property, Ebony Lodge, sits surrounded by a grove of its namesake trees, with 12 suites inspired by old explorers’ camps. Boulders Lodge, meanwhile, was named after the ancient rocks strewn along the banks of the Sand River, and the 12 glass-fronted suites have artfully pared-down interiors, featuring fossilized tree stumps and other found objects. And Castleton Lodge occupies the ancestral home of Singita founder Luke Bailes. Its Cape Dutch charm, mullioned windows, antiques, expert safari guides, and longtime family staff remain—but the wine cellar, state-of-the-art kitchen, and full gym are all new.

Number 2 – Morukuru Family, De Hoop Reserve (Beach Lodge and Ocean House) — De Hoop Nature Reserve

Say you’re more of a beach bum than a safari enthusiast—don’t worry, South Africa still has you covered. Head to the intimate five-suite Morukuru Family Beach Lodge or the nearby four-bedroom Morukuru Family Ocean House, about three hours east of Cape Town on the shore of the Indian Ocean. There are white sand beaches, of course, but also access to the De Hoop Nature Reserve with its zebra and bontebok and protected marine area. You can simply chill on the beach or by the lodge’s pool, but we’d suggest letting Morukuru’s friendly, attentive staff fill your day with game drives through the reserve, mountain biking, sandboarding, snorkelling, and more. Plan your trip during South Africa’s winter (July-October) for prime southern white whale watching from shore, from the lodge’s restaurant, and even from your bed.

Related Story

Condé Nast Traveler also released the list of the best hotels in the world and South Africa took 2 places in this category!

Number 47 – Ellerman House — Cape Town

Twenty-six years on, Ellerman House is still everybody’s fantasy bolthole in Cape Town: minutes from the best beaches and the Table Mountain cableway, but close enough to the city and its dynamic food, art, and design scene. Sandwiched between Lion’s Head and the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Edwardian mansion looks like a private residence from the road and that’s exactly what keeps guests coming back. Owner Paul Harris takes enormous pride in his country—his impressive collection of South African art spans original works from the turn of the last century to current contemporary art. An informal tour of the collection with one of the in-house art experts is a fascinating lesson in the country’s socio-political history. Then there are the 7,500 bottles of rare and vintage South African wines in the cellar, and the indigenous plants sourced from Kirstenbosch (Cape Town’s botanical garden) in the 1.5-acre terraced gardens. Besides the main house, there are two modern, minimalist private villas built into the granite mountainside, as well as a wine gallery, and an excellent little spa.

Number 34 – Babylonstoren — Franschhoek Valley, South Africa

What if you could actually visit the Garden of Eden? And what if it was surrounded by vineyards, historic Cape Dutch farm buildings, and a formal French-style potager garden, where you could pick your own strawberries and fragrant herbs? At Babylonstoren, in the Drakenstein Valley, 33 miles northeast of Cape Town, the mythical garden comes to life. Founded in 1690, the 590-acre compound is modelled on the farms that supplied the ships making their way around the Cape of Good Hope en route to India. The cottages and suites are minimalist but stylish. You won’t find a grand lobby or an obsequious concierge here, but the staff, most of whom are wearing T-shirts, aprons, or khakis, combine a genuine eagerness to help with a high level of knowledge about the farm and its long history. Stay long enough and eventually—after a visit to the on-site bakery, the winery, the cheesemaker, the butcher, and the farm-tank-style swimming pool—you may forget that you’re staying at a hotel.

The 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website   and celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler US and UK print editions.

Sources: Condé Nast Traveler 

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CAPE TOWN FOR CAPETONIANS

CapeNature beach voted among world’s best by Condé Nast

CapeNature proudly celebrates Die Plaat Beach’s inclusion in Condé Nast Traveller ‘s list of ‘The Best Beaches in the World’, highlighting its pristine beauty within Walker Bay Nature Reserve, near Hermanus.

Also read :  Escape to the beachside with these unmissable self-catering deals

Die Plaat stands out as the only beach in South Africa to be recognised among a prestigious list of 34 beaches worldwide.

Cape {town} Etc discount:  Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers  here .

This incredible accolade underscores its exceptional natural beauty and unique features, solidifying Die Plaat’s status as one of the most remarkable coastal destinations globally.

This 17km stretch of beach is renowned for its stunning scenery, rich biodiversity and historical significance.

Its unspoilt beauty is preserved by the Walker Bay Nature Reserve’s protective status and biodiversity management efforts.

Striking limestone outcrops dot the rugged backdrop, while visitors to nearby Hermanus often detour to Walker Bay for prime whale watching and to see seals along the shore.

