A new safari adventure awaits you at Abelana Game Reserve in Limpopo

Get ready for an unforgettable journey as you step into the magnificent wilderness of Abelana Game Reserve. Set in Limpopo, this exotic safari destination is a paradise waiting to be explored. The beauty of Abelana lies in its unspoiled landscapes and breathtaking wildlife, offering an experience like no other.

When you visit Abelana Game Reserve, you’ll discover a world where nature reigns supreme. As you venture on thrilling game drives, you’ll encounter majestic creatures such as elephants, lions, and giraffes. The reserve is also home to an incredible array of birds, adding a symphony of colors and melodies to your safari experience.

Immerse yourself in the magic of Abelana as you embark on exciting bushwalks. Feel the earth beneath your feet and the warm sun on your face as you navigate the terrain alongside experienced guides. They’ll share their extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna, enriching your understanding and appreciation of the natural wonders around you.

One of the highlights of Abelana Game Reserve is its commitment to conservation. Here, preserving the delicate balance of the ecosystem takes center stage. Through sustainable practices and community partnerships, Abelana ensures that future generations can also marvel at the wonders of this remarkable place.

After an exhilarating day exploring the wild, unwind in luxurious accommodation that blends seamlessly with nature. Look forward to a restful night’s sleep in stylish lodges or indulgent tents, all designed to provide you with utmost comfort and tranquility.

Abelana Game Reserve offers a safari experience that lingers in your memory and touches your soul. So, if you’re longing to venture into the heart of Africa and discover the untamed beauty of Limpopo, then Abelana is your gateway to an unforgettable journey.

When it comes to travel, we all want to make responsible choices. That’s why Abelana Game Reserve in Limpopo is such an incredible safari destination. As a conscious traveler, you’ll find everything you need here.

This reserve covers an impressive 15,000 hectares and is home to the Big Five. What makes it even more special is that it’s owned by the Mashishimale community. They’ve partnered with MTH Lodge Holdings to create a sustainable conservation and eco-tourism venture.

Abelana Game Reserve is perfectly situated between the towns of Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit. It’s also adjacent to the Balule Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger area, as well as the Selati Private Game Reserve. The landscapes here are truly breathtaking, with stunning granite outcrops in the south and a stunning 10-kilometer stretch of the Selati River in the north.

When the sun sets over the Safari Camp, the sky transforms into a beautiful blend of pink, blue, and purple.

In the southern part of the reserve, you’ll find Abelana Safari Camp. This camp offers an authentic safari experience that will transport you back to the time of African explorers. With just four cozy safari tents nestled against a towering rock formation, you’ll feel completely immersed in nature. But the real showstopper is the camp’s incredible 100m2 viewing deck, perched atop the rock formation. From here, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the reserve and the majestic Drakensberg Escarpment to the north.

Abelana Safari Camp is also the home of Abelana Horse Safaris, which offers horseback safari adventures all year round. So if you’re a nature lover seeking an unforgettable experience, Abelana Safari Camp and its horse safaris are a match made in heaven.

When you stay at Abelana Safari Camp, you have an incredible opportunity to explore the beautiful surrounding area either on foot or on horseback. There are picturesque trails that you can follow, and you’ll be guided by an expert named John Fouche. He’s not only a renowned trails guide but also an experienced guide trainer. In the morning, he’ll lead you on exciting walking safaris where you can encounter the wonders of the South African wilderness up close. And in the afternoon, you can join him for thrilling game drives to spot amazing wildlife.

At Abelana Horse Safaris, you’ll be in the capable hands of Tamlyn Whitebread. She is an expert equestrienne and a qualified guide who leads the horse safaris. Tamlyn is highly respected in the safari industry and is known for her pioneering work in promoting women’s role in South Africa’s safari industry.

I’m thrilled to tell you about Abelana River Lodge, a stunning retreat situated in the northern part of the reserve, right by the Selati River. This magnificent lodge has quickly become renowned for its delectable food and breathtaking setting. With its modern African design and nature-inspired decor, it offers a unique and traditional safari adventure, complete with exciting morning and afternoon game drives, as well as adventurous bush walks, all available for you to enjoy. With 40 luxurious beds, it’s a place where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

Welcome to Abelana River Lodge, where I get to enjoy the breathtaking views of the serene Selati River. As I gaze out at the water, I can’t help but feel a sense of peace and calm wash over me.

