Abelana Safari Camp

Abelana Safari Camp is small, accommodating eight guests in four Meru-style tents. It’s located in an elevated position in the remote southern part of the reserve amid spectacular granite outcrops known locally as “koppies” and overlooks a large watering hole below the camp’s expansive viewing deck.

The views over the bushveld are spectacular and daily guided walks and game drives allow guests to explore large tracts of bush in absolute exclusivity.

The Meru-style tents are simple yet comfortable and well-appointed, offering an authentic safari experience. The tents are all equipped with beds offering a twin or king size configuration with lighting provided by solar power.

Because we are located in a water-scarce region each tent is equipped with a shower rather than a bath, with hot water provided by gas geysers always available.

Food is home-cooked, often over an open fire, using locally sourced fresh produce. The camp does not offer a luxury culinary experience as the menu is a set affair, but we do try and cater to individual preferences provided we have prior notice of dietary requirements at the time of booking.

The camp has a large tented mess and lounge area with an honour bar system and a range of reference books. There is a charging station for camera batteries and phones. Unfortunately, wi-fi is not available due to the remote location.

Abelana Safari Camp offers morning walking safaris and afternoon game drives each day.

Walking safaris are perhaps the most authentic way to experience the African bush. It’s only on foot that you cease to be an observer and become part of the environment, truly taking in the uniqueness of your surroundings and all the smaller components that make up the broader ecosystem. On foot in the bush you will feel a sense of belonging to something much bigger than yourself.

Our walks are conducted at a leisurely pace but could last as long as four hours, enabling you to discover the smaller flora and fauna of the reserve. At times it is possible that you will be the only trailists or game viewing vehicle on any part of the reserve. The guides are experienced and well qualified having worked in the industry for many years and will conduct all activities in a safe and informative manner. We want our guests to have fun while enjoying the wilderness and hopefully learning from the experience.

About Abelana Game Reserve

Abelana Game Reserve is a 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.

Owned by the Mashishimale community, the word “abelana” means “to share amongst each other” in the local Northern Sotho language. This spirit of sharing underpins the relationship between the Mashishimale and its lodge operations partner which leases the land for eco-tourism purposes.

Characterised by breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, varied topography and a mixture of vegetation types, Abelana Game Reserve has a 10km stretch of the semi-perennial Selati River in its northern section, as well as numerous other seasonal watercourses.

Abelana is home to a rich diversity of fauna and flora, from the hippos and crocodiles that make the Selati River their home and the famed Big Five – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo – as well as cheetah and wild dog, which are occasional visitors, to an impressive number of endemic bird species including the African fish eagle, peregrine falcon, Arnot’s chat, thick-billed cuckoo, bat hawk and elusive Pel’s fishing owl.