Blog

It’s blistering hot out here in the height of summer. Whatever rains arrive are a welcome respite, but quickly followed by a humidity that can only be experienced firsthand to understand.  It’s a good thing that our reserve is decorated by some of nature’s toughest trees, bringing us dappled shade,…

With the gorgeous Lowveld heat settled over the Abelana Game Reserve, the bushveld replenished and rejuvenated by recent rainfalls, our reserve trees are dressed in greenery and summer glory.  In this article, we pay homage to a tree that grows in prolific splendour at Abelana, the Mopane Tree – one…

No one could have foreseen that Abelana Game Reserve was set to open its gates just mere weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm. Touching base with Ian, we took time to reflect with him on the lodge’s journey…

As we head into the lush green of spring and summer, we continue to celebrate the sturdy, silent giants of the Abelana Game Reserve – our Big Five Trees (the Baobab, Knobthorn, Yellow-Fever, Mopane and Marula), alongside five other favourites that we can’t resist mentioning… The Knobthorn Tree The knobthorn…

As a nation, and a continent, we most certainly consider ourselves spoiled to be home to the renowned Big Five, as well as an abundance of fascinating wild animals that roam our varying landscapes. What fewer people are aware of is that we also host five more towering giants, the…

It sometimes feels that we now live in an entirely new world, with fluctuating COVID-19 regulations dictating wedding size, venue choice and layout, with social distancing practices imposed on wedding guests. What’s emerged as a result of the pandemic is an exciting new outlook on weddings (and other events), as…

Even with many nations achieving herd immunity through vaccinations, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people approach their travels. Intrepid travellers have adjusted their bucket lists to include destinations offering safety and assurance. We believe that, with our wide-open spaces and scrupulous tourism and hospitality COVID-19 protocols, South Africa…

According to studies conducted by Stanford University, a minimum of four consequences of prolonged video chats have been identified, a set of symptoms commonly known as ‘Zoom Fatigue’. As more and more business and student individuals are thrust into the world of online meetings, classes and conferences, this new…

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about”~ Margaret J. Wheatley, Author From the moment we founded Abelana Game Reserve in 2019, we’ve aimed to partner with the growing community of Mashishimale, our vibrant neighbouring town. It’s always been our intention to build…

Photo credit: Bill Drew @billdrewmpisi When it comes to African predators, they don’t come more beautiful and mysterious than the leopard. This solitary hunter is the strongest of Africa’s big cats and can carry up to three times its own body weight, stashing…

Autumn is here and the Easter holidays are fast approaching, so there’s no better time to plan a much-needed Easter break at Abelana Game Reserve, here in the heart of Limpopo’s Greater Kruger region. So bring your loved ones and family for the Easter long weekend…

Abelana Game Reserve is fast emerging as one of South Africa’s newest and most exciting mountain bike destinations, thanks to its breathtaking (and challenging) landscapes, outstanding natural beauty and, of course, its wildlife! We’ve already hosted successful tours with leading mountain bike operator…

Photo credit: Victoria Napier Abelana’s ongoing commitment to conservation has been given a boost thanks to the introduction of new sable onto the reserve. Three bulls and 12 cows, a number of which are pregnant, were released in January this year to supplement the existing sable…

When it comes to romance, it doesn’t get much better than a beautiful, luxurious safari suite overlooking a river, with hippos serenading and the sights and sounds of the African bush all around you, the soft flickering of candlelight and lanterns breaking up the warm African…

Something wonderful happened at Abelana over the festive season, resulting in a rare and beautiful addition to the reserve’s wildlife family – a black impala lamb was born! The lamb was spotted just a few hours after birth by Abelana River Lodge guide Bill Drew on…