A new tented camp is set to open in the Greater Kruger region this month – and its specialty is getting guests to mingle with animals in Big 5 territory by foot or saddle.
Abelana Game Reserve is leased to MTH Lodge Holdings by the Mashishimale community which owns the 15,000 ha reserve.
‘Abelana means “to share amongst each other” in the Northern Sotho language,’ explains Ian Beauchamp, CEO of MTH Holdings and Abelana Game Reserve. It’s fitting that we are sharing this lovely new camp and beautiful reserve both with the Mashishimale community and visitors from across the world looking for a truly authentic, intimate and sustainable African safari experience.’
This reserve lies between Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa and is nestled between Balule Nature Reserve and Selati Private Game Reserve.
The tented camp, Abelana Safari Camp, is a spot of private luxury in between the region’s iconic granite outcrops in the southern section of the property.
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- Just one of the 5 luxury tented camps. Image: supplied.
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- Looking out from the viewing deck. Image: supplied.
The five Meru-style en-suite luxury tents are scattered around a central lounge, dining area, fire pit and a 100 sq.m viewing deck above a waterhole – all this for just eight guests. The camp is powered by solar energy and gas.
While it may be tempting to stick to the camp, the reserve is geared towards getting guests out of their tent and in amongst the koppies and wildlife.
Morning walks and afternoon game drives are with the renowned guide John Fouche, who has worked in Botswana, Tanzania and South Africa as a guide and guide trainer.
The camp stables team guests with trusty steeds who will take them onto the reserve to see the landscape from another point of view. Tamlyn Whitebread, from The Horse Safari Company which specialises in horseback safaris in Big 5 areas and heads up the stables and safaris.
For the rest of this year, guests will have the reserve to themselves. Makubu Lodge opens early next year along the Selati river in the north of the reserve.
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- Guests will ride amongst a host of animals in the reserve, such as giraffe. Image: supplied.
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- The Selati river runs through the north of the reserve. Image: supplied.
Cost
The walking trail package is a minimum two-night stay and includes all meals, tea, coffee, and activities. From R3,000 per person per night sharing.
The horse safari package is a minimum three-night stay and includes all meals, tea, coffee, and activities. From R5,500 per person per night sharing.
Feature image: supplied.
