Abelana River Lodge
R71, 35 Km From Gravelotte, Phalaborwa 0895 South Africa
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#3 of 11 hotels in Phalaborwa
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34Reviews0Q+A7Room tips
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+1
My husband and I visit Abelana in early January and had the most incredible stay. The facilities are beautiful - very new and in pristine condition. The lodge and pool over look the river. Hanging out by the pool we saw hippo, and plenty of monkeys and other animals on the other side of the river. The rooms were also beautiful and comfortable- each with a private patio and outdoor shower. During our four days at Abelana, we saw a variety of wildlife, including four of the big five (and we saw lions three times). We also did some bush walks and night drives that were thrilling. Dylan was our guide for our entire stay and he was absolutely wonderful. He had endless knowledge of the animals, plants, terrain, and even insects of the area. There wasn’t a question he didn’t answers, he was always patient and we could tell he has a genuine passion for what he does. Each day we’d wake up for coffee and head out for a 5:30 game drive. Driving through the brush at sunrise was the best way to start the day. We’d stop for coffee mid-drive before heading back to the lodge for breakfast, relaxing, lunch and then snacks before the evening drive. Each evening we’d stop mid-drive for a sundowner - it’s the best way to enjoy a cocktail! Then back to the lodge for dinner (it was almost difficult to keep up with the amount of food!). Lastly, the food was excellent. One of our meals was served by the fire pit, which was absolutely magical. This being a newer lodge, it doesn’t have as many reviews as some others in the area. I would recommend visiting this gem before word gets out and they start filling up!…
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 5 days ago
Many thanks for your great review which we greatly appreciate. It's review like your's that take a long way into our Abelana Game Reserve journey. We will certainly make sure our staff get your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back soon. We will be opening Abelana Safari Camp in March which is different experience to that of River Lodge as we offer the whole lodge for small parties of friends with a very personal walking safari experience... Kind regards Bryan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Wir waren als Paar unterwegs und hatten 3 wunderschöne Tage in der Lodge.Die Unterkunft sowie auch das perfekte und leckere Essen hat uns sehr beeindruckt.Das Personal stets aufmerksam und hilfsbereit.Die Safaris die einmal in den Morgenstunden sowie in der späten Nachmittagszeit durchgeführt wurden waren sehr spannend und interessant. Dylan unser Tourenguide hat alles Best mögliche gegeben damit wir Tiere und auch die Natur kennenlernen. Er ist ein sehr Natur verbundener junger Mann der seinen Job liebt ,ein besseren Tourenguide hätten wir nicht bekommen können,einfach fantastisch und Danke für die schönen lehrreichen 3 Tage und auch an das Team.Matthias und Sabine
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Einfach mal 3 Tage buchen und auf Safari gehen
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 5 days ago
Liebe Sabine und Matthias, herzlichen Dank fuer das ueberaus freundliche Kompliment – wir schaetzen dieses feedback sehr und werden natuerlich diese Komplimente an das Lodge Personal und auch an Dylan weiterleiten. Wir hoffen, Sie bald wieder auf Abelana begruessen zu duerfen und verbleiben mit herzlichen Gruessen Das Abelana Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Very good holidays in a beautiful location. All team members were perfect. A big thank especially to our very good guides Dylan, Dunkan and John. We had wonderful moment with you all. It was very interesting to learn on the wild and understand your values about how to appreciate this nature.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 5 days ago
Many thanks for your review - pleased to hear you had a great time and will certainly let Dunkan and Dylan and team get your feedback - hope to see you back soon... Kind regards Bryan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ondine W wrote a review Dec 2022
I had a great time at Abelana reserve, the accommodations are super nice and clean and the staff is always so welcoming and available for you at anytime. It’s basically heaven ! The fact that the lodge and little houses are in the middle of the reserve makes you feel in total immersion in nature. A big thank you to John, Duncan and Dylan who shared so much knowledge with us, I am so thankful for their kindness and so glad I got to know their 3 amazing personalities as we went around on safaris. I have never been to such a welcoming place with awesome people such as them ! Thank you for all Ondine
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Date of stay: December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 5 days ago
Many thanks for your review from all at Abelana River Lodge, we have a great team on board and our guests love coming to Abelana River Lodge - hope to see you back soon - Abelana is indeed special and very different to other lodges as we believe we offer a completely immersive safari experience, Kind Regards Bryan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Truly a breathtaking venue, so unique in many ways, along with staff that will do what ever it takes to make your experience romantic and special, big thanks to Natalie and Dylan. Highly recommend for memories of a lifetime.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 5 days ago