CEO of CapeNature, Dr Ashley Naidoo, expressed immense gratitude for the recognition of a beach on one of the reserves by Condé Nast Traveller .

‘Die Plaat’s inclusion on the list is an invitation to travellers from around the world to discover the beauty of the whale coast.’

‘This achievement is a testament to the extraordinary natural beauty of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve and the hard work and dedication of our teams on the ground to keep it in pristine condition.’

Die Plaat Beach, within the Walker Bay Marine Protected Area, is a vital nurturing ground for southern right whales, especially during the whale season from June to December.

The reserve is also home to numerous seabirds, including the African black oystercatcher.

Klipgat Cave, along the coastline, was home to Middle Stone Age people 85 000 to 65 000 years ago and Khoi and San people 2 000 years ago.

Fossilised tracks in the sandstone are currently being studied.

Visitors to Walker Bay enjoy hiking, angling, swimming and picnicking, though the sea can be rough.

With its rich marine life, historical significance and stunning views, Walker Bay Nature Reserve offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Find your perfect set of wheels with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings  here .

Also read :

CPT beaches make Golden Beach Award 2024 list

Picture : Supplied / Cape Nature

Article written by Jared Moorgas

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I've Been a Travel Writer for Years and This South African Safari Lodge Is the Nicest Place I've Ever Stayed

Get a peek inside Cheetah Plains, one of the world’s most incredible safari hotels

Food and Drink

Activities and experiences, family-friendly offerings, accessibility and sustainability, how to get the most value out of your stay.

Courtesy of Cheetah Plains

Rustling from the nearby brush disrupts our final dinner: a traditional South African braai or barbecue. The table is bathed in candlelight and overflowing with an impressive spread of local foods, a fitting sendoff to a fantastic few days on safari at Cheetah Plains .

I think little of the noise from beyond, as the resort is nestled in the wilds of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, so a little animal activity in the bushveld isn't surprising. But a moment later, a fully grown hyena bursts onto the outdoor boma of the Karula Villa. She has somehow managed to circumvent the electric fence, lured by the tempting wafts of our now especially memorable meal. Frankly, the interloper is more alarmed to see us than we are to see her, and she quickly scoots away, tailed by the attentive and experienced staff, determined to make sure she won't make a return visit. 

Our braai concludes without additional disruption and with a special bonus. As a nostalgic dessert sendoff, the culinary team surprises us with s'mores. The attentive game drive staff must have shared our sundowner conversation from earlier when we sipped Amarula (a South African cream liqueur) and mentioned how s'mores would be a fun addition to tonight's sendoff meal.

That attention to detail and focus on guest satisfaction perfectly sums up a day at Cheetah Plains. This property is distinct from other luxe safari offerings, with its trio of private-use villas designed for up to eight guests. Each is equipped with an entire staff for every possible need. Think a sommelier, animal tracker, driver, masseuse, porter, butler, culinary team, and beyond.

Tamsyn Fricker, a Travel + Leisure A-List Top Advisor and Director of Travel Artistry Africa , adds, “Three things help set Cheetah Plains apart from other wonderful luxury experiences in the area: exclusivity, flexibility, and sustainability.” The separate villas allow for private experiences; each villa has its own private game-drive vehicle. In terms of flexibility, the personal villa experience is really about being able to pick and choose your own adventure. The nature of the resort is that everything is bespoke and tailored to you for the ultimate flexibility based on guest preferences. On the sustainability side, “They do move the needle in southern Africa in terms of being carbon negative and with the silent safaris in electric vehicles; they’ve made it a really important part of who they are.”

All this to say, this is the single nicest place I’ve ever stayed in six-plus years of full-time travel writing. Here is my review of Cheetah Plains, South Africa’s loveliest safari resort experience. 

Cheetah Plains

• They use all-electric vehicles. As part of a massive sustainability initiative, Cheetah Plains is carbon-negative.
• It’s very family-friendly. Think custom child-approved activities, complimentary babysitting, and chef-inspired kids cuisine. 
• All the art on the property is by African artists. The famed Goodman Gallery curated the art in the villas. 
• You can see hippos from your room. Mapogo Villa is set on an active watering hole. 
• It’s design forward. Cheetah Plains boasts unexpectedly clean, modern architecture distinct from a typical safari lodge.

Cheetah Plains is notably contemporary, a departure from the archetypal lodge look of many safari offerings. Designed by Cape Town-based architecture and interiors firm ARRCC , the property is modernist in feel, embracing raw, natural materials.

“The architecture aspect is powerful and meant to be an unashamedly contemporary take on safari. It lets art and nature really shine. These villas are more about beautiful, crisp, clean design that brings nature in. It’s different from your typical safari lodge,” says Fricker.

