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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Recent reviews of Mala Mala Game Reserve hotels

5/5 Excellent

Experience of a lifetime

"My fiancé and I stayed for 2 nights at Elephant Plains and loved every minute. As I have never loved nature, I was skeptical and restricted the stay to 2 nights, but have left with khaki fever thanks to the safari guide (Matt) and tracker (Dumi). We went to Kruger National Park afterwards and realised how we were spoiled by Elephant Plains. Elephant Plains offers quality intimate close viewings that will give you the experience of a lifetime. At the lodge, the staff were extremely helpful, ensuring that the only thing we needed to think about were the unforgettable game drives. Our only regret with the stay is that we didn’t stay for longer. My fiancé and I have discussed since and we would happily return for a longer trip when we honeymoon. "

A verified traveler stayed at Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Posted 1 day ago

5/5 Excellent

"The staff was attentive and helpful to our needs and made sure we were comfortable at all times. The game tours are amazing and I enjoyed seeing some of the big 5! I do recommended doing an afternoon tour as well as an all day tour. The food options were ok enjoyed breakfast more than dinner. The resort is wonderful and I was able to see a Hurd of elephants by the pool before sunset. I would recommend this place to others and stay here again if I am in Kruger! "

A verified traveler stayed at Kruger Gate Hotel

Posted 1 month ago

5/5 Excellent

"Absolutely incredible!!! The trip of a lifetime and are already planning a trip back next year! I can’t express enough how incredible and knowledgeable the staff were and how you felt like you were at home. Everything from the food to the room and views was just amazing, can’t thank our guide and tracker Justin and Advice for some incredible game viewing and for teaching us so much! We can’t wait to visit again! "

A verified traveler stayed at Leopard Hills

Posted 2 months ago

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Frequently asked questions

Searching for B&Bs in Mala Mala Game Reserve?

If you want to find an accommodation with fewer rooms than the traditional hotel and an intimate environment, a bed and breakfast might be the perfect option for your getaway to Mala Mala Game Reserve. If your ideal vacation to Mala Mala Game Reserve includes spending lots of time outside, Kruger National Park is a good spot to enjoy the scenery.

Are you thinking about B&Bs over traditional hotel rooms?

With attentive service, opportunities to meet other guests, and top-rated breakfasts, B&Bs offer a truly one-of-a-kind environment.

When should I stay at a B&B in Mala Mala Game Reserve?

When you’re dreaming of a stay in Mala Mala Game Reserve, year-round temperatures and rainfall may be important factors to consider. The hottest months are usually February and December with an average temp of 77°F, while the coldest months are July and June with an average of 67°F. Average annual precipitation for Mala Mala Game Reserve is 24 inches.

What is there to do in Mala Mala Game Reserve?

When you want to explore some things to do in Mala Mala Game Reserve, consider a visit to Kruger National Park. Londolozi Game Reserve and Paul Kruger Gate are also some sites to visit if you want to see more of the area.

How can I get to and around Mala Mala Game Reserve?

Planning your excursions in and around Mala Mala Game Reserve is easier with these transportation options. Fly into Mala Mala (AAM), which is located 2.4 mi (3.9 km) away from the city center. Otherwise, you can search for flights to Skukuza (SZK), which is 12.2 mi (19.7 km) away. If you’d like to venture out around the area, you may want to rent a car for your trip.

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Elephant Point

7 mins to Kruger National Park. Secure, luxury family villa overlooking the Park

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