Abelana River Lodge

During my volunteer placement with LEO Africa in 2022, I had the privilege of visiting Abelana River Lodge, a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of Abelana Game Reserve, just 40 minutes from the Phalaborwa Gate of Kruger National Park. We were invited for a private birthday celebration — shared only with our volunteer group, the warm lodge team, and the managers.

A lodge reimagined

Abelana River Lodge underwent a complete renovation and was officially reopened in February 2020. The transformation involved gutting the original structures and expanding the lodge to 20 spacious guest suites, each with sweeping views of the Selati River. Thoughtfully designed with contemporary African style and sustainability in mind, the lodge blends luxurious amenities with eco-conscious choices — from water-saving features to sensitive integration into the landscape.

Originally, the land was used as a hunting area, like many game reserves in South Africa. Its evolution into a conservation-driven destination highlights the power of eco-tourism to protect biodiversity and uplift local communities. The lodge’s reopening in 2020 marked a new chapter focused on low-impact, high-quality safari experiences — though travel was briefly disrupted by the onset of the global pandemic.

Luxury in the wild

Each suite at Abelana River Lodge features air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and a private deck — ideal for soaking up the sights and sounds of the African bush. The Selati River is a lifeline for wildlife, where hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species gather daily, creating a dynamic and ever-changing view.

Guests can relax by the tranquil pool, gather around the firepit in the evenings, and enjoy fresh cuisine in the elegant dining space. Selected public areas offer Wi-Fi for those needing to stay connected — though most will find the setting a welcome invitation to unplug.

A reserve with a purpose

The reserve spans 15,000 hectares of diverse terrain, from beautiful koppies and open plains to lush riverine forests. Originally proclaimed as a nature reserve in 1959, Abelana Game Reserve is now owned by the Mashishimale community, who successfully claimed the land in 2010. Through a long-term lease agreement with MTH Lodge Holdings, the land is now managed for conservation and eco-tourism, with tangible benefits going back to the local people.

The community earns revenue through jobs, services, a guest conservation levy, and lease rental income. Local suppliers provide everything from laundry to transport, and additional initiatives — including environmental education projects for local schoolchildren — are underway.

Glamping with a view – Abelana safari camp

For those seeking a more adventurous and immersive stay, Abelana Safari Camp is an unforgettable addition to the Abelana Game Reserve experience. Nestled deep within the reserve, this intimate camp accommodates just 2 to 8 guests, offering an exclusive and personal encounter with the wild.

The camp features four luxury Meru-style tents, each thoughtfully furnished with either twin or king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, hot water, and solar lighting—blending comfort with authenticity. The highlight is the elevated viewing deck, overlooking a nearby waterhole where wildlife frequently gathers. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying sundowners after a game drive, the deck offers breathtaking views and unforgettable moments under the African sky.

Days at Abelana Safari Camp are rich in adventure and connection. Mornings begin with guided walking safaris, giving guests a chance to explore the reserve’s flora and fauna up close, while afternoons feature game drives through the vast 15,000-hectare wilderness. Back at camp, guests can relax in the shaded tented lounge, browse the small library, or enjoy the self-service honour bar.

Though Wi-Fi is not available, charging stations for cameras and phones are provided—and most guests agree: the digital detox is a welcome invitation to fully immerse in the surrounding nature.

Meals are fresh, flavourful, and served in the open-air dining area, where stories from the day’s adventures are shared against the backdrop of the wild. With its sense of solitude, stylish simplicity, and deep connection to the landscape, Abelana Safari Camp offers glamping at its finest—a true escape into South Africa’s untamed beauty.

Whether you choose the comfort of the River Lodge or the wilderness charm of the Safari Camp, you can tailor your experience with activities such as:

• Morning and afternoon game drives

• Walking safaris with experienced guides

• Birdwatching, or simply relaxing by the river

• On request: horseback safaris for experienced riders

  
  

If you're looking to complement a trip to Kruger National Park, Abelana River Lodge offers a more intimate and exclusive wildlife experience – a destination that beautifully balances luxury, adventure, and the untamed beauty of South Africa.

Discover more about this exceptional lodge and everything it has to offer here.

And don’t miss the chance to learn more about CEO Ian, a leader with a fascinating background.

Some impressions of my visit, taken with my phone: