Skip to main content

An eco-friendly luxury villa for a sustainable safari experience in South Africa

Mvula Villa is part of the Cheetah Plains estate in the stunning plains of South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Set amidst a grove of cathedral Tamboti trees, this villa offers an unforgettable luxury safari experience.

Named after one of the region’s most famous male leopards – known for his hunting prowess and siring many cubs – the villa offers guests the chance to enjoy a sustainable safari experience without compromising on luxury.

Powered entirely by solar energy and implementing sustainable water and waste management practices, the villa allows guests to explore the wilderness with minimal environmental impact. Twice-daily game drives in state-of-the-art electric vehicle ensure an eco-friendly safari experience.

Award-winning architecture and natural materials seamlessly blend modern design with the surrounding landscape, whilst indigenous gardens envelop the property. The expansive terrace boasts a stunning infinity pool lined with inviting daybeds and sun loungers, while a shaded outdoor lounge offers a cool respite and the perfect place to soak up the views after an exhilarating safari.

Guests can savour al fresco meals prepared by a private chef, served in the traditional boma – featuring a crackling fireplace and a braai for authentic South African barbecue – or further afield in captivating bush settings.

Floor-to-ceiling windows seamlessly blur the lines between the exterior and interior living spaces. Custom furniture and soft furnishings in earthy tones create a connection with nature, while designer lighting and cosy fireplaces add warmth and ambiance. A curated collection of modern South African art and exquisite bronze sculptures adorn the interiors.

The open-plan living area invites relaxation. Guests can curl up by the fireplace in the spacious lounge, or gather around the grand carved wooden dining table illuminated by a statement lighting piece.

A second cosy lounge with plush seating and a large flat-screen TV provides the perfect setting for movie nights. Adjoining the living spaces are a well-stocked wine gallery, a bar, and a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen.

Four luxurious guest suites, spread across two wings, sleep up to eight guests. Each suite embodies unparalleled comfort, featuring a king-sized bed (convertible to twins), a private lounge area with a fireplace, a coffee station, a minibar, a spacious dressing room, an en-suite bathroom and a private deck. Ideal for families, two suites interconnect, while the other two offer complete privacy.

A dedicated villa team ensures an unparalleled safari experience. An attentive yet discreet villa host, private chef, sommelier, spa therapist, private guide, and tracker cater to guests every need, making a stay at Mvula Villa an unforgettable luxury safari experience in beautiful South Africa.

NB: For larger groups travelling together, Mvula can be booked with the adjacent Mapogo Villa and/or Karula Villa.

Highlights

Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool

Bush Views

Bush Views

Daily Game Drives

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

Essential

Signature

Signature

Prestige

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

View floorplan

Location

Disclaimer: the location on the map may be approximate due to privacy reasons.

About the area

Mvula Villa is part of the Cheetah Plains lodge in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. It is located in the northeast corner of the reserve, bordering the world-renowned Kruger National Park and Mala Mala Game Reserve, making it perfect for game spotting.

The reserve is best known as home to the “Big Five”—African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros. However, it is also home to various endangered species, including honey badgers, ground hornbills, and African wild dogs.

Guests can embark on twice-daily safari drives with their private guide and tracker, and enjoy guided bush walks with certified, experienced field guides.

In addition, guests can also enjoy wine, whiskey or gin tastings, savour destination dining, immerse themselves in the local culture through visits to the village and school, and explore sustainable energy at the on-site solar plant that powers the property.

Younger guests will delight in the child-friendly game drives and conservation activities, bush walks, scavenger hunts, cooking and baking classes, and arts & crafts.

Cheetah Plains is 20 minutes from Aruthsa Airstrip, which can be reached via a 1.5-hour flight from either Johannesburg or Tambo International Airport.

