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

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

Next weekend

In two weeks

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

Imbali Safari Lodge

Imbali Concession

"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...

Michael

₩1,870,319 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 11 - Nov 12

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Bushbuckridge

Jonathan

₩1,781,988 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 15 - Nov 16

Hamiltons Tented Camp

Bushbuckridge

"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...

Donna Rica

₩3,060,727 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 11 - Nov 12

View all properties

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Top Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel Reviews

Kruger Shalati - Train on the Bridge and Garden Suites

10/10 Excellent

"Unique accommodation. A must stay! Staff are extremely welcoming and accommodating. Everything about Kruger Shalati is special. I went on every safari ride, which was so special, so it meant I didn't get to take in all that Shalati had to offer - lounges and pools. So, take a safari ride off and enjoy more of everything Shalati has to offer. The food is 5-star."

aha Skukuza Safari Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"IF you want to see animals this is your place. The ride from the Safari Lodge along the Sabi river takes about an hour in each direction and you'll see more animals then you've ever seen in your life! Truly. Majestic. Awesome trip. You don't need more than a couple or few days unless you want a safari experience and stay in expensive tents etc. This place is perfect for the casual traveler who wants to see animals animals and more animals. Heavenly! And the lodge is perfect like a vacation place not a safari place. "

Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp

10/10 Excellent

"The minute we arrived we were greeted by lovely staff and elephants at the pool. What followed was a once in a lifetime experience. The positives - Beds are super comfy with electric blankets for those cold nights and a fan for the warm days. The food was AMAZING. I LOVED being seated with fellow safari mates and getting to know people from across the world even though we are total introverts. Our guide Leighton was brilliant, knowledgeable and an excellent driver. And the wildlife…. Wow. I still can’t believe we saw so many lions, leopards and cheetahs, not to mention everything else. Being birders we were worried that we would be ignored and never get a moment to identify a bird but Leighton balanced the needs of the guests so well and had an excellent knowledge of all animals. The only downsides… when we arrived we were so hungry but because our flight was delayed we missed the afternoon safari and had to wait until everyone returned before we could access any food - a wait of 2 hours was really tough and no one explained what was happening. Highly recommend explaining the daily itinerary to people on arrival and having snacks available for purchase. Loved the Couples shower but unfortunately not enough hot water for 2 people. "

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

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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

Imbali Safari Lodge

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Hamiltons Tented Camp

Top Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotel Reviews

Kruger Shalati - Train on the Bridge and Garden Suites

aha Skukuza Safari Lodge

Sabie River Bush Lodge

Kruger Gate Hotel

Lion Sands River Lodge

Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp

Elephant Point

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Mala Mala Game Reserve Hotels by Brand

Hotels near popular Greater Kruger National Park Attractions

More Hotel Options in Mala Mala Game Reserve

More Accommodation Types in Mala Mala Game Reserve

Hotels in Popular Destinations

Explore more hotels