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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Lodges in Mala Mala Game Reserve

Presidential Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Private Pool | Private pool

￥325,739 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 19 - Jun 20

￥39,583 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 29 - Jun 30

"We loved everything about our time at Leopard Hills! Would absolutely recommend to anyone planning a safari. We were blown away by the close encounters with wildlife. The staff go above and beyond to make your visit special. "

￥397,692 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 19 - Jul 20

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

"An incredible stay and experience. "

￥113,576 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 22 - Jun 23

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

"I found the management advertising decietful..the say book now and pay later then when you book they engage a company called "paybridge"to deduct 50%of the booking.from credit card without any reference to the sabie R/L.also the food is substandard and menu without prices..the tent that we stayed in had no clothes hanging facilities..this review will be posted to other websites.."

"Amazing place, amazing animals, great food, amd some of the best staff and guides ever. "

￥114,149 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 13 - Jul 14

"The managers and staff at Hamiltons's are extraordinary. They make you feel at home and part of the family. Everything from the game drives, to the food, the service, to just talking with the staff was excellent. It is the second time we have stayed there and hopefully we will be back again!! They are the best!! Very humble and loving pwople. Bob and Gilda"

￥208,395 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 29 - Jun 30

￥577,880 total

includes taxes & fees

Jun 19 - Jun 20

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Mala Mala Game Reserve Lodges information

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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 3 weeks 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 1 month 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

5/5 Excellent

"Property was excellent - rooms were fantastic top-notch! Had private pool overseeing bush. Staff were very courteous and welcoming. We felt like home away from home. Our ranger Michael and tracker Adwais were superb and very knowledgeable - showed us big 5 and mag 7 in just 4 game drives - kids just loved it!! Highly recommend Leopard hills!"

A verified traveler stayed at Leopard Hills

Posted 2 months ago

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Lodges in Mala Mala Game Reserve

Tintswalo Safari

Kruger Safari Lodge

Leopard Hills

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Sabie River Bush Lodge

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Hamiltons Tented Camp

Shiviko Kruger

aha Skukuza Safari Lodge

Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Find out more about Mala Mala Game Reserve

Mala Mala Game Reserve Lodges information

Recent reviews of Mala Mala Game Reserve hotels

Kruger Shalati - Train on the Bridge and Garden Suites

Sabie River Bush Lodge

Kruger Gate Hotel

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps - Mantobeni

Elephant Point

Leopard Hills

aha Skukuza Safari Lodge

Nkuhlu Tented Camp

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