Cheetah Ridge has undergone a massive transformation in recent times – in more ways than one. For one thing the name of the lodge has changed – this was originally known as Woodlands Lodge and consisted of a double-storey sprawling colonial grey stone manor house dating back to 1945. But the more significant change is undoubtedly the construction of 10 luxurious and very contemporary new Luxury Suites which have completely changed the entire feel of the lodge!

The old manor house remains and still offers accommodation aimed especially at families – there is a very comfortable and quite simply furnished Family Suite here which is ideally suited to a small family group. It’s located within a lush fenced-in garden, so kids can roam around safely, and also offers both a tennis court and swimming pool. If you're a family looking for a more stylish and luxurious option (and have a more generous budget!), then the new Waterside Family Suite will be your favoured choice - overlooking the waterhole, it's hugely spacious (155 sqm in all!) consisting of 2 en-suite bedrooms separated by a lovely lounge area.

But it’s the 10 new luxurious free standing Signature Suites built on the open plain overlooking their own private waterhole that will appeal to the majority of our clients – they have succeeded in injecting some real style and luxury into the lodge! These Suites boast floor to ceiling glazing so you can literally lie on your bed whilst watching animals drinking at the waterhole. Another huge attraction are the beautiful stand-alone baths not to mention the outdoor showers! The rooms are a great mix of modern with traditional touches – so you get Nespresso machines and air-conditioning and lovely stylish bathrooms with twin vanities. Perhaps the only real negative is that the rooms look a little stark scattered on the open grassy plain as there is no real vegetation to soften things and provide privacy – having said that, privacy screens on each rooms deck do ensure that your privacy is not going to be disturbed.

The old manor house remains the central area where guests gather, eat, drink and socialise. Built back in 1945, the décor has been given a revamp and shows some lovely fresh and modern touches. The highlight though probably has to be eating under the spectacular old fig tree next to the house – why not enjoy a decadent high tea whilst seated on the beautiful wooden deck under this stunning tree. There’s also an atmospheric boma area for dining out under the stars – and if the weather doesn’t play ball there’s also an elegant dining room back in the manor house, after which there’s nothing better than to head to the cosy bar for an after-dinner port! By the way, one thing that guests regularly rave about is the genuine warmth and friendliness of the whole team at the lodge.

Nambiti has over the years built up a solid reputation for the quality of its game viewing experience (leopard sightings are pretty much the sole member of the Big 5 that are only rarely seen). The reserve’s landscapes are both beautiful and scenically diverse – including vast open grassy plains, bushveld covered hills as well as a spectacular river valley complete with waterfalls. And the fact that it lies just 4 hours from Johannesburg and 3 hours from Durban along the N3 makes it one of the most accessible reserves in the country! You’ll head out on safari every morning and afternoon/evening in open game-drive vehicles, traversing the valleys, grassy plains and African bushveld to bring you close to the Big 5 and other game which roams freely through the reserve!