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The end of February saw the moment all of us here at Abelana Game Reserve have been waiting for – the opening and launch of our beautiful new Abelana River Lodge! It’s taken virtually a year of building, interrupted at the last minute by heavy annual rains, but finally we can unveil this incredible lodge to the waiting world !

Located on the northern bank of the Selati River, overlooking a perennial section created by upstream and downstream weirs and facing one of the most beautiful riparian forests in the region, Abelana River Lodge has 20 gorgeous guest suites with space for up to 40 guests and is the realisation of years of meticulous planning and preparation.

In our earlier blog in February this year we took a sneak peek at the luxurious guest suites, now we can reveal the entire lodge in its glorious splendour…

Arriving at Abelana River Lodge is an experience in its own right, as following check-in at the gate reception area a game viewer vehicle transfers you from the reserve’s northern gate to the  lodge. As you arrive you will have tantalising glimpses of the lounge areas, viewing and pool decks and the river beyond. With high ceilings under thatch the impression is one of coolness with ample light and space. The entrance features alcoved walls containing a collection of traditional carved African stools and leads into a spacious lounge area, off which are the bar and restaurant areas.

A wide timber deck overlooking the river is home to our fire-pit, outside bar and lounge area and wonderful infinity pool, flanked by loungers positioned to make the most of incredible view of the hippo, crocodiles and other teeming wildlife.

The décor is an effortless blend of contemporary, organic and traditional African design and we’ll be explaining how the look and feel of Abelana River Lodge’s interiors were achieved by our talented team of designers in a separate blog. In the meantime, what we can share is that the attention to detail is beyond compare, with both artefacts, objets d’art and furnishings placed together in vignettes of space that engender a sense of peace and tranquillity, natural flow and grace throughout the lodge.

Abelana River Lodge’s opening has been greeted with huge excitement and positive feedback from both guests and the tourism industry alike, who are already loving its incredible location, sensational views, levels of luxury and amazing food (which we’ll also be covering in a separate blog!). Sitting in a marvellous armchair out on the deck, drink in hand, toasting the setting sun and being serenaded by the songs of hippos sums up what Abelana River Lodge is all about – unwinding, escaping and re-energising. This is where you come to really relax and absorb the spirit of wild Africa, sharing her spaces, her peace and calm and her incredible wild fauna and flora. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready to face the world again. And wanting to come back! Get in touch today to find out about our opening special and we hope to see you soon!

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