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

Mala Mala Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park hotel rooms at the ExtraOrdinary Hotel Group

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Compare rooms and suites by ExtraOrdinary Hotel Group in Mala Mala Game Reserve with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

"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...

₩1,422,975 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 11 - Sep 12

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

₩1,294,402 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 17 - Sep 18

"We had an amazing time at Hamilton’s! Since it sits next to a seasonal river, we saw so many animals right at the property when they came out to drink. Being in a private concession also meant no crowds during our game drives. The food and service was impeccable! Every meal was meticulously prepared. We loved it so much we ended up staying an extra night! The staff was so helpful with arrangements to reschedule our flight and transportation. The service was excellent, it’s no wonder Hamilton’s...

₩2,252,723 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 25 - Sep 26