Title: Abelana River Lodge Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) # Abelana River Lodge Riverside lodge with free breakfast and outdoor pool ![Front of property – evening/night](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42270000/42265800/42265747/9a050b71.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local and international cuisine ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42270000/42265800/42265747/047cbd30.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Lounge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42270000/42265800/42265747/abb0e4fd.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Terrace/patio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42270000/42265800/42265747/c2cb9644.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Luxury Suite, River View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42270000/42265800/42265747/db997b22.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Rooms - Location - Policies Experience a tranquil retreat at Abelana River Lodge. Discover the surrounding wildlife on a game drive or unwind by the firepit with poolside relaxation nearby. Previous guests loved their stay, highlighting the lodge's warm atmosphere and welcoming staff. 10 Exceptional ## Popular amenities - Breakfast included - Room service - Pool - Parking included - Housekeeping - Air conditioning ## Room options ### Check availability for these dates Tonight [Nov 30 - Dec 1](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-30&endDate=2025-12-01&selected=42265747&PinnedHotelID=42265747&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-30&endDate=2025-12-01&selected=42265747&PinnedHotelID=42265747&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Tomorrow [Dec 1 - Dec 2](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-01&endDate=2025-12-02&selected=42265747&PinnedHotelID=42265747&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-01&endDate=2025-12-02&selected=42265747&PinnedHotelID=42265747&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) This weekend [Dec 5 - Dec 7](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-05&endDate=2025-12-07&selected=42265747&PinnedHotelID=42265747&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-05&endDate=2025-12-07&selected=42265747&PinnedHotelID=42265747&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Next weekend [Dec 12 - Dec 14](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-12&endDate=2025-12-14&selected=42265747&PinnedHotelID=42265747&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-12&endDate=2025-12-14&selected=42265747&PinnedHotelID=42265747&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Luxury Suite, River View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42270000/42265800/42265747/dde0f051.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Luxury Suite, River View ### Highlights Balcony or patio Separate sitting area Air conditioning Separate bedroom Premium bedding Ceiling fan Private bathroom Electric kettle - 538 sq ft - 1 bedroom - River view - Sleeps 2 - 1 King Bed ![Mod logo](https://a.travel-assets.com/pricing-claim/sparkle_dark.svg) Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures! [Sign in](https://www.expedia.co.uk/login?ckoflag=0&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FTzaneen-Hotels-Makubu-Lodge.h42265747.Hotel-Information)[Sign up, it's free](https://www.expedia.co.uk/signup?enable_registration=true&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FTzaneen-Hotels-Makubu-Lodge.h42265747.Hotel-Information) ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C-23.93767%2C30.91993&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=3ZrGfa5M32-F8ftfJlYPIKUs8mI=) R71, 35km from Gravelotte, Phalaborwa, Limpopo, 0895 #### Getting around - Phalaborwa (PHW-Hendrik Van Eck) - 28 min drive ## About this property ### Abelana River Lodge Luxury lodge by the river At Abelana River Lodge, you can look forward to free English breakfast, game and wildlife viewing and a firepit. The on-site local and international cuisine restaurant, Makubu, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition to a garden and conference space, guests can connect to free WiFi in public areas. Other perks at this lodge include: - An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers and pool umbrellas - Free self-parking - Multilingual staff, game drive on-site and concierge services - Luggage storage and coffee/tea in reception Room features All guest rooms at Abelana River Lodge boast thoughtful touches, such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as amenities, such as separate sitting areas and safes. Extra amenities include: - Free tea bags/instant coffee and electric kettles - Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries - Balconies or patios, wardrobes/cupboards and separate sitting areas ## Similar properties ![Outdoor pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/90000000/89240000/89239300/89239262/e03efac8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### MILIMA Big 5 Safari Lodge Hoedspruit - Pool - Breakfast included - All-inclusive - Spa 9.0 Wonderful 21 reviews £608 includes taxes & fees 21 Dec - 22 Dec [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-21&endDate=2025-12-22&selected=89239262&PinnedHotelID=89239262&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/19000000/18310000/18302700/18302637/8eccd18a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Antares Bush Camp & Safaris - Hostel Phalaborwa - Pool - Parking included - Free WiFi - Restaurant [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-14&endDate=2025-12-15&selected=18302637&PinnedHotelID=18302637&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/18000000/17730000/17724800/17724760/a6ce0219.