It’s also about luxury, with massive soaking tubs overlooking the bushveld, monogrammed pillowcases, automatic blinds, and mosquito nets surrounding the plush bed. The layout of public shared spaces like the kitchen and living room in a central hub, then four private bedroom suites offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and indulgent trip. Each villa has a large private pool, an expansive pool deck, and an indoor media room ideal for a cozy movie night. With a boma or patio-like space, there’s room to enjoy the outdoors, too.

Additionally, the three villas (Mapogo, Karula, and Mvula) each have their own sense of personality. Mapogo is a stand-out, with the water feature (watering hole) as the star of the show. “There’s a soothing and powerful sense at Mapogo,” adds Fricker, fitting for its naming inspiration of a coalition of lions. 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. Mvula, inspired by a former dominant male leopard in the region,  is the yin to Karula’s yang. Fricker shares, “Mvula has more masculine energy, and it’s in the trees with the pool almost hugged by foliage.”

The food and beverage program is unmatched, as the staff tailors meals to each client's preferred schedule and tastes. This approach is such a perk of the private villa model. For especially notable offerings, expect an impressive breakfast spread in the bush, multiple snacks and sundowners (happy hours), and outdoor dinner in the South African braai style.

On my visit, I noticed that the team would prepare my coffee order each morning before the 5 a.m. game drive; true luxury is little touches like this. My other most memorable dining experience was a wine-pairing dinner in the cellar. I truly loved the talented sommelier, Mariska, who hails from the Cape Winelands region. She did a lovely job explaining the South African wine world and choosing inventive pairings for our chef-driven, multi-course dinner. 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.

The main activity at Cheetah Plains is game drives. Due to the private villa model, each group has access to their own private electric vehicle with a guide and a driver. (The guide team consists of all area locals, too.) It’s customary to do an early morning game drive and an afternoon one, but the team can build the itinerary based on guest preferences. Another great safari-focused activity is a bush walk or a walking safari, a way to see things closer to the ground and enjoy a new perspective.

In terms of art experiences in the bush, Cheetah Plains has partnered with Goodman Gallery to outfit each villa with the work of both established and rising African artists. Visitors can meet with a gallery expert for an art tour of their villa. The property has also just opened a standalone gallery, too. For a sparklier option, there’s even a diamond safari , a custom jewelry offering that is truly incredible. In case you forgot to consult our Ultimate Safari Packing Guide , pop into the property’s boutique, Shari’s , expertly curated by (and named after) Shari van Niekerk. The shop stocks custom items and local contemporary pieces, from scarves that serve as the perfect cherry on top of your safari look, to bespoke jewelry. This upscale spot is a prime stop for souvenir shopping, too. (I was able to scoop up a couple of adorable animal-themed books for my toddler son, as well as a pair of the cutest bush baby stuffed animals.)

An in-room masseuse is available regularly and will bring a table to your suite; facials are also popular. But that’s not all. “I had a client that wanted body scrubs, not something they typically offer, but they made it happen,” says Fricker. Plus, true to the sense of place, Cheetah Plains uses Africology products, a local, eco-friendly, natural, botanical-forward company.

Cheetah Plains is super family-friendly, with inter-connected suites so families can be close but have their own rooms.  Due to the exclusive use villa model, there is no mandatory age for children. Plus, since each bespoke itinerary is designed with the guest in mind, the staff can build custom programming based on the children's ages on the trip.

Kids can get into the kitchen with the chefs to cook and bake, do walking safaris with an animal tracker, go fishing, or enjoy a movie night in the media room, among countless other options. A daily children's hamper, delivered each night, includes pillow treats and safari activities. Perhaps most impressive is the complimentary nanny offered during a stay at Cheetah Plains.

While rooms are not ADA-compliant, Cheetah Plains makes every effort to welcome and accommodate guests with mobility limitations or special needs, including those who travel with a wheelchair. “The villas are by nature easier to navigate as they are primarily one-level, and the doors are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair,” explains Fricker.

Known as South Africa’s crown jewel, Cheetah Plains sits within the sprawling 160,000 acres of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park. Fricker of Travel Artistry Africa adds, “The resort is tucked in the northeastern corner of the Sabi Sand , which is world renowned for leopard sightings, big predator movement, and the rest of the Big Five. It’s a true heavy hitter in terms of game viewing — you go to see as much as you can possibly see.” Guests can access Cheetah Plains via charter flights from Johannesburg Airport to the Arathusa Airfield .

