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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"Kruger Untamed was a unique experience and one I can highly recommend. The camp is remote and generates its own electricity and has no plumbing. Water is provided manually, and each tent is fitted with a chemical toilet and shower, which is filled up with hot water twice a day. Old world comforts like warm water bags and hot water flasks ensures that one stays warm. The staff works incredibly hard to make sure the tents are serviced and maintained, and the overall effect is one of luxury...

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5/5 Excellent

Great place to stay for Kruger!

"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! "

A verified traveler stayed at Sabie River Bush Lodge

Posted 5 days ago

5/5 Excellent

Like an elephant, I will never forget this stay

"From the welcome to the farewell, everything was exceptional. Nell was a knowledgeable and engaging guide and we saw all the animals we wanted to see and more - amazing sightings of elephants, rhinos, leopards and lions to name a few. The rooms were comfortable and meals were delicious. The staff went the extra mile to cater to our needs - a special shout out to Carmen who ensured that everything we required was arranged with a smile. I would recommend Elephant Plains to anyone visiting South Africa. "

A verified traveler stayed at Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Posted 8 days 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 9 days 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 2 months ago

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Kruger Untamed - Tshokwane River Camp

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