New tented camp offers walking and horse safaris in Greater Kruger region
Abelana Safari Camp offers walking trails and horse safaris on the Mashishimale community-owned 15,000ha Big Five reserve, leased by MTH Lodge Holdings in a sustainable conservation and eco-tourism partnership.
Located between Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa, adjacent to the Greater Kruger’s Balule Nature Reserve and neighbouring Selati Private Game Reserve, Abelana Game Reserve includes a 10km stretch of the semi-perennial Selati river.
Abelana Safari Camp, which accommodates just eight guests in five Meru-style en-suite luxury tents, is located amid the distinctive towering granite rock formations and koppies that dominate the southern section of the reserve.
There’s a central lounge and dining area, fire pit and viewing deck atop the koppie on which the camp is built, offering panoramic views of the entire reserve and the waterhole below. The camp has a light footprint with solar power and gas geysers. No large trees were removed during construction.
The area surrounding Abelana Safari Camp is perfect for exploring on foot or on horseback, and South African trails guide and trainer John Fouche will lead guests on morning walking safaris and afternoon game drives. Qualified guide and expert equestrienne, Tamlyn Whitebread will head up the horse safaris from Abelana Safari Camp.
“Abelana means ‘to share among each other’ in Sotho,” 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 with the Mashishimale community and visitors from across the world seeking an authentic, intimate and sustainable African safari experience.”