The lodge is nestled in a picturesque setting, surrounded by nature’s beauty. The sound of birds chirping and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze create a symphony of tranquility that puts my mind at ease.

One of the things I love most about this place is the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. The lodge is designed in harmony with its surroundings, with open spaces that allow me to connect with the wilderness around me.

When staying at Abelana River Lodge, you can expect to be treated to top-notch amenities and services. The staff is welcoming and attentive, ensuring that your every need is met. Whether you’re craving a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant or looking for guidance on local activities, they’re always ready to assist.

Speaking of activities, there’s no shortage of things to do here. From thrilling game drives to peaceful walks in the bush, there’s something for everyone. You can also take a boat cruise along the river or simply unwind by the pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying a good book.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast like me, Abelana River Lodge is a dream come true. The nearby game reserves are home to a diverse range of animals, and the knowledgeable guides will take you on unforgettable safari experiences. You might spot the magnificent elephants grazing or catch a glimpse of a majestic lion in its natural habitat.

The beauty of Abelana River Lodge extends beyond its physical surroundings. The lodge is committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that the natural environment is protected for future generations to enjoy. I appreciate their dedication to responsible tourism and feel good about supporting their efforts.

In conclusion, Abelana River Lodge is not just a place to stay; it’s an experience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of the Selati River and the serenity of your surroundings. So why wait? Come and immerse yourself in nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.

When I think about a stylish fire pit, I imagine the ideal spot to gather with friends and family for a relaxing evening. It’s a place where we can enjoy the sunset and unwind after a long day.

On the deck, I enjoy calm evenings.

When you visit Abelana Game Reserve, you have the amazing opportunity to explore the reserve while riding in an open air game viewing vehicle. This allows you to get up close and personal with the stunning wildlife that inhabits the reserve.

What makes Abelana Game Reserve truly special is the idea of sharing. It’s not just about experiencing the beauty and wonder of the reserve for yourself – it’s about sharing that experience with others. That’s why the reserve is named Abelana, which means “to share amongst each other” in the local Northern Sotho language.

This spirit of sharing is at the heart of everything we do at Abelana Game Reserve. We believe in caring for every part of the tourism value chain, from the environment to the local communities. We want to ensure that everyone who visits the reserve has a truly memorable and meaningful experience.

As the caretakers of this reserve, and working in partnership with the Mashishimale community, it’s crucial that we foster a spirit of sharing the benefits of our work here,” I say as the CEO of Abelana, Ian Beauchamp. “This means that we directly benefit our community in two ways: by paying substantial annual lease fees and a tourism levy of R100 per guest, per night, and by creating jobs and promoting entrepreneurial opportunities through our procurement practices and joint ventures,” Ian adds.

I always say that creating jobs is one of our top priorities here at Abelana. Currently, our team consists of 80 individuals, with 52 hailing from the Mashishimale community. What’s incredible is that most of these team members didn’t have any prior experience in their roles. However, we are committed to providing them with the necessary training and skills development to ensure they have lifelong careers in the tourism and hospitality industry.

But our commitment to the community doesn’t stop there. We are proud to support local businesses by outsourcing our laundry and staff transport to them. Additionally, we work alongside a community recycling business to responsibly handle our waste. By bottling our own water, we reduce our reliance on single-use plastics. On top of that, we are currently working on establishing community vegetable farms that will supply our lodge with fresh produce.

‘Hey there! Guess what? We’re planning to set up this super cool environmental educational center in our community. It’s going to be a place where you and your friends can learn all about the fascinating history of our land and discover awesome career opportunities right here in our neighborhood!’ says Ian with an excited smile.

So, if you’re interested in joining us and want to book a spot, just shoot us an email at [email protected], or give us a call on 061 952 4302. Oh, and if you need more details, check out our website at www.abelanagamereserve.com.

Image credit: Supplied