Mapogo Villa
4 Bedrooms — 8 Guests
Spot the “Big Five” from this eco-friendly safari lodge in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Mapogo Villa sits on the edge of a waterhole within the stunning plains of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in South Africa. Here, guests can enjoy a sustainable safari experience without compromising on luxury.
This eco-luxe lodge is run entirely on solar power and boasts sustainable water and waste management. Moreover, guests enjoy their twice-daily game drives from the comfort of innovative electric vehicles.
However, there is no forgoing comfort or opulence in this luxury villa, named after the infamous Mapogo lion coalition that once dominated the Sabi Sand region. A stunning infinity pool overlooks the active waterhole, where guests can spot hippos and elephants stopping by for a drink.
The swimming pool is the perfect place to relax after an exhilarating morning safari. Day beds line the pool edge, whilst a covered outdoor lounge offers a shady spot to take in the views.
For memorable evenings under the stars, guests can take meals prepared by the private chef in the villa’s boma with its traditional braai (barbecue) and atmospheric fireplace or enjoy dinner parties under the stars in stunning bush locations.
The award-winning architecture of the luxury villa is unique and modern, yet sits unobtrusively in the surrounding landscapes. Gardens filled with indigenous plants surround the property.
Indoors, floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors allow guests to enjoy the views from inside as well as out. The neutral tones used in the custom furniture and soft furnishings enhance the connection with nature, whilst statement lighting and cosy fireplaces add to the ambience. The walls are lined with striking contemporary artworks by notable South African painters, and beautiful bronze sculptures are artfully placed throughout.
The open-plan living room comprises a large lounge area cosied around a feature fireplace and a carved, wooden dining table beneath spectacular statement lighting. There is also a fully-equipped bar backed by a well-stocked wine gallery where guests can enjoy tastings of the local specialities.
Behind the main lounge is another cosy living room with a large-screen TV, perfect for family film nights.
The villa also features a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen, whilst a shared fully-equipped gym with bush views is located within the estate.
Each of the four guest suites features a king-size bed – which can be converted to twins – a private lounge area with a fireplace, a minibar and a coffee station, a dressing room, and a large en-suite bathroom. They also boast private decks with day beds, perfect for soaking up the views. Ideal for families with children, two of the suites are interconnecting, whilst two have completely private access away from the main villa.
Guests at Villa Mapogo will enjoy attentive yet discreet service from a complete hospitality team, including a villa host, a private chef, a sommelier, a spa therapist, and a private guide and tracker to provide an unbeatable luxury safari experience.
NB: For larger groups travelling together, Mapogo can be booked with the adjacent Mvula Villa and/or Karula Villa.
Highlights
Swimming Pool
Waterhole & Bush Views
Daily Game Drives
Services
Included
Available extras
Enhance Your Stay with Personalised Services
After booking, your dedicated concierge will craft the perfect experience — tailored to your preferences. From everyday essentials to exclusive experiences, our curated add-ons elevate every villa stay.
Essential
Signature
Prestige
Features
Indoor
Outdoor
Bedrooms
This property comfortably accommodates up to 8 guests in its 4 bedrooms.
WING A
Bedroom 1 – king-size bed (converted to twins on request), lounge area with fireplace, minibar & coffee station, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with double vanity, bathtub & separate double shower, private deck with day bed, and waterhole & bush views (interconnects with Bedroom 2)
Bedroom 2 – king-size bed (converted to twins on request), lounge area with fireplace, minibar & coffee station, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with double vanity, bathtub & separate double shower, private deck with day bed, and waterhole & bush views (interconnects with Bedroom 1)
WING B
Bedroom 3 – king-size bed (converted to twins on request), lounge area with fireplace, minibar & coffee station, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with double vanity, bathtub & separate double shower, private deck with day bed, and bush views
Bedroom 4 – king-size bed (converted to twins on request), lounge area with fireplace, minibar & coffee station, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with double vanity, bathtub & separate double shower, private deck with day bed, and bush views
Location
Disclaimer: the location on the map may be approximate due to privacy reasons.
About the area
Mapogo Villa is part of the Cheetah Plains lodge in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, South Africa. The reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-famous Kruger National Park to the east and another border with the Mala Mala Game Reserve.
Located in the northeast corner of the reserve, Cheetah Plains is perfect for game viewing. Guests will spot an abundance of native animals, though the area is particularly well-known for sightings of the iconic “Big Five” – African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros. The area is also home to several endangered species, including honey badgers, ground hornbills and African wild dogs.
Guests can enjoy twice-daily safari drives with their private guide and tracker, as well as guided bush walks with certified and experienced field guides to ensure the most immersive and memorable experiences.
Other activities on offer include wine, whiskey or gin tastings, destination dining, visits to the local village and school, and visits to the solar plant that generates the property’s energy.
Younger guests are not forgotten with child-friendly game drives, bush walks, scavenger hunts, cooking and baking classes, arts & crafts, and child-friendly conservation activities.
The property is accessible via a 1.5-hour flight from Johannesburg or Tambo International Airport to the Aruthsa Airstrip, just a 20-minute drive away.
Distances
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Mapogo Villa
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