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.

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.

The camp is small, accommodating eight guests in five 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.

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.

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.