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Muweti Bush Lodge Phalaborwa - Pool - Parking included - Free WiFi - Air conditioning 10 Exceptional 30 reviews £352 includes taxes & fees 1 Dec - 2 Dec [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-01&endDate=2025-12-02&selected=17724760&PinnedHotelID=17724760&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/117000000/116470000/116468700/116468680/14bddd65.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Timbila Game Lodge Phalaborwa - Pool - Breakfast included - Parking included - Free WiFi £309 includes taxes & fees 1 Dec - 2 Dec [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-01&endDate=2025-12-02&selected=116468680&PinnedHotelID=116468680&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Game viewing](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/9000000/8970000/8964300/8964275/601c8d76.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Mbizi Bush Lodge Phalaborwa - Pool - Breakfast included - Parking included - Free WiFi 9.8 Exceptional 17 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-12-14&endDate=2025-12-15&selected=8964275&PinnedHotelID=8964275&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in some public areas: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - Free offsite parking; reservations required - Offsite parking; reservations required - Free self parking on site ### Food and drink - Free English breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM - A restaurant - Coffee and tea in common areas ### Restaurants on site - Makubu ### Things to do - Game drive - Game viewing - Outdoor pool ### Family friendly - Outdoor pool ### Conveniences - Limited-hour front desk - Luggage storage ### Guest services - Concierge services - Housekeeping (daily) - Multilingual staff - Proposal/romance packages - Turndown service ### Business services - 1,076 square feet of conference space ### Outdoors - Firepit - Garden - On a river - Pool loungers - Pool umbrellas ### Accessibility - No lift ### More - Communal living room - Designated smoking areas - Mosquito nets ## Room amenities ### Bedroom - Premium bedding ### Bathroom - Free toiletries - Private bathroom - Shampoo - Shower - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Food and drink - Electric kettle - Limited room service - Minibar - Tea bags/instant coffee ### More - Air conditioning - Ceiling fan - Desk - Safe - Separate sitting area ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 3:00 PM Early check-in subject to availability Late check-in subject to availability Minimum check-in age - 18 ### Check-out Check-out before 10:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions Guests must transfer via Shuttle to the property; guests must contact the property at least 48 hours before travel, using the contact information on the confirmation received after booking The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation If you are planning to arrive after 3:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools ### Access methods Front desk (limited hours) ### Pets No pets or service animals allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Payment types at the property ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted Cashless transactions are available Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### We should mention This property does not have any lifts Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property ### Property is also known as Makubu Lodge Abelana River Lodge Lodge Abelana River Lodge Phalaborwa Abelana River Lodge Lodge Phalaborwa ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Abelana River Lodge have a pool? > Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. ### Is Abelana River Lodge pet-friendly? > No, pets are not allowed at this property. ### How much is parking at Abelana River Lodge? > Self-parking is free at this property; nearby parking is also free. ### What time is check-in at Abelana River Lodge? > Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 3:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours. ### What time is check-out at Abelana River Lodge? > Checkout is at 10:00 AM. ### Where is Abelana River Lodge located? > Situated on a river, this lodge is 16.9 mi (27.2 km) from Phalaborwa Gate. ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Abelana River Lodge Reviews 10 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) ### 10 Cleanliness ### 10 Amenities ### 10 Staff & service ### 10 Eco-friendliness ### 10 Property conditions & facilities 10 - Excellent 2 8 - Good 0 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Taryn 29 Nov 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities What an absolute experience! We were treated so well by all the staff from arrival to departure! We came with our parents and friends as part of our honeymoon and the manager and her team made some extra special touches to our room including a romantic dinner for 2 on the last evening - we loved it and so appreciate the lovely gesture. On the first evening I was feeling unwell from the flight and was attended to personally by the manager and offered some things to make me feel better which was really amazing as we didn’t even think to bring with Rehydrate or things like that. We had incredible sightings of elephant swimming in front of the lodge in the river as well as in the bush, hippos in front of our bungalows in the river, lions, cheetah (freshly released as we were ther), plenty buck and more. Do note that this park has thick Mopane bush so sightings are spread out but you do still see a lot and the ranger and guide