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

Find Hotel with a Concierge in Mala Mala Game Reserve

Upfront pricing

Our total price for your stay includes taxes and fees

Treat yourself

Save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide with Member Prices

Learn about One Key

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel with a Concierge

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Top Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel with a Concierge

Body treatments, aromatherapy, hot stone massages, deep-tissue massages

"Amazing stay, food, decor, amenities, rooms were great and would love to stay here again. Safari was also amazing with a great guide, Culture. Conveniently located 1min away from the Paul Kruger Gate. Highly recommend staying here."

$345 nightly

Oct 23 - Oct 24

Total with taxes and fees

Luxury Rooms (Double Rooms) (1) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

"An incredible stay and experience. "

$708 nightly

Oct 14 - Oct 15

Total with taxes and fees

"Great experience and the staff were amazing. "

$204 nightly

Nov 2 - Nov 3

Total with taxes and fees

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

"Great place just outside Kruger at a reasonable price! No complaints at all, was exactly what we expected as a base to go into Kruger. Friendly staff and a plesant environment! "

$94 nightly

Oct 17 - Oct 18

Total with taxes and fees

"Picked imbali as a good place for a short 3 day safari. Food portions were large and of good quality . There are some areas where the wood at the lodge and around the property need some replacement but overall didn’t detract from a lovely setting . Watering hole for elephants is directly opposite the restaurant area so good for breakfast and lunch . Safari drives were good and Jayden did a great job for us . Would have been nice to have a transfer from local airport Skukuza included in the cost...

$929 nightly

Oct 12 - Oct 13

Total with taxes and fees

"2 game drives per day included. You can watch wildlife from the terrace. Big beautiful room, friendly staff, and great restaurant. "

$915 nightly

Oct 18 - Oct 19

Total with taxes and fees

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local and international cuisine

"Lodge com atendimento espetacular, de todos os colaboradores, recepção e garçons. Permitem que seja uma experiência única e inesquecível. Conseguimos ver bastante animais, inclusive dentro da própria acomodação. Comida e hospitalidade impecáveis."

$3,402 nightly

Oct 24 - Oct 25

Total with taxes and fees

"Great spa great staff you will enjoy. Period. They really know what they’re doing and how to take care of you."

$5,205 nightly

Oct 10 - Oct 11

Total with taxes and fees

View all properties

Top Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel Reviews

Sabie River Bush Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"The service here was unbelievable… WOW ! Such a wonderful stay !!! Should have stayed here longer. "

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Do you want to see the big five while being treated as a royalty? Book the Elephant Plains Game Lodge. Their facility is excellent, location is great, and the level of service is awesome. They will be waiting for you when you arrive because they know that you’re coming and they will pamper you on every step of the way: from the room personalized for your visit to the dining options tailored to your diet to sundowners and welcome back drinks. They make you feel like a family and you would not want to leave. Ever. "

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices

Find Hotel with a Concierge in Mala Mala Game Reserve

Upfront pricing

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel with a Concierge

Top Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel with a Concierge

Kruger Gate Hotel

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

aha Skukuza Safari Lodge

Sabie River Bush Lodge

Imbali Safari Lodge

Leopard Sands, Kruger Park

Lion Sands Narina Lodge

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Shiviko Kruger

Top Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel Reviews

Sabie River Bush Lodge

Elephant Plains Game Lodge