Abelana Safari Camp  Verified Listing

About us
Abelana Game Reserve is a 15,000ha (36,000 acres) Big Five game reserve adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park and the Selati Game Reserve, close to the town of Phalaborwa in South Africa’s beautiful Lowveld – the country’s prime big game region.

Owned by the Mashishimale community, the word “abelana” means “to share amongst each other” in the local Northern Sotho language. This spirit of sharing underpins the relationship between the Mashishimale and its lodge operations partner which leases the land for eco-tourism purposes.

Characterised by breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, varied topography and a mixture of vegetation types, Abelana Game Reserve has a 10km stretch of the semi-perennial Selati River in its northern section, as well as numerous other seasonal watercourses.

What sets us apart
Abelana Game Reserve offers guests the chance to enjoy a unique feeling of exclusivity while on safari while offering exceptional value for money. With just two lodges – Abelana Safari Camp in the south of the reserve and Makubu Lodge in its northern section – guests could easily be in the only vehicle exploring the reserve’s 15,000ha at any one given time.

This low-density approach allows us to offer a completely immersive, authentic safari experience which can be easily tailored to suit guest preferences. Geographically, the reserve is blessed with a range of eco-systems, from the distinctive granite outcrops and koppies of the south to beautiful riparian forest in the north, dominated by large riverine trees.

Abelana Safari Camp is located in an elevated position in the remote southern part of the reserve amid spectacular granite outcrops known locally as “koppies” and overlooks a large watering hole below the camp’s expansive viewing deck.

Abelana Camp consists of Four Meru-style tents.
The Meru tents are comfortable and well-appointed, offering an authentic safari experience.
The tents are all equipped with beds offering a twin or king-size configuration with lighting provided by solar power.

Because we are located in a water-scarce region each tent is equipped with a shower rather than a bath, with hot water provided by gas geysers always available.

Restrictions may apply in regard to activities particularly walking safaris for children younger than 16 years of age.

RATES INCLUDE:
Accommodation in Meru tents with en-suite bathroom and shower
Dawn bushveld walks and dusk safaris in open Game Viewers
All teas/coffees
Light snack/rusks/muffins before morning activity
Brunch
High tea with savoury and sweet options
Dinner
Filtered water provided

ABELANA HORSE SAFARIS:

We also offer personalized horse safaris for experienced riders. The safaris are 3,4 or 7 nights in duration.
The safaris enable guests to explore 15 000 ha of big-5 bush-veld with experienced qualified guides. As well as being environmentally friendly, being on horseback often guarantees excellent game sightings as horse and riders are simply perceived to be part of the landscape and non-threatening.

Other than the horse safaris we offer The Horse Safari Assistants Program which will enable participants to obtain a true safari experience whilst being part of the safari team and contributing to the smooth running of the operation