Sunrise at the Earth Lodge Sabi Sabi Game Reserve. Game drives start bright and early with coffee and danishes at 5:00 a.m. Departures at 5:30 a.m.

The tree seen silhouetted is The Marula Tree and has a history as a source of nutrition dating back to 10,000 years B.C. and it is certainly one of Africa's botanical treasures.
The multiple uses of the tree, it's bark, leaves, fruit, nut and kernels are legendary. My favorite is when the fruit ripens and drops to the ground and lightly ferments ... the elephants, giraffes, warthogs, and other animals get wasted and the party gets started safari style !
http://youtu.be/D5E5TjkDvU0

The fruits are a good food source and high in vitamin C.
The skin can be boiled to make a drink or burnt to be used as a substitute for coffee.
The wood is soft for carving
The inner bark can be used to make rope and for making dye
They produce small tasty nuts which are rich in protein.
The Oil is used as a skin cosmetic.
Their green leaves are eaten to relieve heartburn.
The bark contains antihistamines

The fruit can also be cooked to produce jam, juices and alcoholic beverages like "Amarula" a delicious South African Cream Liqueur that substrates just fine for coffee creamer any time of the day as far as I'm concerned. It also is used to brew a very tasty, potent South African moonshine known locally as "Mampoer" after a local Chief who favored it. It is said to make grown men weep.

the Venda people of Southern Africa maintain that bark infusions can be used to determine the gender of an unborn child. If a woman wants a son the male tree is used, and for a daughter, the female tree. If the child of the opposite gender is born, the child is said to be very special as it was able to defy the spirits.

Oh, and did I mention it sacred.

#treetrove #goldenhour

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"Simbambili game lodge exceeded all our expectations. Nomsa who always made sure our needs were met with a smile and all the staff (Stan our wonderful Butler, Moomsa, Mathew the chef ect..) always made us feel like family. Our exciting and informative game drives were led by Kel the Ranger and Life the Tracker. They are best professional/ knowledgeable team you could have. Thx Simbambili team for such a memorable trip…If coming back to Sabi Sands…it’s gotta be Simbambili!! Chuck & Diane "

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Thornybush Collection Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel Guide

Some globe-trotters choose hotels based on location, but others book by name. And thanks to Expedia you don’t have to pick. It is why we offer such an expansive range of Thornybush Collection hotels in Mala Mala Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park. Known for well-appointed rooms and friendly, personalized service, each of the top Thornybush Collection Mala Mala Game Reserve hotels guarantees an unparalleled level of comfort and quality.

You’ll find best-in-class amenities like clean rooms and quiet atmospheres, and some Mala Mala Game Reserve Thornybush Collection locations may even offer extra little benefits and discounts for frequent travelers.

Recent reviews of Mala Mala Game Reserve hotels

Kruger Shalati - Train on the Bridge and Garden Suites

5/5 Excellent

"Everything was flawless. Best hotel stay ever. "

A verified traveler stayed at Kruger Shalati - Train on the Bridge and Garden Suites

Posted 1 month ago

5/5 Excellent

"This was our 5th visit to Elephant Plains. It's the most affordable option in the Sabi Sands and an excellent place to stay. Since our 2022 visit, they have updated the rondovels. They're super comfortable with everything you need. Staff were great. They seem to have simplified the food options (an improvement) and the quality is great. You go to the Sabi Sands for the exceptional leopard sightings and amazing safaris. This place does not dissapoint - in one drive we had 2 leopard cub sightings, a female on a kill, close elephant encounters and lions. It's worth every cent! For self-drivers (at May 2025), the roads to Gowrie Gate are horrendous and haven't improved much in 10 years. Map out your journey before hand. We used both Google Maps and the maps provided by EP. Gowrie Gate entry was R510 (cash or card) and the conservation fee added to your bill at EP was R620 so factor that in too. Elephant Plains is a must do!"

A verified traveler stayed at Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Posted 2 months ago

Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps - Mantobeni

5/5 Excellent

"This is an exceptional property in the Manyeleti Game Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park. It is a magical place where Impala's roam the property and the elephants come to drink water from the pool. The "tents" are very nice with toilet facilities and showers and comfortable beds. The food was good, but the staff are the best! They do everything they can to meet your needs and wants. Everyday there are two game drives into the reserve where you can get very close to amazing game animals. The guides on these drives are very good at their jobs. Ours was named Brilliant and he truly was brilliant. He can find animals, birds and snakes at distance and at night in places I can barely see. He is amazing! We want to thank the staff for making our stay very special-Dan, Mavis, Trevor, Previous, Noa and other...and especially Brilliant!"

A verified traveler stayed at Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps - Mantobeni

Posted 2 months ago

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Simbambili Game Lodge

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Thornybush Collection Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel Guide

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