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Our lovely lion ladies are doing well!

Some fantastic news from Abelana Game Reserve is that our two new gorgeous lioness “sisters” that were released onto the reserve late last year are doing wonderfully well and thriving in their new home! Caught on video on a recent game drive from Abelana River Lodge, the pair of lovely…

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A jumbo encounter…

Coming across elephants while out on a game drive at Abelana Game Reserve is always a highlight, but when Abelana River Lodge safari guide Annie White encountered a young elephant bull on a recent drive with guests, some unexpected behaviour made for an interesting and exciting sighting, which was captured…

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Abelana River Lodge unveiled at last!

[meta_gallery_carousel] 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…

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Hooray for hippos!

One of the wonderful things about staying at Abelana River Lodge is its location on the banks of the Selati River and the constant “serenading” of our resident hippo pods. You’ll most likely hear their raucous grunts as you sit on our viewing deck or…

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First impressions of Abelana River Lodge…

With the countdown to the opening of Abelana River Lodge nearing its zenith, we thought we’d give you a sneak peek at how some of the original artist’s impressions of the lodge are translating into reality, focussing on the stunning guest suites… Located on either…

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What it takes to build a safari lodge…

Abelana River Lodge is in its final stages of construction and everyone involved is slowly gearing up to the official opening on 23 February. It takes unfathomable patience and considerable resources, both financial and human, to build a safari lodge. Then, of course, there’s location and when it comes…

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A river runs through it!

The northern reaches of Abelana Game Reserve are considerably different to the rocky outcrops and koppies of the south and are marked by the 10km stretch of the river that dissects the reserve – the Selati. At around 140km in length, this seasonal river…

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Summer’s in full swing!

The sun is shining and the sky is a beautiful shade of blue. The bush is lush and verdant, there are baby animals aplenty and the air is thick with the hum of cicadas… It can only be summer in Africa! It’s truly incredible…

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Feeling festive in the bush

It’s odd spending Christmas in the African bush, especially if you’re used to colder climes at this festive time of the year! Here in South Africa the Christmas period coincides with our summer holidays and summer is indeed in full swing, with soaring temperatures and…

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Abelana’s ladies lead the way!

It’s often said that people make a good safari great, and this is certainly true at Abelana Safari Camp where its team of amazing support staff are warming hearts with their wonderful brand of hospitality. For assistant chef Peggy Ngomane and housekeepers Meldatin Malobane and…

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Walking on the wild side…

We’re in the African bush on foot. It’s getting hot and tummies are rumbling for breakfast, but none of that matters as all eyes are on a small piece of twig in the hands of Abelana Safari Camp head trails guide John Fouche. He’s just…

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