As an all-inclusive, ultra-luxe stay, Cheetah Plains isn’t exactly a cost-saving choice for a safari getaway. But, if you fill your villa with a max of eight guests, the nightly rate is lowered significantly compared to six guests in the space. For slight savings, consider seasonality, that is, traveling off-peak season.

“The best value time frames are March 1 through May 31, Sept. 1 through Dec. 10, and Jan. 11 through Feb. 28,” Fricker says. “Cheetah Plains is one of the most inclusive rates you can ever come across in the bush, with an extensive and deep wine menu. It even includes spa treatments.”

There is a slight price difference between the rate leader Mapogo Villa compared to Karula and Amvula, which are a bit cheaper. Rates start at $2,200 per person per day, all-inclusive, based on six adults with a minimum three-night stay and $1,550 per additional guest or $770 per child 12 years of age and under.

Overall, Fricker says, “Cheetah Plains’ has a desire to spotlight the excellence coming out of Africa, as there’s incredible creativity happening there.” From its innovative African-only art gallery to its all-local guide team to its focus on South African wines, Cheetah Plains is the best of the best for a luxurious safari that truly embraces its location.

Related Articles

What Happened to Looking Nice on the Plane?

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Beyoncé background dancer Honey Balenciaga recently told us that she always dresses well when traveling. “I don’t know where that culture died,” she lamented in a recent interview . It’s something that editors at Traveler have long had feelings about— the way we show up to the airport , where parents once forced some of us to don blazers and loafers in order to look presentable. Comfortable clothing has, understandably, proliferated on the scene, in tandem with the tanking of the flying experience’s dignity, and in the past decade the situation has devolved to the point where pajama bottoms, flip flops, and t-shirts with sagging necklines are at least as common as a button-down.

To unpack the respectability politics at play here—will dressing nicely make gate staff more likely to upgrade you? To whom do you owe a good look when the flight you’ve just paid so much to take is likely to be unpleasant?—a veritable gaggle of Traveler editors convened for a summit on all things airplane attire. Below, associate articles director Megan Spurrell , associate visuals director Pallavi Mohan Kumar , associate editors Matt Ortile , Hannah Towey , and Charlie Hobbs , and editorial assistant Jessica Chapel convene to discuss.

Charlie Hobbs: This is going to be an open-ended discussion, so I just wanted to start by asking how you feel you should present at the airport?

Megan Spurrell: Not a direct answer to your question, but something that I aspire to: once I was on a 1-hour flight from Rome to Sicily , and the woman next to me got on with a tiny little purse and nothing else. No book, nothing. She put the little bag under the seat and just sat there, chilling.

CH: And what was she wearing?

MS: She was wearing a miniskirt and a tank top!

Matt Ortile: That’s almost performance art. But it’s interesting, because a short-haul flight is one thing—leave everything in your checked , travel light. But when you’re going from San Francisco to Tokyo , you’re going to experience it a little differently. Are you going to prioritize comfort and your ability to sleep on the plane , or are you going to serve for your country?

I historically have always dressed up for the plane—I’m of the opinion that a good, well-cut suit in a good fabric is basically adult pajamas. But lately I’ve been prioritizing comfort first, and I definitely don’t exude the same sort of glamor—loose pants, a zip-down cashmere hoodie, sneakers, and a neck pillow that is very helpful but so dowdy.

JC: I was recently doing a bit of backpacking from London to Berlin , and I couldn’t fit my white go-go boots in my carry-on but I needed them for Berlin. So I wore them to the airport, and I felt a little wobbly lugging my overstuffed suitcase. I was in a big blue sweater and a little skirt and these boots in the Berlin airport, and they were yelling at me with all of this rigor but the boots made me stand tall.

MS: Because I’ve been traveling with my cowboy boots more, I’ve been wearing them on flights and they are very comfortable since they’re worn-in leather. It feels amazing when you hear that clap-clap-clap through the airport. I also don’t want to be flying in something that I’d be embarrassed to get caught in—you might suddenly see a random famous person, someone really cool you want to talk to. You don’t travel everyday, you’re at this major intersection of interesting people. Why not be ready for anything? Also, it is a very outdated idea that you cannot be comfortable and look great at the same time.

PK: Ever since we were young and taking long-haul flights from India , my dad always had a rule about wearing a suit. I have these memories of walking with him in a suit—he’s come down to a blazer now—and knowing that he was stylish and comfortable at the same time. There are so many unexpected things that can happen when you travel, but if you are feeling put together it gives you a sense of competence, like, “It’s okay, I’m going to handle it, I’ll make it through the next few hours.”

CH: You have your dignity! In modern American life, there’s an embrace of a certain slouchiness especially at the airport that is eroding our dignity.

