Phalaborwa, South AfricaAbelana Game Reserve
Abelana River Lodge
Thatched riverfront safari outpost
Abelana Game Reserve   Phalaborwa, South Africa
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Abelana Game ReserveThatched riverfront safari outpost
Thatched roofs and polished concrete frame open lounges along the Selati River, where wildlife wanders past expansive timber viewing decks.
What it’s good at
Notable
Thatched river suites, hand-beaded lighting, and timber decks with leadwood trunk details overlooking the Selati River.
Notable
Attentive all-inclusive safari hospitality featuring private outdoor showers, wood-burning fireplaces, and guided game tracking.
Notable
Eco-tourism partnership on Mashishimale community land, offering guided bush walks and Sepedi hospitality across the reserve.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The 15,000-hectare private reserve spans rugged granite outcrops and riparian forest along the Selati River, just outside Phalaborwa.
The rooms
Thatched suites feature mosquito-draped beds, wood-burning fireplaces, and private timber decks with outdoor showers looking over the riverbed.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An infinity pool sits flush with the timber deck, looking directly over the Selati River.
At the table
Dinners unfold beside a stacked-stone fireplace under high thatch, and drinks are poured at the live-edge bar.
How it began
Developed in partnership with the local Mashishimale community, the reserve takes its name from the Sepedi word meaning to share amongst each other.
Good to know
Stay here
Abelana River Lodge
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.