Abelana Safari Tented Camp  Verified Listing

Abelana Safari Camp is an intimate camp, accommodating 8 guests in 4 luxury, en-suite tents within the Abelana Game Reserve, a 15,000-ha Big Five game reserve adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park and the Selati Game Reserve. The reserve is close to the town of Phalaborwa in South Africa’s beautiful Lowveld.

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.

The small, intimate, unfenced Safari Camp on the banks of the Selati River, features a spectacular viewing deck and a well-appointed, tented lounge and dining area where guests can relax, eat, and connect.

The Meru-style tents are simple yet comfortable and well-appointed, offering an authentic safari experience. The tents are all equipped with beds offering a pedestal fan, and twin or king-size bed configuration with lighting provided by solar power. The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a shower, basin and flushing toilet with hot water provided by gas geysers. Each tent opens to a private deck overlooking the bush.

Various dining experiences are offered at the fully catered camp, making dining at Abelana Safari Camp a sensory experience as guests watch life unfold outside. The camp has a large tented mess and lounge area with an honour bar system and a range of reference books. There is a charging station for camera batteries and phones. Wi-Fi is not available due to the remote location, and cellular signal depends on your service provider.

Guests can relax around the firepit boma area and the viewing deck overlooks a wildlife watering hole below and offers spectacular views of the game reserve.

The Abelana Safari Camp treats guests to an encompassing safari adventure. Mornings begin with a walk allowing nature lovers to get close encounters with the fauna and flora that inhabit this exquisite part of our reserve. Days are topped with a game drive.

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

Abelana is home to a rich diversity of fauna and flora, from the hippos and crocodiles that make the Selati River their home and the famed Big Five - elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo – as well as cheetah and wild dog, which are occasional visitors, to an impressive number of endemic bird species including the African fish eagle, peregrine falcon, Arnot’s chat, thick-billed cuckoo, bat hawk and elusive Pel’s fishing owl.

* Non-smoking
* Fan
* Mountain view
* Bathroom amenities
* Shower only
* Patio
* Outdoor furniture.

Some of our favourite Route 71 destinations include the delightful Haenertsburg, with its quaint cafés and knick-knack shops, Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours and Magoebaskloof Hiking Trails. Enjoy the magnificent drive around Tzaneen Dam, organic farm stalls and dairies, and venture to the Qualito Craft Distillery in Phalaborwa, for those with a refined taste for adventure.

* Bar / Lounge
* Secured parking
* Free parking
* Room service.

* Foskor Mine Museum
* Hans Merensky Country Club
* Masorini Village Museum
* 4x4 trails
* Hiking trails
* Distillery Tour and Tastings
* Wine and gin tasting
* Hans Merensky Nature Reserve
* Palaborwa Gate.