make a big effort to ensure that. We even got to take part in a conservation darting exercise - which is a once in a lifetime experience- where a team of vets, conservationists, a helicopter and a group of tourists (us) went with the mission of replacing a male buffalos gps collar and a male lions collar that had a small snare on it. The darting was very professionally executed and so special to witness the conservation efforts of about 30 people and Abelanas team take part in. Thanks Abelana! ##### Taryn ### 10/10 Excellent #### Larissa 25 Oct 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Einfach nur WOW! Es geht nicht besser. Lodge, Safari, Food und vor allem das Team dort sind der absolute Wahnsinn! Unser Guide Duncan ist ein richtiger Herzensmensch und hat uns die beste Safari-Experience geboten, die es gibt. Das gesamte Team ist mit so viel Passion und Herzblut dabei und das merkt man jeden Tag! Es ist dort wie eine kleine Familie man fühlt sich so geborgen und gut aufgehoben. Nach 3 Tagen hat es sehr weh getan diesen Ort zu verlassen. Wir kommen definitiv eines Tages wieder!!! ##### Larissa Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023 ## Expedia's Latest Trends ### Hotels > [The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sun-City-Hotels-The-Palace-Of-The-Lost-City-At-Sun-City-Resort.h392096.Hotel-Information) > > [Mabula Game Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Bela-Bela-Hotels-Mabula-Game-Lodge.h1559026.Hotel-Information) > > [Tsala Treetop Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Plettenberg-Bay-Hotels-Tsala-Treetop-Lodge.h1030430.Hotel-Information) > > [Lush Private Game Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pilanesberg-National-Park-Hotels-Lush-Private-Lodge.h24940930.Hotel-Information) > > [Kwa Maritane Self-Catering Chalets](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pilanesberg-National-Park-Hotels-Kwa-Maritane-Self-Catering-Chalets.h22471915.Hotel-Information) > > [Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Breede-River-Hotels-Inverdoorn-Private-Game-Reserve.h3131643.Hotel-Information) > > [Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Polokwane-Hotels-Park-Inn-By-Radisson-Polokwane.h17771611.Hotel-Information) > > [Aha Makalali Private Game Reserve](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hoedspruit-Hotels-Aha-Makalali-Private-Game-Reserve.h2343567.Hotel-Information) > > [Ivory Tree Game Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pilanesberg-National-Park-Hotels-Ivory-Tree-Game-Lodge.h5994597.Hotel-Information) > > [Kariega Game Reserve - Main Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Kenton-On-Sea-Hotels-Kariega-Game-Reserve-Main-Lodge.h4576469.Hotel-Information) > > [Margate Beach Club](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Margate-Hotels-Margate-Beach-Club.h9458217.Hotel-Information) > > [Pumba Private Game Reserve](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Grahamstown-Hotels-Pumba-Private-Game-Reserve.h2319463.Hotel-Information) > > [Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Vaalwater-Hotels-Mhondoro-Safari-Lodge-Villa.h11522151.Hotel-Information) > > [Vuyani River Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hoedspruit-Hotels-Vuyani-Tented-Camp-All-Inclusive.h57157744.Hotel-Information) > > [Vuyani Safari Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hoedspruit-Hotels-Vuyani-Safari-Lodge-All-Inclusive.h36961786.Hotel-Information) > > [Hartford House](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mooirivier-Hotels-Hartford-House.h27344764.Hotel-Information) > > [The Cabanas Hotel at Sun City Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sun-City-Hotels-The-Cabanas-Hotel-At-Sun-City-Resort.h9459.Hotel-Information) > > [Sanbona Wildlife Reserve](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Barrydale-Hotels-Sanbona-Wildlife-Reserve.h1155735.Hotel-Information) > > [Garden Route Game Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Albertinia-Hotels-Garden-Route-Game-Lodge.h2917158.Hotel-Information) > > [The Cascades Hotel at Sun City Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sun-City-Hotels-The-Cascades-Hotel-At-Sun-City-Resort.h9515.Hotel-Information) > > [Tshukudu Bush Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pilanesberg-National-Park-Hotels-Tshukudu-Bush-Lodge.h1201423.Hotel-Information) > > [Sun City Hotel and Casino](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sun-City-Hotels-Soho-Hotel-Casino-At-Sun-City-Resort.h527184.Hotel-Information) > > [The Oyster Box](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Umhlanga-Hotels-The-Oyster-Box.h2939964.Hotel-Information) > > [Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Touws-River-Hotels-Aquila-Private-Game-Reserve-Spa.h6347327.Hotel-Information) > > [Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Pilanesberg-National-Park-Hotels-Kwa-Maritane-Bush-Lodge.h526966.Hotel-Information) > > [Sebatana Private Reserve](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Vaalwater-Hotels-Sebatana-Private-Reserve.h32459379.Hotel-Information) > > [The Kingdom Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Moses-Kotane-Hotels-The-Kingdom-Resort.h6792618.Hotel-Information) > > [Glen Afric Country Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Broederstroom-Hotels-Glen-Afric-Country-Lodge.h27136993.Hotel-Information) > > [Gondwana Game Reserve](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Mossel-Bay-Hotels-Gondwana-Game-Reserve.h4145102.Hotel-Information) > > [Woodbury Tented Camp - Amakhala Game Reserve](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sidbury-Hotels-Woodbury-Tented-Camp-Amakhala-Game-Reserve.h9642577.Hotel-Information)