Many thanks for your review, Natalie is a great host and just goes the extra mile to make our guests happy. Hope to see you back soon - Kind regards Bryan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
A Beautifull lodge! A warm welcome awaits you. Well trained good mannered friendly staff who loves to serve you all day long. Food is excellent. Cocktails is perfect. Game Rangers is awesome with good knowledge. Spacious clean rooms. Decor, spot on! Elaine is an absolute star!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Parking is at the gate. A game ranger will drive you to the lodge in an open game vehicle - a...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 5 days ago
Many thanks for your great review - we will certainly make sure the lodge and staff get your feedback - hope to see you back soon, Kind Regards Bryan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a FANTASTIC stay at Abelana! Here are some things we loved most: The staff were incredible - so friendly and helpful, and took care of our every need. They made it such an incredible stay for us. The food was AMAZING - absolute 5-star dining for every meal, each of which was unique. The drinks were also amazing and very reasonably priced. The lodge and the rooms are stunning - there's a lovely pool with beautiful views onto the river, and the rooms are beautifully designed and incredibly comfortable. The game viewing was great! Many reviews comment on how the lodge is new and the bush is thick and animals are fearful - while this is true, we felt it contributed to the authentic and wild feel of the reserve, and despite this we had absolutely incredible game sightings with super knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery. It's not a zoo - it's the bush and each drive is different and you never know what you're going to see, but we saw a ton of amazing game. Our stay at Abelana was truly special, we would strongly recommend and we would definitely come back.…
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Date of stay: November 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 6 Dec 2022
Many thanks for your great review and your sincere comments about our Game - it really is an authentic experience as you say in your review. Hope to see you back soon. Kind regards, Bryan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We stayed at the Abelana River Lodge with 4 people (2 couples) in October 2022. We had a wonderful time at the lodge. The staff is super friendly and we felt right at home. The lodge is beautifully designed and is located directly at a river, allowing direct interaction with game / wild animals directly at the lodge. We were able to see game directly from our breakfast table. The rooms are very spacious, beautifully designed, and well equipped with everything you need. The restaurant staff is very welcoming and so their best to fulfill your wishes. A big thank you to Nathalie and her team for the great hospitality. The game drives were spectacular and we were able to see a lot of game , including rhinos and lions. The game drivers are very professional, knowledgeable, and fun. Thank you PJ for the great drives and your hospitality, we very much enjoyed the drives and learned a lot from you! We can highly recommend the lodge to everyone who seeks a unique and luxurious lodge! Great job by all staff ! thank you !!…
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 18 Oct 2022
Many thanks for your wonderful review - we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to welcoming you back soon... Kind regards Bryan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Veruit de mooiste lodge die wij ooit bezocht hebben. Wat hebben wij intens genoten van deze dagen in Abelana. Het is bijna niet te beschrijven hoe prachtig het is gelegen aan de rivier Salati. De lodge is met zoveel smaak ingericht. Het voelt zo warm en welkom aan. De kamers zijn..... Fantastisch! Je wil bijna niet gaan slapen om niets te missen van al het moois. Ze zijn perfect ingericht. Heerlijk bed, badkamer met binnen en buitendouche met uitzicht op de rivier. Het zitje buiten, om van de omgeving te genieten en het wild. De drives met Duncan waren onvergetelijk!! Hij heeft ons zoveel verteld over dieren en plantenrijk. Zijn vrolijke uitstraling en zijn missie om het een ieder naar de zin te maken, om zoveel mogelijk te laten zien, vergeten wij nooit meer. Het eten is in 1 woord, magnifiek! Wat hebben wij genoten van elke maaltijd. Echt een feestje. En een diepe buiging naar het personeel. Altijd behulpzaam en vriendelijk. Kortom een verblijf die onvergetelijk is geweest met een gouden rand! Lieve groeten, Wilfried, Saskia, Kevin en Adija …
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 18 Oct 2022
Dear Wilfried, Saskia, Kevin and Adija Thank you so much for your fabulous review and will certainly make sure our staff get your feedback - Natalie and her team take extra special care looking after our guests and we hope tp see you back soon, Many thanks Bryan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had a wonderful experience at Abelana Game Reserve. Every staff member was delightful and eager to help! Great place for honeymoon as they make it very special and romantic! Thank you! Will recommend 100%
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Bryan West, Sales at Abelana River Lodge
Responded 18 Oct 2022
Dear Bronwyn - many thanks for your lovely review, hope to see you back soon many plan a trip for a second honeymoon next year, Kind regards, Bryan
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
$942 - $1,056 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvincePhalaborwa
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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