Luxury

Abelana River Lodge

Perched on the banks of the Selati River, Abelana River Lodge is nestled amongst riverbank trees and brush. Quiet and understated, the lodge exudes an atmosphere of safari chic with suites coming complete with their own private deckings, which offer sweeping views of the thick bushveld. Spend your days exploring the private Abelana Game Reserve and the wonderful nature it holds on exciting game drives or immersive bush walks, finishing your day seated around the crackling fire-pit in the heart of nature, with a drink in hand, gazing up at the wide starry sky. There is an experience waiting for everyone at Abelana River Lodge, and guests will leave having made memories which will last a lifetime.

Abelana River Lodge, Phalaborwa, South Africa

Located next to both the Greater Kruger National Park and Selati Game Reserve, Abelana Game Reserve is 36,000 acres, located in the middle of two biodiverse havens and in the centre of a breathtakingly stunning landscape. The Big Five are present here, and as well as sightings of elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, and buffalos, guests can expect to see giraffes, cheetahs, wild dogs, zebras, impalas, sables, wildebeests and monkeys.

Abelana is owned by the local Mashishimale community, the name ‘Abelana’ translating to ‘to share amongst each other’. This name underpins the spirit of the reserve, the relationship between animals and humans, the eco-tourism operations, and local communities. The land is characterised by fields of tall grasses, areas of mopane forest, rocky outcrops, and the sparkling Selati River. Many birds call this area home, such as African fish eagles, peregrine falcons, thick-billed cuckoos, and bat hawks.

Guests can access Abelana Game Reserve by a roughly 5 hour car journey from Johannesburg, along highway and Route 71. As it is a private reserve guests will drive to the entry gates, where they will be picked up and transported to the lodge. Specific directions can be requested from Abelana River Lodge.

Located in the biodiverse Abelana Game Reserve
Situated on the banks of the Selati River
Safari chic suites
All suites come complete with a private decking
Delicious meals served in the dining room or outside
Fully stocked bar
Fire-pit for evening stargazing sessions
Exciting game drives and immersive guided walks
Sparkling swimming pool

There are two distinct seasons in this area of South Africa, a dry winter and a wet summer. The dry season runs from May to September where temperatures are mild and comfortable, averaging 28°C during the day, with low humidity, and dipping to lows of 10°C at nighttime and in the mornings. So, while light and comfortable clothing is recommended for the days, remember to pack a warm jumper or jacket for these cooler times.

Generally, there is no rainfall at this time of year, while there may be a few showers in May or the end of September, this season is characterised by cloudless and sunny skies. Game viewing is outstanding at this time of year, as the bush progressively dries and thins out, wildlife spotting becomes easier and thirsty animals gather at sources of water such as the Selati River.

The wet season begins in October and lasts until April. Temperatures and humidity at this time of year skyrocket, with daytime temperatures averaging 32°C but having hit 40°C in previous years. With these hot days and humid air, the rainfall comes as a welcome break, usually occurring as short but torrential downpours in the afternoons and evenings.

December to February see the most rainfall, with longer and more frequent downpours. The bush is luscious and vivid green at this time of year, with new flora and fauna springing up, and this is an excellent time for keen birders as migratory and native birds fill the sky with their songs.

Safari Suite

The suites at Abalone River Lodge exude an atmosphere of safari chic, wooden furniture fills the room, and exposed thatch ceilings add character and dimension to the space. The suites are filled with bright, natural light which floods the room through wide windows and sliding glass doors. In the centre of the room sits a comfortable king size bed, adorned with crisp bed linen and plush pillows. The bed is romantically draped with mosquito netting to allow guests to have a bug free night’s sleep.

All the suites are ensuite and come complete with double hand basins, an indoor shower and a unique outdoor shower. Private and expansive deckings sit at the front of all the suites, and offer guests the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring, gazing over the panoramic view of the luscious bushveld.

Guests can make their way to the main dining room for mealtimes. Enjoy feasting on delicious and fresh food prepared by talented chefs in an elegant and chic dining room, with views overlooking the luscious bushveld. Weather dependent, guests can dine outside on the decking, underneath the wide starry sky, in the fresh air of the bush. Guests can head to the bar after dinner to grab a night cap which can be enjoyed around the fire pit.

Game Drives

Head out on a traditional safari game drive for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see some of the amazing animals of the reserve up close and in their natural habitat. In the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle and guided by a trained and friendly ranger, guests can keep an eye on bush movements with a pair of binoculars. This is the perfect opportunity for the keen photographer to capture the perfect shot, and with game drives heading out in the mornings and afternoons, there is the opportunity to explore the bush at sunrise and sunset. Marvel at the amazing animals, up close and in their natural habitat.

Bush Walks

For a more immersive way to explore the bush guests can enjoy a guided walk through the wild bushveld. Exploring on your own two feet is the ideal way to become at one with nature, and these guided walks offer a more detailed experience than game drives. At a slower pace, guests can marvel at the smaller ecosystems of Abelana and can learn about the species of plants that thrive here from their knowledgeable and friendly guide. Guided walks are also a great time to look at the treetops with a pair of binoculars and see if you can see some of the colourful bird species that inhabit the reserve, which your guide will be able to identify.

Stargazing

In the middle of the wilderness, unpolluted skies offer breathtaking evenings of stargazing. Gathered around the fire pit to keep warm, guests can turn their gaze to the sky and the millions of stars which are visible. Try to find constellations such as the Southern Cross and Southern Pleiades, as well as viewing the Milky Way.

Community and Conservation

The Abelana Game Reserve is committed to protecting and conserving the local communities as well as the environment in which they operate. Croc Ranch – the largest Abelana property – was founded as a nature reserve back in 1959, and has since been claimed by the Mashishmale community who are the native land dwellers. The property has been managed in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner, with a lease being signed with MTH Lodge Holdings to implement eco-tourism projects on this property.

Many of the staff of Abelana Game Reserve are from the local communities, they receive money towards their rent, and a community levy by guests syphons money straight into the community to help with projects that develop and uplift the local communities. Many of the supplies and services of Abelana lodges are purchased from local members of the community or small businesses, and there are always additional projects under development, such as ‘an environmental education project with local schoolchildren.’

Children over the age of 6 are welcomed at Abelana River Lodge

Room Facilities

Air conditioning, Fan, Bath or Shower, Outdoor Bath/Shower, Toilet, Ensuite, Desk, Mini Fridge / Mini Bar, Decking / Veranda

General Facilities

Indoor restaurant, Outdoor restaurant, Indoor bar, Outside swimming pool

Board Basis

Full Board + = Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Room Types

Double

Abelana River Lodge

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