Distances

Frequently asked questions

Inclusions vary by property but generally cover accommodation, cleaning services, and basic utilities. Some villas may also include additional services such as concierge, breakfast, or a private chef. Full details can be found on each villa’s page. If a service is not included in the price, our concierge team can arrange it for you, ensuring a fully personalised stay. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Booking is simple! If you have a specific villa in mind, click "Send Enquiry" on its page. If you're considering multiple options, click the heart icon to save your favorites and send one enquiry for all of them. Our team will check availability and send you a detailed offer within 24 hours. Need help choosing? We’re happy to assist!
Yes, a deposit is required at the time of booking, typically 30% of the total amount. The remaining balance is usually due 30 to 90 days before check-in, depending on the property. Some villas may have different payment schedules, which will be specified in the offer we send you.
We accept bank transfers and major credit cards. Payment details will be provided during the booking process.
Yes, we offer a wide range of services, including in-villa options like private chefs, chauffeurs, and spa treatments, as well as activities such as yacht charters, wine tastings, and guided tours. We can also arrange experiences for the rest of your holiday, even beyond your villa stay. After booking, your dedicated concierge will contact you to customise your itinerary.
Yes, most high-end villas require a minimum stay of 7 nights, usually starting from a Saturday. However, many properties offer flexibility during certain times of the year, except for peak seasons like summer and Christmas holidays, which typically have stricter requirements. A smaller number of properties accept shorter stays year-round. If you have specific dates in mind, please contact us for availability.
Yes, we offer commission to travel agents booking on behalf of their clients. The commission amount varies by property, please contact us for specific details regarding a particular villa.

Have more questions?

Connect with our Villa Experts – we’ll handle the rest.

-

From 113.000,00 USD per week, to price on request

Superb Service

5/5

"Thank you My Private Villas for the outstanding service. Paolo Macchiaroli goes above and beyond to accommodate all our needs, making for an exquisite vacation."

— Sir Anthony Hopkins

Why guests love our villas...

Wonderful vacation in an island paradise

5/5

"Excellent and very responsive service. They coordinated all aspects of our stay very efficiently. A great team to work with."

— Lynette

Top villa rental company

5/5

"Best villa rental company we have ever used. We found them to be easy to communicate with, expert, friendly and cooperative, to assure that our stay was enjoyable."

— Jim Long

Amazing

5/5

"Service was very excellent. Owners were very helpful and caring."

— Trusted Client

Servizio impeccabile, ci hanno organizzato la vacanza in ogni dettaglio.

5/5

"Cura del cliente ai massimi livelli. Assistenza h24, profonda conoscenza della proprietá e della destinazione. Hanno reso la vacanza indimenticabile. Saro’ sicuramente loro cliente a vita, assolutamente migliori di qualsiasi altro operatore di cui ho usufruito."

— Francesco

Wonderful to work with!

5/5

"Best company to schedule a vacation with! My family and friends were celebrating my 50th birthday in the south of France. My Private Villas helped me with the villa selection (it was stunning!), the chef and dinner party at the house. It was all fabulous! Couldn't have asked for a better celebration. We will definitely be using them again...possibly when our daughter graduates college in a few years!"

— Cristina March

First class operation!

5/5

"The attention to detail and ease of booking process was excellent. The customer support was 1st class. The on-site team at the villa was superb, and arranged anything we needed."

— Trusted Client

Best holiday ever!

5/5

"The house was outstanding and exactly as described. Furthermore Francesca provided a very friendly, proactive and highly efficient follow-up on all the details we requested to make this our best family holiday ever."

— Simon Coombe

Wonderful villa in spectacular surroundings!

5/5

"A very thorough approach to the process of advising on numerous points of detail raised by a 10 strong party whose ages ranged from 7 ti 69. Clear understanding of the facilities and services on offer and how they could be tailored to accommodate us all. Communications were clear and questions addressed promptly. Issue on arrival was dealt with promptly and to our satisfaction."

— Dennis

10/10 Company!

5/5

"Great service! They helped us throughout the whole process, even though it was very last minute. Francesca is wonderful, looking forward to working with her again: she made the whole experience 10 times better."

— Trusted Client

Explore similar properties