Abelana River Lodge

Dream like safari in a gorgeous location.

Pros: It’s a beautiful all inclusive safari boutique resort in absolutely an idyllic location, they have all the big 5 game. Staff are all lovely, rooms are gorgeous.

Cons: The coffee is OK but not the best.

An experience that I will never forget

Pros: We saw elephants walking on the other side of the river while we lounged at the pool. We loved the sound of baboons early in the morning and we saw a hippo swim past while we were drinking coffee on our decking. The giraffes come walking through the grounds and they were almost close enough to touch. The food is excellent, the staff are amazing and the whole experience is luxurious and spectacular.

An absolute indulgent experience. I wanted for nothing. Can’t wait to go back!

Pros: Everything!! The suite The lodge The game drives The food The ANIMALS!

Fabulously attentive staff, beautiful food, comfortable accommodation & stunning location

Pros: A great choice of breakfast items to choose from from cereals, continental meats, fruit, yogurt & hot breakfasts too. Staff cleaned room every day and prepared room for night time by providing fresh water and making sure lights were on, blinds were down and mosquito net was surrounding the bed We had the most amazing game drives with the best guide, Adi, who was so caring and knowledgeable and answered all our questions on all the animals interestingly and thoroughly - and there were many!

Cons: Had trouble getting the right temperature in our shower but as weather was hot didn't mind that it was on the cool side.

Perfect Safarie-experience.

Pros: Super friendly staff and safarie-guides. Delicious food and just perfect location!

What a fantastic oasis; we will be back!

Pros: What a fantastic oasis! Beautiful lodge by the Selati river with wildlife roaming around the property. The lodge is beautifully furnished. We enjoyed excellent hospitality by the team and great game drives with Duncan - our passionate and very knowledgeable guide. Everything was perfect; food was fabulous every meal. it was exceptional!! We highly recommend this place and will be back for more.

My Roman Empire. Loved every second.

Pros: Absolutely everything. The property is stunning, the staff the best. The service goes above and beyond. The game drives give you the most meaningful experience in the bush. You may see the big 5 or you may not but it doesn’t matter as you get to live the bush and understand its delicate and complex ecosystem. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Cons: There is nothing not to like.

Magical time in South Africa

Pros: The Lodge is absolutely insane. We are travel a lot in good hotels but this is right at the top. We food is delicious, the safaris are very exciting and you learn a lot about afrikas animals, flowers, trees and the culture. Mostly you see a much bigger variation of animals, compared the the Great Kruger. We also had the chance to do a walking safari and we saw also cheetah nearby and we were absolutely safe. The staffs helps you with brilliance if you have any questions or wishes. Very often there are several animals across the river, you can wach from the pool. For example giraffe, monkey, elefant, impala. You feel very safe here, cause the staff also walks you to the room in the dark. No doubt that we will come back to this beautiful place. Thank you for the time here, especially to John and Natalie.

Cons: There really was nothing to complain about!

Extraordinary experience paired with a luxurious lodge and superb team

Pros: We had an amazing time with Nathalie and the entire lovely team of Abelana River Lodge. Special thanks to Thomas, our tour guide, who showed us the big 5 in 3 game drives - extraordinary! Next to that we were even able to attend a bush walk with John, which was a completely new experience to us. Over all, everyone is very lovely and welcoming, the service, rooms, the lodge itself and food is just wonderful. You made our trip end with an unforgettable experience by the stay at your great place. Thanks so much, Nadine&Robert

One of the highlights of our trip

Pros: A real gem, Amazing staff, amazing location and amazing food. Really well organised and just a pleasure to stay at. I love the attention to details like the game drive drinks and the little snacks before game drives. Perhaps a bigger wine collection would have been nice. But that is just nitpicking/

Cons: 1 night they changed from a set menu to buffet. Even though the food was amazing I rather sit and enjoy company of my family the getting up for buffet. And WIFI at the main building was quite poor. I loved that there was no wifi in the houses. But I needed to do some work and wifi signal was quite bad. Leaving me stranded to finish what I needed to.