Mala Mala Game Reserve Lodges

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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Our top choices for Mala Mala Game Reserve lodges

Sabie River Bush Lodge

Bushbuckridge

David

Leopard Hills

Bushbuckridge

Marco

HK$24,498 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Feb - 15 Feb

aha Skukuza Safari Lodge

Mbombela

james

HK$2,033 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Bushbuckridge

Timothy

HK$50,417 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Feb - 12 Feb

Hamiltons Tented Camp

Bushbuckridge

Patricia

HK$12,134 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

Tintswalo Safari

Bushbuckridge

Tim

HK$18,848 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

Shiviko Kruger

Mbombela

HK$36,679 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

HK$92,603 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Feb - 12 Feb

1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, bed sheets

Kruger Safari Lodge

Hluvukani

HK$3,196 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Feb - 16 Feb

Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Bushbuckridge

Craig

HK$7,935 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Feb - 12 Feb

Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge

Bushbuckridge

Nicole

HK$30,715 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Feb - 19 Feb

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Bushbuckridge

Andrew

HK$6,745 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Feb - 11 Feb

Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Bushbuckridge

Les

HK$9,415 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Feb - 17 Feb

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Top Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel Reviews

Kruger Shalati - Train on the Bridge and Garden Suites

10/10 Excellent

"The view from the room is spectacular "

aha Skukuza Safari Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Staff and amenities excellent !! Can’t beat the experience of being in the middle of national reserve. Easy access to safaris. Three restaurants on property- great range of food. People super nice and kind. Had a great time. Would love to go there again. Will suggest buying all safari packages from the rest camp reception 5 min walk away from the lodge rather than the hotel reception who sells same at significant markup (more than twice the price) otherwise very reasonably priced especially for the experience and convenience. "

Lion Sands River Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Everything about the lodge was amazing from the room to the safaris with our guide Barry and tracker Eddy. Ntombi was amazing during the meals. All staff was very friendly and made our short stay amazing. I would recommend this lodge to anyone going there. I will definitely if I get the opportunity. "

Leopard Sands, Kruger Park

10/10 Excellent

"Elephants, hippos and monkeys right outside of door. It was a peaceful and beautiful experience. The staff were the best I’ve ever encountered in my travels. Absolutely genuine and beautiful people. A new resort that is still flying under the radar. Take advantage of it while you can. "

Find out more about Mala Mala Game Reserve