Abelana Game Reserve is a 15,000ha (36,000 acre) Big Five game reserve 50km west of the Greater Kruger National Park and bordering the Selati Game Reserve, close to the town of Phalaborwa in South Africa’s beautiful Lowveld – the country’s prime big game region.

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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.

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This stylish, newly rebuilt 20-room lodge offers spectacular views over the Selati River. The river is home to a plethora of wildlife such as hippo and crocodile and a variety of bird species, from the African fish eagle to Pel’s fishing owl.

The main area and swimming pool also overlook the river and include indoor and outdoor dining areas and a bar, as well as a lounge and fire pit for sharing safari experiences and sightings in the evenings.

All rooms are under thatch with en-suite facilities, including an additional outside shower and spacious deck overlooking the river where guests can spend time relaxing between activities. The rooms are airconditioned with ceiling fans and a mini bar.

Various dining experiences are offered, from alfresco bush dinners, to the deck overlooking the river. Dining options are dependent on weather and guest preferences. 

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.