Abelana Game Reserve is the perfect place for groups of friends and families to come together and celebrate landmark events and important milestones with its two wonderful lodge options – the luxurious Abelana River Lodge and intimate Abelana Safari Camp – doubling up as fabulous party venues.

Whether it’s an engagement, wedding, honeymoon, important birthday or anniversary or just a chance to get the entire, extended family together after the stresses and strains of lockdown, Abelana has it covered.

Abelana Safari Camp has been wowing guests ever since it opened in September 2019. It’s located amongst the distinctive rock formations and koppies that dominate the southern section of the 15,000ha reserve and accommodates eight to 10 guests in beautifully appointed, Meru-style en-suite luxury tents. Atop the towering koppie that Abelana Safari Camp was built beneath is one of its best-kept secrets – an amazing 100 square metre viewing deck offering incredible panoramic views of the entire reserve and the dam below. The camp lends itself to an exclusive use option where you decide the pace and timing of your experience.

Abelana Safari Camp is the perfect spot for intimate get-togethers and low-key celebrations. Days can be spent exploring the incredible scenery and evenings are a time for gathering around a roaring log fire in the boma, while the camp’s head chef Lector Shai prepares amazing, mouthwatering dishes for dinner under the stars. Or raise a glass or three out in the wilderness with a fabulous bush breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Further north, on a beautiful stretch of the Selati River, Abelana River Lodge is turning heads thanks to its fabulous décor and effortless blend of African and contemporary design. It offers the ultimate event venue for up to 40 people, with accommodation in 20 luxurious thatched guest suites.

As its name implies, the river is the drawcard at Abelana River Lodge which is built on the northern bank of the Selati overlooking a permanent stretch of water that’s home to a pod of hippos as well as some impressive crocodiles! The lodge’s beautiful and expansive outdoor areas are perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining and include a riverside  firepit, outdoor lounge, bar and dining areas and breathtaking infinity pool.

One of the first landmark celebrations Abelana hosted was a 50th wedding anniversary dinner under one of its beautiful baobab trees, where champagne magically “descended” from the tree and was opened in traditional sabrage fashion. The event was a huge success.

Abelana Safari Camp’s stunning viewing deck has also been the venue for a romantic wedding proposal… She said “yes” and the happy couple later posted that the deck should “become the best place to get engaged or married in the world”!

Abelana River Lodge has also hosted a wonderful surprise party for a couple staying at Abelana Safari Camp. They were driven, unsuspecting, to River Lodge for a sundowner overlooking the Selati and were met by a large group of their closest friends! It was a wonderful event.

No form of celebration is complete without amazing food. Abelana River Lodge head chef Juan Louis “JL” Kruger has been using the lockdown to hone his and his team’s creative skills, putting his hand to some amazing signature dishes that would complement any celebratory feast.

With its state-of-the-art kitchen combined with the culinary skills of JL’s team, Abelana River Lodge is able to create outstanding, personalised banqueting menus that are perfect for weddings, anniversaries and themed evenings.

Add to the mix a wonderful list of South African wines, a well-stocked bar and selection of locally made craft gins, as well as access to talented musicians, and you have the recipe for the perfect party!

Get in touch today for more info!

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