MS: Do people actually think that the only way to be comfortable is to wear Uggs that have trudged through the mud for seven years?

Hannah Towey: The one thing I will say, to Honey’s question about when this culture ended about dressing up for the airport: That was the golden age of travel that is now over when there was a mutual respect between passengers and the airline. The airline was giving you a much better experience than you have today, you weren’t squishing you between two other people. Comfort is more of a priority now because of how horrible plane seats are—you have to give yourself any comfort that you’re going to have.

PK: There’s also this idea that, if you dress up, you’re more likely to get upgraded .

MS: Has that actually happened to you?

PK: It has happened to me, and it actually happened to my dad a few months ago flying back from Singapore . He showed up as his usual stylish self with a pocket square, and they upgraded him.

MS: Ok—what’s his status?

PK: He does have status, but I don’t think it’s just that. Maybe it’s in my head.

MO: Well, let’s push it further—because he was dressed in a certain way, he was dignified and confident. There was a sense of civility to him, and maybe the ground crew saw that in interacting with him.

To Hannah’s point, the greyhound bus-ification of aviation is where we turned the corner in terms of style, because it doesn’t feel as special. What a privilege to say that air travel is so quotidian now that we say, “Whatever, I’ll show up in shorts and flip flops and put my bare feet between the seats in front of me.” But it’s about how it makes you feel, how you show up to deal with the world. Which is not to say that I haven’t seen drunk people or other belligerent characters dressed very well. You can be an asshole whether you look great or not.

CH: Don Draper. You can get away with a lot more if you look amazing. You might be inclined to behave better, but if you don’t you’ll get away with it.

PK: I do think you get treated better the more put together you are. And I’ve also heard that if they’re giving an upgrade they won’t give it to you if you look like a slob.

HT: For US airlines , at least, that’s not the case anymore. They have a very set list that you can see on the app of who gets upgraded, whereas international carriers get more subjectivity.

I will say, I flew JSX to Miami recently for a conference. It’s a semi-private line, meaning you book per seat, and I’ve never seen passengers dressed worse. These are people paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars for their kids, these huge families, and it was a parade of spandex and Crocs.

MS: I’m hearing the Countess Luann song, “Money can’t buy you class.”

HT: Matt, you fly first and business more than the rest of us—do you dress especially well when you’re in a higher cabin?

MO: I do feel excited to look good, and I also like to feign wealth. Because the surroundings are so polished and refined, it’s nice to match them. The environment so influences and dictates how you behave, look, and act.

HT: One thing I’ve been hearing about more is a plane uniform, where you just have one outfit that you can always wear to the airport.

CH: Let’s close with that, let’s go around and hear everybody’s plane uniforms.

What Megan wears on the plane

MS: I pack for the trip, and then I choose an outfit that I'm going to wear later on the plane. Often the cowboy boots.

What Matt wears on the plane

MO: I wear Uniqlo trousers that are a little bit looser than I normally would wear because, especially when I fly business or first, I'll eat a lot. The food is so good. And I'll drink a lot because the wine is a great thing. These pants so soft and comfortable. I trust Uniqlo is for these kinds of things and then also a Uniqlo white polo shirt and matching blazer.

What Pallavi wears on the plane

PK: I think what also helps in feeling good on the plane, feeling fresh, is that I'll always be sure to bring like skincare . I'll do my care on the plane. It's nice to take a moment to pamper myself while in true Limbo and can't go anywhere. I'm too scared to do a full mask. That would look crazy.

Then, I usually take the heavier items—if I have a leather jacket or boots , just because it's easier not to pack that stuff. I will do usually a t-shirt as well. Again from my dad, so much about my dad, but the blazer is always a thing for me. It's just so comfortable. And if you have some slacks you just look put together.

What Hannah wears on the plane

HT: I have these Vuori leggings that have pockets, so they feel more substantial than a legging. I really enjoy the pockets because I can put my phone or my passport there. I usually wear my big black boots. And then a nice sweater or sweatshirt. I did that a lot this winter. Summer is a little more difficult for me, but I do get really cold on the plane, so having lots of layers is necessary.

What Jessica wears on the plane

JC: I really do the same as Megan. It. depends on on where I'm going—like if I have a fun little accessory that's place-specific. A red beret if I'm going to Paris , for example, I'll wear it on the plane to get me in the mood. The go-go boots are another example of that.

What Charlie wears on the plane

CH: I sweat a lot on the plane, so I like layers and I like things that are loose. Wearing black is good for me. I have these Acne wide, wide jeans that I got secondhand that are perfect because they are so comfortable. And then I've found that boat shoes are like a covert slipper that look quite nice poking out.

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