Abelana Game Reserve: Making a Difference in the Community

At Abelana Game Reserve, we believe in the power of conservation to make a positive impact on both wildlife and communities. Our commitment to the environment is rooted in our strong belief that by working together, we can create a better future for everyone. Join us on this journey and discover how Abelana Game Reserve is making a difference in the community.

Education and Empowerment

One of the key pillars of our community initiatives is education. We understand that knowledge is the key to empowerment, so we strive to provide educational opportunities for children and adults alike. Through partnerships with local schools and organizations, we offer programs that promote environmental awareness and sustainable living. By teaching the community about the importance of conservation, we aim to inspire a new generation of passionate environmental stewards.

Benefits for the Locals

Abelana Game Reserve is more than just a place for wildlife. It is a place that benefits the local community. Through job creation and economic opportunities, we aim to uplift the people who live nearby. We believe that by providing employment and supporting local businesses, we can help build a stronger and more resilient community. By visiting Abelana Game Reserve, you are not only experiencing the beauty of nature but also contributing to the well-being of the community.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

At Abelana Game Reserve, we recognize the importance of preserving cultural heritage. We work closely with local communities to preserve their traditions and promote cultural exchange. By celebrating diversity and embracing different perspectives, we create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.

The Future Is in Our Hands

By choosing Abelana Game Reserve, you are not only immersing yourself in the beauty of nature but also playing an active role in the conservation of our planet. Your visit helps support our efforts to protect and restore ecosystems, conserve wildlife, and empower communities. Together, we can make a difference and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Join us at Abelana Game Reserve and experience the transformative power of conservation. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

In the heart of the Limpopo lowveld, there’s a special place called Abelana Game Reserve. It’s not your typical reserve, though. It has a unique and wonderful spirit.

The word “abelana” means “to share amongst each other” in Northern Sotho. And that’s exactly what they do at Abelana. The community is at the center of everything. The Mashishimale community owns the land and they lease it out for eco-tourism. But it’s not just about the reserve. Abelana has had a positive impact on the surrounding community too.

Abelana has created opportunities for small businesses outside of the reserve. From rubbish collection to laundry services, these businesses provide important services and support the local economy. And when you stay at Abelana, you become a part of this community effort. Your stay helps uplift and develop the community.

The Selati River is always flowing in front of the beautiful Abelana River Lodge, attracting a range of fascinating water-dwelling creatures like hippos. You’ll find this lodge nestled alongside the river’s banks, offering a unique and exciting experience. Its unfenced surroundings mean that wildlife can freely explore the camp, which can lead to some incredible wildlife encounters. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see hippos grazing between suites 12 and 13! The lodge itself offers spacious and private suites, each equipped with both indoor and outdoor showers, as well as a deck for you to enjoy the serene view of the river.

This incredible lodge is situated on a vast property spanning across 15,000 hectares, right next to the famous Kruger National Park and Selati Game Reserve. It’s conveniently located near the towns of Gravelotte and Phalaborwa, making it easily accessible for visitors.

I have to tell you about the amazing suites at River Lodge! They are absolutely stunning and provide the perfect setting for a memorable experience. As you walk along the Selati River, you’ll come across these twenty exquisite suites, each one carefully spaced to offer privacy and tranquility.

One of the things that makes this place so unique is that the camp is unfenced. It might sound a bit intimidating, but don’t worry, you won’t be left alone. The friendly staff is always there to accompany you to your room, ensuring your safety and making you feel at ease.

Now, let me paint a picture of what awaits you inside your suite. The moment you step in, you’ll be captivated by the beautiful decor and attention to detail. The interior design is simply breathtaking, with luxurious furnishings and tasteful finishes that create an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication.

But the real wow factor is the view. Each suite is strategically positioned to offer panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty. You can gaze out at the majestic Selati River or immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the landscape. It’s like having a front-row seat to nature’s masterpiece.

And the experience doesn’t end there. The suites are equipped with all the modern amenities you could possibly need. From plush beds to refreshing showers, everything is designed with your comfort in mind. You’ll also have your own private deck, where you can relax and take in the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Staying at River Lodge is truly an unforgettable experience. The combination of stunning suites, breathtaking views, and impeccable service makes it the perfect choice for a luxury getaway. So, if you’re looking for an extraordinary escape, look no further than the suites at River Lodge. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Wow, let me tell you about Abelana Lodge – they really go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic stay. It’s all about the little things. When you walk in, they greet you with a nice, refreshing hand towel. You’ve gotta love that attention to detail! And get this – they even have a cookie jar that magically refills itself every day. Freshly baked cookies are a must-have treat!

But it doesn’t stop there. In your suite, you’ll find a mini fridge stocked with cold water, all bottled right there at Abelana. They’re doing their part to reduce single-use plastic, and I think that’s pretty awesome. And check this out – every night, they leave a bottle of water next to your bed, just in case you get a little thirsty during the night. Talk about being taken care of!

The beds in the suites are absolutely dreamy. They’re king size and covered in a huge mosquito net. It feels like a cozy oasis. And when you wake up in the morning, you can slide open the glass doors and step out onto your own private deck. The view is incredible – all you see is the river. And speaking of the river, it’s home to so many different kinds of birds. You might even get awakened by the sounds of the majestic Giant Kingfishers during your afternoon nap. What an experience!

After an exciting game drive, you can join me for some post-game drinks around the cozy fireplace, where we can bask in the afterglow of our adventure. And when our appetites beckon, we’ll head to the main deck, a delightful spot where tantalizing meals await. Nestled beneath the shade of a magnificent fig tree, this deck offers a sweeping view of the river, a serene backdrop to our dining experience.

Take a moment to picture this: an infinity pool that seems to melt into the landscape, perched just a few meters above the river. The deck, where we can sunbathe or relax in pure bliss, is the perfect vantage point to soak in the beauty of our surroundings. It’s a breathtaking sight, one that leaves us in awe of nature’s marvels.

Now let me paint a picture of tranquility: the Abelana Safari Camp, nestled amidst majestic granite koppies in the southern part of the reserve. Here, we can escape the hustle and bustle of the world and find solace in the simplicity of nature. With cozy Meru-style tents to accommodate us, the Safari Camp is ideal for families and close-knit groups of friends.

But here’s the real gem: the elevated viewing deck. Yes, it requires a bit of an uphill climb, but trust me, the reward is beyond compare. Perched between towering granite outcrops, this deck provides panoramic views that will leave us breathless. From here, we can witness the wonders of the wilderness, gazing out onto a vast expanse with a waterhole as its centerpiece. It’s a front-row seat to the wonders of the animal kingdom, a view that will etch itself in our memories for a lifetime.

The Safari Camp deck is a spacious area that can accommodate large groups of people. It’s the perfect place to relax with a cold drink as you watch the sunset. Photo: Lauren Dold

When you visit the reserve, there are only two options for accommodation: River Lodge and Safari Camp. With 15,000 hectares to explore, you may find yourself being the only ones on a drive.

Here are the rates for 2021:

River Lodge: The price is R7,500 per person for sharing a room. If you prefer a single room, there is a 50% supplement fee per person. Additionally, there is a community levy of R100.

Safari Camp: They offer a 3-night package for R10,210 per person when sharing a room. There is also a community levy of R100.

If you’re interested, you can reach them at abelanagamereserve.com or give them a call at 061 952 4302. You can also follow @abelanagamereserve on social media for updates.