Abelana Game Reserve is a brand new 15,000ha (36,000 acre) 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.

A Boost for responsible eco-tourism in South Africa

Owned by the Mashishimale community, Abelana derives its name from the Northern Sotho word meaning “to share among each other”. This spirit of sharing underpins the relationship between the Mashishimale and the lodge operations partner which leases the land for eco-tourism purposes.

“As caretakers of this reserve, and working in partnership with the Mashishimale community, it’s important that we nurture a culture of sharing the benefits of what we are doing here,” says Abelana CEO Ian Beauchamp. “This means that we are directly benefitting our community, both through substantial annual lease fees and a tourism levy of R100 per guest, per night, and through job creation and procurement practices that encourage entrepreneurship and joint venture opportunities,” adds Ian.

Abelana Safari Camp

Abelana Safari Camp is an intimate, eight-bed tented camp that offers an immersive, authentic safari experience in a style redolent of the classical African explorers. With just four en-suite Meru-style safari tents tucked into the lee of a towering rock or “koppie”, its stunning 100m2 viewing deck constructed on top of the koppie that rises above the camp has to be seen to be believed, affording breathtaking views of the reserve and the northern reaches of the Drakensberg Escarpment.

Activities

Include: Guided morning walking safaris; Guided game drives in the afternoon and into the evening with a spotlight;
Birding; Photography; Stargazing.

Exclusive Use Option

We have made provision for guests to book the whole of Abelana Safari Camp at a specific set rate, thereby allowing activities to be tailored completely to individual preferences. Our staff will suggest options for your consideration.

What to Bring

For walking it is essential that you bring comfortable shoes or boots and preferably long trousers and long sleeve shirts or t-shirts in neutral colours such as khaki, green or brown. Bright colours that stand out are inadvisable on walks from a safety perspective. A soft cap or hat is essential for protection from the sun.
On game drives or in camp sandals, flip flops, or casual shoes are sufficient.
A jacket and jersey/fleece are necessary on cold days and particularly in the colder winter months from May to September.

Other useful items to bring on safari include a small torch with batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, cameras, binoculars and any personal medication. The camp does have a basic first aid kit. Cash for tips and drinks recommended.

Inclusions

Accommodation, all meals, two game activities per day.

Abelana River Lodge

In the north of the reserve, located on the banks of the Selati River, lies Abelana River Lodge. Recently opened and already developing a reputation for incredible cuisine and a spectacular location, this impressive 40-bed luxury lodge combines sleek, contemporary African design with organic décor, focussing on a more traditional approach to the safari experience with morning and afternoon game drives and bush walks offered to guests.

Activities

Include guided morning and afternoon game drives; Bush walks; Birding; Photography; Stargazing.

What to Bring

A range of clothing in neutral colours such as khaki, green or brown, including shorts and T-shirts, a pair of long trousers and long sleeve shirts, comfortable, closed walking shoes (for bush walks and in winter when it is cooler in the mornings and evenings), sandals or flip flops and swimming costumes. A hat is essential. Bright colours that stand out are inadvisable.

A jacket and jersey/fleece are necessary on cold days and particularly in the colder winter months from May to September.

Other useful items to bring on safari include a small torch with batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, cameras, binoculars and any personal medication. The camp does have a basic first aid kit.

Inclusions

Accommodation, all meals, two game activities per day.

Contact

T: +27 83 264 7164
W: Abelana Game Reserve
E: Reservations